Methods of microbiological analysis: Monitoring and ensuring food safety

Modern methods for detecting indicator microorganisms in food production facilitate the early identification of microbiological risks, thereby preventing the contamination of equipment and food products. These methods also enable the timely implementation of sanitary measures, ensuring the microbiological quality of food products. This study focused on the practical application of microbiological techniques for rapid sanitary and microbiological monitoring of raw materials, food products, and contact surfaces of technological equipment. Particular emphasis was placed on evaluating highly efficient and cost-effective approaches to ensuring food safety. During production control, methods that simplify microbiological testing are employed, such as using ready-to-use nutrient media, which significantly reduces the time and resources required for microbiological examinations. The study analysed the primary modern nutrient media used for transporting, cultivating, isolating, identifying, and differentiating microorganisms in food products. Modern microbiological methods have been thoroughly analysed, with an evaluation of the quality of nutrient media and the stability of their properties, which directly impact the validity and reliability of microbiological testing of food products. The study identified and evaluated various test systems and the methodologies according to which they have been validated. The use of Petrifilm test plates – ready-to-use nutrient media designed for the quantitative assessment of different groups of microorganisms – has been analysed. These included quantitative testing for yeasts and moulds, Escherichia coli, mesophilic aerobic and facultative anaerobic microorganisms (MAFAnM), coliform and Enterobacteriaceae during the production of food products, including semi-finished poultry products. The study also highlighted the current validation certificates for these methods and their compliance with both national and international standards, such as ISO 9001, in the field of development and production. Growing attention to food safety and increased quality requirements for microbiological laboratories promote the adoption of advanced methods for analysing raw materials, food products, and surfaces of technological equipment. These methods significantly accelerate the acquisition of microbiological testing results while optimising resource usage. The study of cost-effective and highly efficient tools and rapid sanitary-microbiological monitoring methods enhances the competitiveness of food products