scholarly journals Microbiological Quality of Various Medicinal Herbal Teas and Coffee Substitutes

2008 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. MBI.S943 ◽  
Author(s):  
V.H. Tournas ◽  
E.J. Katsoudas
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Niger ◽  
Alternaria Alternata ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Fungal Contamination ◽  
Fusarium Spp ◽  
Herbal Tea ◽  
Mesophilic Bacteria ◽  
Colony Forming Units ◽  
Penicillium Spp

Various herbal teas including German chamomile, Chrysanthemum Vascuflow herb tea, hop, jasmine and orange flowers, sweet marjoram, spearmint and thyme leaves, and papaya-mint tea as well as coffee substitutes (Bambu instant Swiss, Teeccino chocolate-mint, and Teeccino Mediterranean Espresso) were analyzed for fungal contamination and the presence of aerobic mesophilic bacteria (APC). The results of this investigation showed that fungal counts reached levels as high as 5.8 × 105 colony forming units (cfu) per gram. German chamomile harbored the highest fungal contamination. The most common fungi found in herbal teas were Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spp., Eurotium rubrum, E. chevalieri, A. flavus, Fusarium spp., Alternaria alternata, and yeasts. Among the coffee substitutes, only the chocolate-mint coffee was contaminated with low numbers (<1.0 × 103 cfu g-1) of E. rubrum, Ulocladium spp. and Phoma spp., and with yeasts (< 100–6.8 × 103 cfu g-1). Aerobic mesophilic bacteria were recovered from 100% of the herbal tea, chocolate-mint and Mediterranean Espresso, and from 50% of the Bambu instant Swiss coffee samples. The highest APC counts of 1.2 × 107 cfu g-1 were observed in spearmint leaves.

Microbiological Quality of Fresh Blue Crabmeat, Clams and Oysters

1983 ◽  
Vol 46 (11) ◽  
pp. 978-981 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. A. WENTZ ◽  
A. P. DURAN ◽  
A. SWARTZENTRUBER ◽  
A. H. SCHWAB ◽  
R. B. READ
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Staphylococcus Aureus ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Fecal Coliforms ◽  
Geometric Means ◽  
Colony Forming Units ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Eastern Oysters

The microbiological quality of fresh blue crabmeat, soft- and hardshell clams and shucked Eastern oysters was determined at the retail (crabmeat, oysters) and wholesale (clams) levels. Geometric means of aerobic plate counts incubated at 35°C were: blue crabmeat 140,000 colony-forming units (CFU)/g, hardshell clams, 950 CFU/g, softshell clams 680 CFU/g and shucked Eastern oysters 390,000 CFU/g. Coliform geometric means ranged from 3,6/100 g for hardshell clams to 21/g for blue crabmeat. Means for fecal coliforms or Escherichia coli ranged from &lt;3/100 g for clams to 27/100 g for oysters, The mean Staphylococcus aureus count in blue crabmeat was 10/g.

Effectiveness of Trimming and/or Washing on Microbiological Quality of Beef Carcasses

1995 ◽  
Vol 58 (10) ◽  
pp. 1114-1117 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. K. PRASAI ◽  
R. K PHEBUS ◽  
C. M. GARCIA ZEPEDA ◽  
C. L. KASTNER ◽  
A. E. BOYLE ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Control Point ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Effective Control ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Beef Carcasses ◽  
Colony Forming Units ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
Commercial Processing ◽  
Being Moved

Beef carcass sides (n = 48) were selected randomly on three different days in a commercial processing facility and microbiologically analyzed before being moved to the cooler. Four types of samples were obtained per side from the inside round area: no trim and no wash (NTNW); trim, but no wash (TNW); trim and wash (TW), and no trim but wash (NTW). A flame-sterilized knife, forceps, and scalpel were used for each trimming treatment and sampling. Significant differences (P &lt; 0.05) were observed in mean aerobic plate counts (APCs) between treatments. The greatest reduction in APC (log10 colony forming units [CFU] per cm2) was observed in TNW samples followed by TW and NTW, with the corresponding mean APC reductions relative to NTNW being 3.0, 0.9, and 0.3, respectively, indicating that trimming can be an effective control point in reducing bacterial contamination in the slaughter process. Although TNW samples, had the lowest counts, samples from the same location after wash (TW) had counts 2 log cycles higher than TNW samples. These results indicate that washing spreads contamination to adjacent carcass sites. However, washing of carcasses was effective in lowering microbial populations relative to the NTNW treatment. Escherichia coli and coliform counts in all samples were low (0.03 to 0.4 log10 CFU/cm2); however, the mean E. coli or coliform count in NTNW samples was higher (P &lt; 0.05) than those in the rest of the treatments.

Microbiological Quality of Commercial Tofu

1984 ◽  
Vol 47 (3) ◽  
pp. 177-181 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. G. REHBERGER ◽  
L. A. WILSON ◽  
B. A. GLATZ
Keyword(s):  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Plate Count ◽  
Microbial Counts ◽  
Colony Forming Units ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Microbial Groups ◽  
Yeasts And Molds ◽  
Processing Techniques

A study was done to investigate the microbiological quality of commercial tofu available in local retail outlets. A sampling method was first developed to obtain accurate and representative microbial counts of individual pieces of tofu. Plate count determination of total aerobic organisms, psychrotrophs, coliforms, sporeformers, yeasts and molds, and staphylococci were made on 60 tofu samples (representing three lots each of four different brands) obtained within 24 h after delivery to the retail store. In addition, for two brands that provided manufacturer's pull dates, the same microbial counts were obtained for samples stored in the laboratory at 10°C until the pull date. Of the tofu sampled immediately after purchase, 83% of the lots tested had total counts greater than 106 colony-forming units (CFU)/g and psychrotrophic counts greater than 104 CFU/g. In addition, 67% of the lots tested had confirmed coliform counts greater than 103 CFU/g. Very low levels (less than 10 CFU/g) of all other microbial groups tested for were found in the majority of lots. Samples held until the manufacturer's pull date contained higher total and psychrotrophic counts but lower or stable counts of other organisms compared with samples tested immediately after purchase. To improve the microbiological quality of tofu, processors need to reduce initial loads by improving sanitation and processing techniques, and retailers should provide more consistent and colder refrigerated storage.

scholarly journals Microbiological Quality of Ready-to-Eat Leafy Green Salads during Shelf-Life and Home-Refrigeration

Foods ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1421
Author(s):  
Alyexandra Arienzo ◽  
Lorenza Murgia ◽  
Ilaria Fraudentali ◽  
Valentina Gallo ◽  
Riccardo Angelini ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Shelf Life ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Salmonella Spp ◽  
Expiry Date ◽  
Mesophilic Bacteria ◽  
Biological Survey

The market of ready-to-eat leafy green salads is experiencing a noticeable growth in Europe. Since they are intended to be consumed without additional treatments, these ready-to-eat products are associated with a high microbiological risk. The aim of this work was to evaluate the microbiological quality and safety of ready-to-eat leafy green salads sold in widespread supermarket chains in Lazio, Italy, on the packaging date during shelf-life and during home-refrigeration. The study also aimed to determine the differences between low-, medium-, and high-cost products. Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes were chosen as safety indicators as specified by European regulations while total aerobic mesophilic bacteria and Escherichia coli were chosen as quality indicators as suggested by national guidelines. Analyses were performed following the ISO standards and in parallel for the evaluation of total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, with an alternative colorimetric system, the Micro Biological Survey method, in order to propose a simple, affordable and accurate alternative for testing the microbiological quality of products, especially suitable for small and medium enterprises and on-site analyses. The study revealed high, unsatisfactory, total bacterial loads in all analyzed samples on the packaging date and expiry date and a very high prevalence of Salmonella spp. (67%) regardless of the selected varieties and cost categories; L. monocytogenes was not recovered aligning with the results obtained in other studies.

scholarly journals Microbial Diversity of Betula Trees: Pollen, Catkins, Leaves Relatively of Flowering

2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 527-534
Author(s):  
Tetiana V. Shevtsova ◽  
Jana Petrová ◽  
Ján Brindza ◽  
Kateryna G. Garkava ◽  
Miroslava Kačániová
Keyword(s):  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Pollen Grains ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Coliform Bacteria ◽  
Microbiological Analysis ◽  
Mesophilic Bacteria ◽  
Acceptable Quality ◽  
Plating Method ◽  
Betula Verrucosa

Quantitative microbiological analysis by dilution plating method of pollen and additional male and female catkins, leaves of Betula verrucosa Ehrh. and its two cultivars: ‘Purpurea’ and ‘Youngii’ relatively of flowering period of Betula has been realized with the aim to provide new knowledge of the microbiological quality of anemophilous pollen for processing and its further application. Qualitative microbiological analysis with MALDI-TOF MS Biotyper was used in the identification of aerobic, anaerobic mesophilic bacteria and coliforms. Mixed microbiota was determined, consisting of aerobic (4.68–4.89 log cfu/g) and anaerobic (3.30–3.48 log cfu/g) mesophilic bacteria, lactobacilli (0–3.48 log cfu/g), coliform bacteria (0–4.57 log cfu/g), fungi and yeast (3.78–3.95 log cfu/g) on the pollen grains, that indicates acceptable quality in comparison with the microbiological quality parameters for bee pollen. Pantoea agglomerans was found associated with pollen of Betula verrucosa Ehrh. Recommendations on the collection of anemophilous pollen were established.

scholarly journals Assessment of Microplastic Degrading Potential of Fungal Isolates from an Estuary in Rivers State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 11-19
Author(s):  
Janet Olufunmilayo Williams ◽  
Nosayame Thomas Osahon
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Aspergillus Niger ◽  
Industrial Development ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Microsporum Canis ◽  
Fusarium Spp ◽  
Fungal Isolates ◽  
Tremendous Importance ◽  
Rivers State ◽  
Penicillium Spp

The potential of fungi as bio degraders of micro plastic particles was assessed using standard microbiological and Fourier transformed Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopic analysis methods. The highest mean Total Heterotrophic fungal (THF) count of 4.24x104 cfu/ml was obtained with the least THF (2.72x104 cfu/ml) recorded during the dry season. Mean hydrocarbon Utilizing Fungal (HUF) count was highest (1.78x104 cfu/ml) during the wet period while the least HUF count (1.46x104 cfu/ml) was recorded during the dry period. Spectra of FTIR showed that the water contained microplastic particles in these proportions; polyethylene of low density (LDPE) 0.01%, 0.11% protein, 0.15% polystyrene, 0.37% polyamide, 1.14% cellulose, 1.21% polyurethane, 1.90% polyvinyl chloride, 3.11% polyester and 92% polypropylene, respectively. Species of fungi identified were Aspergillus niger, Penicillium spp., Rhizopus spp., Mucor spp., Aspergillus nidulans, Fusarium spp., Microsporum canis, and Aspergillus fumigatus. Among the fungal isolates, A. niger and A. fumigatus were most active in degrading the micro plastic (polypropylene) with mean % weight loss of 71.09% and 53.09%, respectively while the least active was Penicillium spp. with a mean % weight loss of 28.64% during the study period. The order of degradation was Aspergillus niger > A. fumigatus > A. nidulans > Fusarium spp. > Rhizopus spp. > Microsporum canis > Mucor spp. > Penicillium spp. The potential to degrade micro plastic particles by these fungi can be harnessed. The foremost active fungi degrading potentials are as follows: A. niger (71.1%) and A. fumigatus (53.1%). The study has shown that isolates of fungi from Ohiakwu River in Nigeria possess the ability to degrade micro plastic (polypropylene) particles. Therefore, this research is of tremendous importance for industrial development and additionally for future research purposes.

scholarly journals Effect of High-Pressure Processing on Microbial Quality of Skimmed Milk

2018 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-122
Author(s):  
Marika Liepa ◽  
Jelena Zagorska ◽  
Ruta Galoburda ◽  
Svetlana Kostascuka
Keyword(s):  
High Pressure ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
High Pressure Processing ◽  
Biologically Active ◽  
Life Extension ◽  
Plate Count ◽  
Colony Forming Units ◽  
Skimmed Milk ◽  
Active Substances

Abstract High pressure processing (HPP) is an alternative to traditional thermal treatment and can be used in the dairy industry for increasing the microbiological safety of milk and for preserving its biologically active substances. HPP effectiveness in providing microbiological quality of product is still under discussion; thus, the aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of HPP technology on microbiological quality of skimmed milk. Raw, pasteurised (78 °C, 15–20 s), HPP treated (250 MPa, 15 min; 400 MPa, 3 min; 400 MPa, 15 min; 550 MPa, 3 min) and skimmed milk, processed by combining pasteurisation and HPP were analysed and compared. The total plate count (LVS ISO 4833-1:2013) and presence of coliforms (LVS EN ISO 16654:2002) were determined in analysed skimmed milk samples. Significant decrease (p < 0.05) of colony forming units (CFU) was observed in samples processed by combining two treatment types: pasteurisation and HPP. The minimum treatment parameters for shelf-life extension of skimmed milk were determined: pressure not less than 400 MPa and holding time at least 15 minutes.

scholarly journals QUALIDADE MICROBIOLÓGICA DAS CASCAS DO CAULE DE Tabebuia avellanedae Lor. ex Griseb. COMERCIALIZADAS EM SÃO LUÍS/MARANHÃO

2001 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Flavia Maria Mendonça Do Amaral ◽  
Luís Marcelo Vieira Rosa ◽  
Denise Fernandes Coutinho ◽  
Luís Henrique Gonçalves ◽  
Maria Nilce Ribeiro
Keyword(s):  
Aspergillus Niger ◽  
Aspergillus Fumigatus ◽  
Aspergillus Flavus ◽  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Simple Random Sampling ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Microbiological Analysis ◽  
Public Markets ◽  
Popular Medicine

A qualidade das cascas do caule de Tabebuia avellanedae Lor. ex Griseb. (Bignoniaceae), conhecida como pau d’arco roxo, largamente empregada na prática popular, foi avaliada realizando-se análise qualitativa de pesquisa para fungos. Em mercados públicos da capital maranhense foi realizada amostragem aleatória simples das bancas de venda de plantas para uso medicinal, totalizando doze bancas selecionadas. No período de setembro/2000 a fevereiro/ 2001, amostras das cascas do caule Tabebuia avellanedae, foram adquiridas, por compra, em triplicata, nessas localidades. Na análise microbiológica, fragmentos uniformes das amostras comerciais foram inoculados em placas com meios ágar Sabouraud dextrose e ágar batata, mantidas em temperatura ambiente de 5 a 7 dias. Ocorrido crescimento de colônias de fungos, realizou-se a técnica de microcultivo em lâmina, utilizando lactofenol azul de algodão como corante. A identificação das espécies de fungos foi fundamentada na morfologia macroscópica das colônias e no estudo dos órgãos vegetativos e de frutificação do fungo cultivado pela técnica de microcultivo. Foram identificados fungos Absidia ssp., Rhizopus ssp., Penicillium ssp., Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus e Aspergillus niger, este último presente em todas as amostras analisadas. Os resultados comprovam a má qualidade das amostras comerciais de pau d’arco roxo comercializadas em mercados de São Luís/MA; comprovando-se fungos não permitidos pela legislação vigente e literatura especializada; expondo o consumidor ao risco real de utilização de droga vegetal imprópria para o consumo, evidenciando-se, assim, a necessidade da adoção de programa de fiscalização, vigilância e controle de qualidade domaterial vegetal disponibilizado para comercialização para fins medicinais em mercados. MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF WOOD BARKS OF Tabebuia avellanedae Lor. ex Griseb. COMMERCIALIZED IN SÃO LUÍS/MARANHÃO Abstract The quality of wood barks of Tabebuia avellanedae Lor. ex Griseb. (Bignoniaceae), known as “pau d’arco roxo”, widely used in popular medicine, was evaluated by means of qualitative analysis of fungus. In public markets of the Maranhão capital it was carried through a simple random sampling of the sales banking of herbal medicinal, totaling twelve selected banking. During September/2000 to February/2001 samples of wood barks of Tabebuia avellanedae were acquired, by purchase in triplicate. In the microbiological analysis, uniform fragments of these commercial samples were inoculated in dishes with agar Sabouraud dextrose and agar potato held at room temperature from 5 to 7 days. After the growth in colonies of fungus, microcultive in lamina was made having blue lactophenol of cotton as ink. Identification of species of fungus was based on macroscopic morphology of colonies in the study of vegetative organs and of fructification ofmicrocultive cultivated fungus. Absidia ssp., Rhizopus ssp., Penicillium ssp., Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus e Aspergillus niger were identified, being this last one present in all analyzed samples. The results proved the bad quality of the samples of “pau d’arco roxo” commercialized at markets in São Luís/ MA; also proven not allowed fungus by legislation in validity and specialized literature, exposing customers to risks of using vegetal drugs which are unfit for human consumption, which evidences therefore the need of a program of inspection, vigilance and quality control of vegetal drugs available for sale with medicinal aim at market places.

scholarly journals Efficacy of BRS® and Alpron®/Bilpron® Disinfectants for Dental Unit Waterlines: A Six-Year Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (8) ◽  
pp. 2634 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandre Baudet ◽  
Julie Lizon ◽  
Jean-Marc Martrette ◽  
Frédéric Camelot ◽  
Arnaud Florentin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Aerobic Bacteria ◽  
Quality Of Water ◽  
Colony Forming Units ◽  
Dental Staff ◽  
Dental Unit Waterlines ◽  
Significant Health

Biofilms in dental unit waterlines (DUWL) are a potentially significant source of contamination posing a significant health risk as these may come into contact with patients and dental staff during treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of DUWL water treated by Biofilm-Removing-System® (BRS®) and Alpron®/Bilpron® disinfectant solutions for six years in a French university hospital. The microbiological quality of water supplied by 68 dental units—initially shock treated with BRS®, then continuously treated by Alpron® with sterile water during working days and Bilpron® during inactivity period, and combined with purging every morning and after each patient—was assessed biannually during six years for total culturable aerobic bacteria at 22 °C and 36 °C, Legionella sp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and total coliforms. A total of 628 samples were analyzed, 99.8% were compliant with extended microbiological levels, and we never detected pathogen bacteria like Legionella sp. and P. aeruginosa. Only one sample (0.2%) was noncompliant with the level of total culturable aerobic bacteria at 36 °C, which exceeded 140 colony forming units per mL. The protocol implemented in our university hospital gives excellent results and enables control of the microbiological quality of DUWL water in the long term.

scholarly journals An assessment of the microbiological quality of lightly cooked food (including sous-vide) at the point of consumption in England

2017 ◽  
Vol 145 (7) ◽  
pp. 1500-1509 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. JØRGENSEN ◽  
L. SADLER-REEVES ◽  
J. SHORE ◽  
H. AIRD ◽  
N. ELVISS ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Microbiological Quality ◽  
Chicken Liver ◽  
Animal Origin ◽  
Protection Agency ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Food Of Animal Origin ◽  
Colony Forming Units ◽  
Cooked Food ◽  
Foie Gras

SUMMARYThis observational study aims to investigate the microbiological quality of commercially prepared lightly cooked foods with a major component of food of animal origin and collected as would be served to a consumer. A total of 356 samples were collected from catering (92%), retail (7%) or producers (1%) and all were independent of known incidents of foodborne illness. Using standard methods, all samples were tested for: the presence of Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. and enumerated for levels of, Bacillus spp. including B. cereus, Clostridium perfringens, Listeria spp. including L. monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Enterobacteriacea and aerobic colony count (ACC). Results were interpreted as unsatisfactory, borderline or satisfactory according to the Health Protection Agency guidelines for assessing the microbiological safety of ready-to-eat foods placed on the market. Amongst all samples, 70% were classified as satisfactory, 18% were borderline and 12% were of unsatisfactory microbiological quality. Amongst the unsatisfactory samples, six (2%) were potentially injurious to health due to the presence of: Salmonella spp. (one duck breast); Campylobacter spp. (two duck breast and one chicken liver pâté); L. monocytogenes at 4·3 × 103 cfu (colony-forming units)/g (one duck confit with foie gras ballotin) and C. perfringens at 2·5 × 105 cfu/g (one chicken liver pâté). The remaining unsatisfactory samples were due to high levels of indicator E. coli, Enterobacteriaceae or ACC.

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