Evaluation of Enzymatic Cleaning on Food Processing Installations and Food Products Bacterial Microflora

Abstract

Biofilms are a permanent source of contamination in food industries and could harbor various types of microorganisms, such as spoiling bacteria. New strategies, such as enzymatic cleaning, have been proposed to eradicate them. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of enzymatic cleaning on the microbial flora of installations in a processing food industry and of the final food product throughout its shelf life. A total of 189 samples were analyzed by classical microbiology and 16S rDNA metagenetics, including surface samples, cleaning-in-place (CIP) systems, and food products (at D 0 , D end of the shelf life , and D end of the shelf life+7 days). Some surfaces were highly contaminated with spoiling bacteria during conventional cleaning while the concentration of the total flora decreased during enzymatic cleaning. Although the closed circuits were cleaned with conventional cleaning before enzymatic cleaning, there was a significant release of microorganisms from some parts of the installations during enzymatic treatment. A significant difference in the total flora in the food products at the beginning of the shelf life was observed during enzymatic cleaning compared to the conventional cleaning, with a reduction of up to 2 log CFU/g. Metagenetic analysis of the food samples at the end of their shelf life showed significant differences in bacterial flora between conventional and enzymatic cleaning, with a decrease of spoiling bacteria (Leuconostoc sp.). Enzymatic cleaning has improved the hygiene of the food processing instillations and the microbial quality of the food throughout the shelf life. Although enzymatic cleaning is not yet commonly used in the food industry, it should be considered in combination with conventional sanitizing methods to improve plant hygiene.

Enzymatic Cleaning Mitigates Polysaccharide-Induced Refouling of RO Membrane: Evidence from Foulant Layer Structure and Microbial Dynamics

“…On the first issue, only handful studies cast attention on how enzymes affect the component, structure, or microbial biomass − of the fouling layer in the previous limited observations on ultrafiltration (UF) membrane cleaning. Moreover, the multicycle CIP experiment was rarely done .…”

Potential of an Eco-Sustainable Probiotic-Cleaning Formulation in Reducing Infectivity of Enveloped Viruses

“…Bacillus enzymes have been long used in medicine, biofilm destruction, animal feed, agriculture, degradation of feathers, wool, and hair [69,70], thus supporting their ability to also degrade the outer virus components. Indeed, such activities have been previously associated with an effective 99.9% reduction of microbial contamination [71], suggesting that they may be relevant also against viruses. In addition, the bacteria belonging to Bacillus genus possess sporulation capacity that renders them resistant to harsh environmental conditions and usable in concentrated detergents, which makes them interesting for medical and industrial purposes.…”

Positive biofilms to guide surface microbial ecology in livestock buildings

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