Hi Charles, @
Per Smartie's question, I recently conducted some micro tests on our operators hands, hence how I came across this post as you replied to my original post regarding establishing a baseline.
To not get off topic, I have been trying to find a matrix that I can compare the results I received to. For example as Smartie mentioned, what amount of CFU's would be a red flag to a manager regarding hand hygiene as well as clothing.
Examples
2800 cfu's - Operators hand
550 cfu's - Operators Tshirt
To give you a little background, we are not a food processing/handling facility.
We fall under a package facility, producing closures. Only part of our closure that will come into contact with a foodstuff is the liner.
thank you for your feedback in advance.
Hi Foodiee,
I assume you have studied the compiled data in my link/post in yr previous thread. This illustrates that for comparison purposes it is necessary to reference data to the area swabbed, eg X /cm2.(or at least provide a conversion factor if an alternate unit is given).
So, firstly, can you provide the surface area of "hands" which was used to generate yr swab data ?
Secondly, the relevance (eg baseline) of any data invariably depends on the specific routine situation/procedure, eg just after cleaning/sanitising, while working, etc.
So can you clarify this factor ?
Thirdly, offhand, I unfortunately can not recall (although such may exist) having seen any stated APC limits for hands of workers in food packaging manufacturing facilities. The nearest I can recall on this Forum is a detailed study but which only evaluated hands with respect to Coliform and E.coli levels. This nice study is the 2nd attachment in this Post -
https://www.ifsqn.co...ing/#entry51214
(it is possible the very recent BRC/SQF focus on EMPs for their Packaging Standards has generated some data here)
So, initially, the only option I can think of is to initially borrow the criteria from the food manufacturing arena which are detailed in link to yr 1st post. Therein A "fairly" frequently quoted APC limit for hands is 100cfu/cm2 (also see some related thoughts in my Post6 in the 2nd link of the pair below). As example, if the area of hand which provided yr data was, say, 100cm2, count would be 28 cfu/cm2, ie satisfactory.
Returning to current hands situation, I suggest you have a look at these 2 "hands" threads which (much) expand on the thoughts above -
https://www.ifsqn.co...ds/#entry127472
https://www.ifsqn.co...ces/#entry98364
Please have a look at above links and revert if any further queries.