Observation and relative quantification of cross-contamination within a mock retail delicatessen environment

摘要: Abstract Ingestion of ready-to-eat deli meats contaminated with foodborne pathogens has been linked to several outbreaks. For this study, a fluorescent compound (FC) was used observe workers in cross-contamination events visualize and quantify how potential microbial contamination can move within mock retail environment. Twenty-one participants were recruited asked complete series steps involving the slicing which one meat products inoculated FC. Upon completion, 16 separate areas (5 × 5 cm) per participant swabbed amount FC present. A standard curve for (based on absorbance at 370 nm) developed order each participant, both video image data also collected. These normalized reported as percentages total collected allow area be compared across participants. Concentrations by highly variable; even so, consistently elevated levels found participants' gloves (18%), slicer's grip (16%), outside wall carriage tray (16%) collection (13%). Video analysis revealed that high-touch include meat, wrapper, paper, plastic bags comprised 74% (87 118 touches) average hand contact frequency participant. The relationship between % particular analyzed, Pearson's r value 0.37 determined indicating medium-strength, positive correlation. findings study demonstrate there is variability among environment, thus, likely similar an actual In addition, presence variability, identifies well high To our knowledge, first using identify concern respect cleaning sanitizing employee training.