PRACTICAL EXPERIENCES OF HYGIENE CONTROL USING ATP-BIOLUMINESCENCE

Results from traditional swab methods of determining plant hygiene are not available for at least two days (usually longer) and are, therefore, retrospective. The ATP-Bioluminescence hygiene assay gives ''instant'' results, and ''failed'' plant can be recleaned before it is used. Comparative trials between the swab and ATP-Bioluminescence assays were used to set pass/fail categories based on the ability of the CIP systems and a 84% agreement was obtained. A dual approach to plant hygiene was adopted: each individual item of plant examined must pass the assay before it can be used, and in those areas were it is not feasible to examine every item of plant a representative number of examinations are performed each week. The use of a database/spreadsheet programme has enabled the results to be analysed at different levels (eg. by department, type of plant, individual vessel) and in the form of trends graphs. Through this approach it has become possible to monitor cleaning efficiency over time and, also, to identify and rectify problem areas. Results over two years have shown a significant improvement in the hygiene and cleanliness of the plant which could only have a beneficial effect on the quality of the product.