Acceptable Limits for Yeast/Mold in compressed air - Bakery
Hi, I recently tested both my packaging machines which use compressed air to package my finished product. The compressed air tests came out as follows:
Aerobic plate count: <1 cfu/plaste,
Mold: 1 cfu/plate,
Yeast: <1 cfu/plate.
These look e. acceptable to me. But what deems these acceptable? Is there any document that proves these are acceptable numbers?
Hi Steven,
How was the air sample collected?
This are some good results, however the results are dependent on the method of collection.
To my knowledge, settle plates (plates left in an area for a specified period of time) have a lower standard for results than impaction method where a set volume of air is drawn into a device.
For compressed air it would be best to conduct testing using the impaction method.
Hope this helps.
We have always used <10 count of either Y or M on a 10 sq cm plate, so no more than 1 per cm. This needs to also be coupled with a PM for your compressors as well as annual (or whatever you decide is appropriate) replacement of the filters in your filter / regulators at point of use. I'm sure you are using a FG lube in the compressors but it bears emphasizing.