TLE RESEARCH

QUESTION ONE: SURVEY ON PRACTICES IN FOOD

PROCESSING THAT INCREASES MICROBIAL
CONTAMINATION

1. (What is microbial contamination?) Microbiological or

Microbial contamination refers to the non-intended or
accidental introduction of infectious material like
bacteria, yeast, mold, fungi, virus, prions, protozoa or
their toxins and by-products

2. (Research and survey) Microbial contamination of food

processing surfaces and utensils increases considerably
the risk of food-borne illnesses via cross-contamination.
A study carried out in Saudi Arabia, assessing the
contamination levels on food processing surfaces and
utensils in 43 different restaurants. A total of 294 swabs
were taken from various types of food contact surfaces
including cutting boards, food containers, knives,
serving dishes and other utensils. Over ninety samples
(31%) were considered positive for microbial
contamination.
Meat chopping devices and cutting boards were found as
the most contaminated food contact surfaces (60% and
50%), while washed serving dishes and fridge handles
were the least contaminated (21% and 18%).

Microorganisms detected in the study were Klebsiella

pneumoniae (18.7%), E.coli (17.7%), Staph aureus (4,4%),
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.7%), Proteus Mirabilis (0.7%),
Bacillus cereus (0.7%), and Candida (0.3%).
QUESTION 2: TIPS IN SELECTING AND BUYING
PRODUCE (Fruits and Veg)

1. Choose produce in season, they are most likely less

expensive.

2. It is recommended to buy fruits in the morning, as it is

most likely fresher. But try not to purchase in large
quantities; fruits have high perishability.

3. Avoid leafy vegetables with decay, or wilt; Cabbage

should be compact, and greenish in color.

4. For firm produce such as tomatoes and eggplant, soft

spots and blemishes are indicators that they are longer
fresh. Crunchier produce such carrots and cucumbers
should also be well shaped and crisp.

5. Check its color and fragrance. Bright and vibrant colors

are a sign of high nutritional value, while the fragrance
of produce indicates good flavor.