environmental monitoring

Hi All,

I have some doubts about environmental testing. Let me explain. If the target microorganisms in the environmental monitoring plan are spoilage  (also) microorganisms, how and when should they be searched for?  If the target microorganisms in the environmental monitoring plan are the spoilage microorganisms when and where should they be searched for zones 3 and 4? It is clear that if the target microorganisms were pathogens (listeria and salmonella) they should be searched for during work operations. But if pathogenic microorganisms (e.g., listeria) are not considered, should they still be looked for during work operations? Would it make sense to look for total Enterobacteriaceae on the floor or wall during work operations?

Thank you

Lino

Hi Lino, 

I take Eurofins Environmental Monitoring guide (White Paper)  and build on it according to my facility. This should give you an idea.

ZONE 1: Direct Product Contact Surfaces

Yes you should be looking at entero and pathogens as part of your environmental program, including in zones 3 and 4, possibly not as frequently as you would in zones 1 & 2, but that would be your decision. High levels of EB and other pathogens in zones 3 & 4 could easily transfer to your zones 1 & 2 and this may result in contaminated process, plant and finished product. If you're not checking these zones as part of your program and suddenly your counts in zones 1 & 2 go up, you'd be asking why, and where did they come from?