www.foodtechnology.co.nz 21 In the case of microbial contamination of water, it takes very sophisticated and regular testing to confirm the presence of pathogens which are invisible to the naked eye. Unfortunately, some food manufacturers believe that common expression and, as a result, colonies of harmful bacteria can form on walls and ceilings. Because they can’t be seen, they are not removed and continue to expand, eventually forming biofilm that attracts harmful pathogens that become the source of potential food contamination. Biofilms not only contaminate food products. They promote corrosion, fouling of probes and the gumming up of filters and strainers in processing plants. That’s why it’s important to test for the presence of biofilm quickly and easily, using a luminometer which detects the presence of adenosine ¤ Food Safety Cleaning ¤ Industrial Cleaning ¤ Industrial Painting ¤ Bird Proofing ¤ Building Maintenance ¤ Grounds Care For more information phone 09 2621696 www. u n i q u e s e r v i c e s . c o . n z ¤ Email enquiries to sales@uniqueservices.co.nz ¤ Paul: 0274 864 785 HM073 triphosphate (ATP), Unique Services says. ATP is a molecule found only in and around living cells, and it gives a measure of biological concentration by the light produced by its reaction with the naturally-occurring firefly enzyme Luciferase. This means the amount of light produced by the luminometer is directly proportional to the amount of biological energy present generated by ATP in the sample or on the surface being tested. Because ATP is present in and around all living cells including humans, the results from the luminometer don’t necessarily indicate the presence of bacteria (harmful or otherwise), but that there are living cells in the area. As such, it indicates how clean the area is and, the higher the reading, the more living cells and so a greater likelihood of harmful pathogens. While ATP testing is not intended to replace laboratory based microbial testing, there is a direct correlation between the two methods. Effective cleaning and sanitising simultaneously removes the material capable of supporting microbial survival and growth, as well as the microbes themselves. After confirming the presence of biofilm in a client’s premises, Unique Services uses three major steps in removing and controlling biofilm: • Identifying and using the most effective cleaning and sanitising agents as traditional disinfectants like hypochlorite are not effective • Allowing proper exposure time and operating at the correct temperature for the products used to ensure optimum results • Utilising appropriate mechanical action to ensure complete destruction and removal of the biofilm, exposing the original contaminants to the cleaners and sanitisers. The longer a biofilm is allowed to grow and expand, the harder it is to clean and remove. Unique Services recommends that clients utilise planned cleaning and maintenance options. History has demonstrated that professional operators get better results than tired and frustrated employees. Out of Sight ATTACKS With the recent major water issues in the Hawke’s Bay, it’s easy to see why the common expression ‘If it can’t be seen, it isn’t there’ is so prevalent in New Zealand.
FT-Oct16
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