The Practicality and Validity by the Protein Detection Method for the Self-inspecting in Actual Food Process Plant

Abstract

The practicality and validity of the protein detection method were tested for selfinspection in an actual food process plant. The relationship between the results of the protein detection method based on the principle of protein error and microbial contamination causes were investigated. The protein detection method detected 40-80μg of protein pollution. The results of hygienic evaluation on a food processing line (omelet, Japanese-style confectionery, chicken, side dishes, vegetables, etc.) by using the protein detection method and microbial contamination causes (total viable number, coliform number, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus) were compared. A total of 152 samples was tested; the agreement rate with each result was 94.7%, showing that the results of the protein detection method were similar to microbial contamination. Only 2.0% (3 samples) gave false-negative results; however, low-level microbial contamination of these samples was observed (<10² CFU/100 cm²). This study showed a high relationship between protein pollution and microbial contamination in an actual food processing plant. Also, the protein detection method is simple, rapid, requires no skill and is a technique to detect pollution in an actual food processing plant.