Prevention of Salmonella cross-contamination in an oilmeal manufacturing plant

Abstract

Aims: The mechanisms of Salmonella contamination in an oilmeal plant were investigated and the basic data were collected in order to achieve control of Salmonella in oilmeal. Methods and Results: Salmonella was detected in all contamination vectors and environmental factors investigated, namely: operators, processing floor, dust in the air and rodents. In particular, high concentrations of Salmonella were detected on the processing floor of the manufacturing area, which has high oil content. Steam was the most effective disinfection method used for the processing floor, as the effects of heat sterilization and disinfection may work in tandem. In addition, restricting the movement of operators of the production chain remarkably reduced Salmonella contamination, even in areas of otherwise high contamination. Conclusions: Within the oilmeal plant, high Salmonella contamination rates for the processing floor represent the greatest risk of contamination of oilmeal via operators, dust in the air and rodents. Therefore, control of the processing floor is the most important means for reducing the oilmeal contamination rate. Significance and Impact of the Study: Specific Salmonella control methods for oilmeal plants have been established.

Cross-contamination and recontamination by Salmonella in foods: A review

“…The eradication of Salmonella in oilmeal plants is a difficult task since a high probability of spreading contamination from manufacturing to storage areas has been observed and hence, cross-contamination is plausible (Morita, Kitazawa, Iida, & Kamata, 2006).…”

Phenotypic and molecular detection of Salmonella sp. on growing, rearing and production phases in a commercial group of laying hens

“…detection in feed samples. Animal meal is the main source of contamination (Albuquerque et al 1999, Morita et al 2006, Tacon &Metian 2008.…”

Production of Soybean-Derived Feed Material Free from Salmonella Contamination: An Essential Food Safety Challenge

“…However, available data indicate that it is generally not the case. Data on Salmonella contamination in crushing plants indicate the frequent occurrence of environmental contamination and cross-contamination, including re-contamination of heat-treated products [44,49]. However, data from certain crushing plants also demonstrate that in spite of heavy Salmonella contamination of incoming soybeans (mean 30% of dust samples), it is possible to produce soybean meal which, based on testing and epidemiological experiences during several years, is found to be free from Salmonella [29].…”