Categorisation of culturable bioaerosols in a fruit juice manufacturing facility.

Bioaerosols are defined as aerosols that comprise particles of biological origin or activity that may affect living organisms through infectivity, allergenicity, toxicity, or through pharmacological or other processes. Interest in bioaerosol exposure has increased over the last few decades. Exposure to bioaerosols may cause three major problems in the food industry, namely: (i) contamination of food (spoilage); (ii) allergic reactions in individual consumers; or (iii) infection by means of pathogenic microorganisms present in the aerosol.

Efficacy of low-pressure foam cleaning compared to conventional cleaning methods in the removal of bacteria from surfaces associated with convenience food.

Background: Food borne illnesses and food poisoning are cause for concern globally. The diseases are often caused by food contamination with pathogenic bacteria due largely to poor sanitary habits or storage conditions.

Objectives: Prevalence of some bacteria on cleaned and sanitised food contact surfaces from eight convenience food plants in Gauteng (South Africa) was investigated with the view to evaluate the efficacy of the cleaning methods used with such food contact surfaces.

Comparing organic acids and salt derivatives as antimicrobials against selected poultry-borne Listeria monocytogenes strains in vitro.

This article reports on the antilisterial properties of selected organic acids and salt derivatives in order to suggest possible alternatives in food preservation and pathogen control in the poultry meat processing industry. The susceptibility of two Listeria monocytogenes isolates was assessed against five organic acids (lactic, acetic, malic, citric, and propionic) and two acid-salt derivatives (sorbic acid [potassium salt] and benzoic acid [sodium salt]) across a series of pH environments. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the acids were tested against the two strains by means of an agar-dilution method.

Influence of selected antimicrobials on the viability, endotoxicity and lipopolysaccharide composition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vitro.

This research focused on the influence of selected antimicrobial agents (AMAs) on the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) composition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common causative agent of nosocomial infections. As LPS has been shown to play a role in attachment and virulence, the research is primarily aimed at shedding light on the response of these organisms to cleaning regimens in healthcare settings using various disinfectants. The endotoxicity and viability of the organisms following disinfection were further investigated via propagation in sublethal concentrations of the selected AMAs.

Compliance of local government towards controlling the informal milk-producing sector in South Africa.

The purpose of this paper is to assess the compliance of local government (LG) (metropolitan and district municipalities) with legislative requirements concerning the control of milk hygiene at production level. Municipal health services (MHS) managers are playing an increasingly important role through legislation to ensure the health and well-being of consumers and to secure consumer trust in the product. A survey questionnaire targeting 52 MHS managers or designated persons (directly responsible for milk control) at the various metropolitan municipalities (metros) and district municipalities (DMs) in South Africa was conducted.