Significance of Cross-contamination on Bacteriological Quality of Black Tiger Shrimp (Penaeus monodon Fabricius 1798) for Export Trade Produced in Fish Processing Plant

Abstract

In this study, bacteriological quality of raw and processed Penaeus monodon produced for export trade from preprocessing, processing area and cross-contaminated sample was analysed in terms of total plate count (TPC), Vibrio cholerae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes from a HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points) approved processing plant. In all cases bacterial loads were highest in cross-contaminated sample than the pre-processing and processing area. E. coli was present in cross-contaminated raw and processed sample; however V. cholerae, S. aureus, Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes were not detected in any case. In pre-processing, processing and cross-contaminated samples, the TPC value was not exceeding the standard limits as per ICMSF (International Commission on Microbiological Specifications for Foods Standards) and EIC (Export Inspection Council) standard. Another side of the present work indicated that, microbial analysis of all the samples obtained from processing area were within the permissible limits. This study clearly indicated that maximum microbial load in cross-contaminated condition due to transfer of place, shifting of equipments, products etc. The present microbiological survey revealed that there is an urgent need for considerable improvement in the bacteriological quality of products and it should be free from cross-contamination. Strict observance to CGMPs (Current Good Manufacturing Practice) and HACCP plan can greatly improve the product quality and reduce the risk of cross-contamination.