ABSTRACT
The aim of this work was to determine the bacteriological status of selected RTE
foods, associated preparation surfaces and cleaning tools sampled from four retail
delicatessens in Johannesburg. An initial pilot study of four RTE foods such as filled
baguettes, assorted salads, sliced processed meats and hot meals was conducted in
order to set the parameters for the remainder of the study. Results showed that filled
baguettes and assorted salads contained the highest bacterial counts and incidences of
potential foodborne pathogens. Bacterial counts were obtained from the associated
preparation surfaces, whilst cleaning tools were associated with coliform and
Escherichia coli, suggesting they may harbour potential foodborne pathogens. For the
main study, 60% filled baguettes and assorted salads complied with the
microbiological guidelines recommended by the retailer, however fruit salads had the
lowest bacterial counts overall. Furthermore, of the food contact surfaces plastic
chopping boards were identified as the greatest reservoir for RTE food contamination.
Bacteriological analysis in conjunction with scanning electron microscopy showed
potential foodborne pathogens associated with cleaning tools. Low numbers of
aerobic bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus were associated with disposable plastic
gloves, suggesting that good glove practices are used by the food handlers.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:wits/oai:wiredspace.wits.ac.za:10539/4576 |
| Date | 07 March 2008 |
| Creators | Christison, Claire Ashleigh |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 40405 bytes, 1857708 bytes, 11072 bytes, 139229 bytes, 11358 bytes, 14479 bytes, 40584 bytes, 41857 bytes, 12046 bytes, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf, application/pdf |
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