Microbiological survey of supermarket surfaces and sanitation procedures.

The incidence of food borne illness in NZ is currently making headlines as levels of illness due to the bacterium Campylobacter reach epidemic proportions. Cases of Campylobacteriosis in NZ are estimated at 115,000 per annum with one recorded death per year due to acute effects of this disease (Baker et al, 2006) and remain at the highest incidence in the developed world (ESR figures) The whole of the food chain, from farm to fork is currently under scrutiny to investigate both sources of contamination and cross contamination risks. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether potentially pathogenic organisms that could cause food-borne disease are present, and at what frequency, on supermarket shopping baskets, trolleys and checkout surfaces. The study also conducted a survey of current sanitation procedures with the aim of verifying their efficacy by monitoring surfaces for soil levels (including microorganisms) using ATP technology. The use of ATP detection technology is widely recognised in the food industry as a tool to validate cleaning procedures