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Development of bacterial biofilms in dairy processing lines
1Microbiology Research Division, Health Canada, Sir Frederick Banting Research Centre, Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
The Journal of Dairy Research
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Bacterial biofilms formed on milk pipeline gaskets despite cleaning. These biofilms on Buna-n and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) gaskets may cause post-pasteurization contamination.
Area of Science:
- Food Microbiology
- Dairy Science
- Microbial Contamination
Background:
- Bacterial adherence to milk contact surfaces is a concern in dairy processing.
- Effective cleaning-in-place (CIP) is crucial for maintaining hygiene and preventing contamination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate bacterial adherence to various components in milk processing lines.
- To determine if biofilms form on gaskets despite routine cleaning and sanitizing procedures.
Main Methods:
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to examine milk contact sites.
- Gaskets (Buna-n and polytetrafluoroethylene/PTFE), endcaps, vacuum breaker plugs, and pipeline inserts were analyzed after routine cleaning.
Main Results:
- Adherent bacteria and biofilms were observed on the sides of gaskets from both raw and pasteurized milk lines.
- Buna-n gaskets showed confluent layers and diffuse adherence, while PTFE gaskets had bacteria in crevices.
- No adherent bacteria were found on stainless steel endcaps, pipeline inserts, or PTFE vacuum breaker plugs.
Conclusions:
- Biofilm development on gasket sides occurs even with standard CIP procedures.
- These biofilms represent a potential source of post-pasteurization contamination in dairy processing.
- Gasket material and design may influence bacterial adherence and biofilm formation.