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Chemical test for mammalian feces in ground black pepper: collaborative study
1U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Division of Microanalytical Evaluations, Washington, DC 20204.
Journal of AOAC International
|September 1, 1994
Summary
A new method accurately detects mammalian feces in black pepper using alkaline phosphatase activity. This validated technique is simple, reliable, and suitable for food safety analysis.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Microbiology
Background:
- Mammalian feces contamination in food products poses a significant food safety risk.
- Accurate detection methods are crucial for ensuring the quality and safety of spices like black pepper.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate a modified AOAC Official Method 986.28 for detecting mammalian feces in ground black pepper.
- To assess the efficacy and practicality of an alkaline phosphatase-based assay.
Main Methods:
- A modified AOAC method was employed, utilizing alkaline phosphatase detection via phenolphthalein diphosphate substrate in a borate buffer agar medium.
- Ground black pepper samples were processed to remove interfering color before analysis.
- The presence of fecal particles was indicated by a pink to red-purple color change around particles on the agar plates.
Main Results:
- The method demonstrated high recovery rates, with averages of 12.3 and 24.1 particles at 10- and 20-particle spike levels, respectively.
- A zero experimental background was consistently observed, indicating high specificity.
- Collaborators found the method to be clear and easy to perform.
Conclusions:
- The modified method provides a reliable and sensitive approach for identifying mammalian fecal contamination in ground black pepper.
- This assay is practical for routine food safety testing due to its simplicity and accuracy.
- The study successfully validated a key analytical method for spice quality control.