Hygiene behavior assessment of a hazelnut processing plant
ISSN: 0007-070X
Article publication date: 2 November 2018
Issue publication date: 1 May 2019
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the possible microbiological contamination in terms of total counts and representative microbial groups found in the hazelnuts as well as in work areas and on the working surfaces of a hazelnut processing plant.
Design/methodology/approach
Some microbiological parameters related to the manufacturing process (e.g. aerobic colony count yeast and fungi) were evaluated. Indoor air samples were tested in order to evaluate the possible contamination of fungal strains (i.e. mycotoxin producing fungi).
Findings
The results showed that the highest values (>of 500 CFU/m3) for bacteria and fungi were only observed in the shelling and sorting areas. Some species such as Aspergillus and Penicillium (potential mycotoxin-producers) as well as some noxious colonies of Aspergillus fumigatus were detected along the processing line. No occurrence of aflatoxins was observed in the finished product. Microbial loads obtained through surface analyses were in accordance to the reference data.
Originality/value
The aim of this study was to monitor and improve the procedures currently used in a hazelnut processing plant.
Keywords
Citation
Botondi, R. (2019), "Hygiene behavior assessment of a hazelnut processing plant", British Food Journal, Vol. 121 No. 2, pp. 400-410. https://doi.org/10.1108/BFJ-03-2018-0175
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited