The processing environment in a RTE facility producing and packaging sliced meat with BBQ sauce in a vacuum sealed pack was finding consistent positive tests for Listeria and E. coli, but had been unable to pinpoint the source. PURE was called in to help evaluate the production and sanitation process and make recommendations for application of PURE Hard Surface to resolve the issue. Our technical team was able to identify the elusive source of contamination through a systematic process and developed a treatment plan for the facility. PURE Hard Surface was applied at pre-operation and shift change to multiple food contact surfaces of food processing equipment, food transfer trolleys, trolley wheels and food packaging equipment.

Results:

A cleaning/disinfecting schedule was implemented with application of PURE Hard Surface twice daily. Treatment of the slicer, transfer trolley and blending table were the focus, however, multiple surfaces throughout the processing facility were treated. Retesting of treated surfaces after four (4) days following this schedule showed that both Listeria and E. coli counts in the facility were negative. The plant was able to maintain these results during future operation following this schedule.