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Assessment of Microbial Source Tracking Marker and Fecal Indicator Bacteria on Food-Contact Surfaces in School

Su Jin Nam1, Dong Woo Kim1, Seung Hun Lee1

  • 1Department of Food and Nutrition, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, Republic of Korea.

Journal of Food Protection
|March 14, 2023
PubMed

Insights

School cafeterias can harbor contamination. Microbial source tracking (MST) identified human-specific crAssphage on a food preparation faucet, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring of high-contact surfaces to ensure food safety.

Area of Science:

  • Food safety and public health
  • Microbiology
  • Environmental hygiene

Background:

  • Food poisoning outbreaks in schools pose significant risks to student health and incur economic losses.
  • Traditional fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) methods for contamination detection are time-consuming and lack host specificity.
  • Microbial source tracking (MST) offers a host-specific molecular approach for identifying contamination sources.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of MST and FIB methods in tracing contamination within a school cafeteria environment.
  • To identify specific high-risk contamination points within the school cafeteria.
  • To compare the detection capabilities of FIB and MST for pinpointing contamination sources.

Main Methods:

  • Surface sampling was conducted in various areas of the school cafeteria, including food preparation, cooking, and restroom zones.
  • Total aerobic bacterial counts were determined using standard microbiological techniques.
  • The presence of coliforms, Escherichia coli, and specific microbial source tracking markers (crAssphage and HF183) was assessed using molecular methods.

Main Results:

  • High aerobic bacterial counts were observed on faucets in the cooking area and frequently touched surfaces like the stove valve and hand-washer.
  • Coliforms were detected on multiple surfaces, including the sink, food preparation faucet, cooking faucet, hand-washer, and toilet seat.
  • The human-specific marker crAssphage was detected on a food preparation area faucet, indicating human fecal contamination, while HF183 was not found.

Conclusions:

  • The study highlights the presence of microbial contamination in school cafeterias, with frequently touched surfaces being particularly vulnerable.
  • Microbial source tracking, specifically the detection of crAssphage, proved effective in identifying human-specific contamination sources.
  • Continuous monitoring of high-contact areas and implementation of strict hygiene protocols are crucial for maintaining a safe school cafeteria environment.
Keywords:
CrAssphageHuman fecesMicrobial source trackingReal-time PCRSchool cafeteria

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