Evaluation of quality indicators and biofilm formation to determine microbiological safety in a milk processing plant

Abstract

The aim of this work was to verify the presence of microbiological indicators and the biofilm production capacity of the microorganisms found on the surfaces, in a milk processing plant, in order to estimate the hygienic sanitary conditions. For this purpose, a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) checklist and microbiological analysis were applied. Through to use of GMP checklist was possible to determine sites for sample collection and to establish the respective microbiological analyses. The presence of Enterococcus and high total bacterial counts (TBC) suggested the presence of biofilms on equipment, being also evidenced by the microplate technique. Although acceptable results were obtained for pasteurized milk, the indicators show that the risk was present in this dairy processing plant.