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The following study was conducted by Dr. Zhinong Yan, a respected food safety scientist
and former Michigan State University food science research associate. As the media con-
tinues to alert the public to various food safety issues, this study was carried out in order
to investigate and quantify the extent of pathogen contamination on grocery store
checkstand conveyor belts.

ABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to test for microbes on checkstand conveyor belt surfaces in
grocery stores. A total of 100 samples were collected from 42 grocery stores randomly
selected throughout the state of Michigan. Two to three conveyor belts from each store
were sampled and analyzed for total aerobic bacteria count (TAC), yeast, mold, Staphylo-
coccus aureus (Staph), and coliforms. The samples were also tested for Escherichia coli (E.
coli), Listeria, Salmonella, and methicilin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Signifi-
cant populations of TAC, yeast, mold, and Staph were found on all the checkstand belts;
eight samples (8%) were positive for coliforms. E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella, and MRSA
were not isolated in any of the samples. Although no foodborne pathogens were found,
the high levels of microbial populations present on all of the checkstand conveyor belts
and the existence of coliforms in some of the samples indicate poor hygiene on the belt
surfaces. Checkstand conveyor belts in grocery stores are a potential contamination source
for foodborne pathogens. Sanitation practices in the retail environment need to be
strengthened.

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