BIOFILMTEST Successful stories

Mostramos diferentes casos de éxito de actuaciones reales realizadas por el personal técnico de CHRISTEYNS en industrias alimentarias.

These works allowed detecting critical points with biofilms and establishing the correct procedures for removal.

As a result, we managed to control the presence of microbiological contamination that was compromising food safety.

industria de bebidas Control de biofilms en un circuito de bebidas

Presence of biofilm, detected by the pink colour produced by TBF® 300 in the presence of the matrix. The biofilm was found in valves and connection threads between the circuit tubes.

Problem

Initially we reported the presence of microbiological contamination in refreshing beverage containers.

Such contamination did not occur in all packages or batches but appeared discontinuously.

This is an indirect indication of the potential presence of biofilms, which are carried away (the detached portions and the microorganisms present in the biofilm) by the flow of the circulating beverage and deposited in the containers.

Then, the circuit sections were dismantled for visual inspection and to apply the TBF® 300 biofilm detection test.

After the work completed by the technical staff, a persistent pink colouration was observed in certain junctions and bends of the circuit, which proved the presence of the biofilm matrix and that these points could be reservoirs of microorganisms.

Solution

A procedure for the control of biofilms was implemented, consisting of the recirculation, after an initial phase of rinsing and alkaline cleaning with the product MIDA® SAN 328 EC at a dose of 3% for 3 hours.

Subsequently, a rinse with water was carried out until waste disposal.

After applying the treatments, no biofilm was detected, and the microbiological results carried out by the company determined the absence of microbiological contamination.

Finally, a preventive protocol was established incorporating the periodic treatment of circuits with MIDA® SAN 328 EC in the usual cleaning and disinfection procedure.

Meat industry Biofilms control on open surfaces

Application of TBF® 300 in a blade system and staining indicated the biofilm presence.

Problem

Sometimes the presence of unacceptable microbiological contamination in the final product has been reported by different food industries, including the presence of L. monocytogenes.

When addressing the problem, the first stage of the study consists in determining the causes, largely related to the presence of biofilms on surfaces that come into direct contact with the food being processed.

The use of the TBF® 300 has been a fundamental tool to detect the presence of biofilms, which act as niches of contamination and hinder the action of biocidal products, promoting the persistence of microbial cells.

Solution

The photographs show positive results of biofilms, determined by the TBF® 300 test, on different surfaces of food industries that were established, after the relevant microbiological tests, as the cause of contamination of the final product by altering microorganisms and pathogens.

The biofilm detection allowed specific procedures for their control to be started at the points observed, by incorporating a sanitation phase with MIDA® SAN 327 BF, a disinfectant that fights biofilms, eliminates their matrix and lyses the microbial cells.

Once the problem was resolved, a programme was established with the intervals to apply this product to prevent biofilm formation and the appearance of new microbiological problems in the manufactured product.

BIOFILMTEST Conclusions

The presence of altering microorganisms and pathogens in facilities and equipment of the food industries, as those shown in these successful stories, is relatively frequent, since they can enter manufacturing plants in multiple ways.

Once in the facilities of a food industry, a combination of various factors determines their ability to survive, thus becoming a potential danger to the food being processed.

One of the most influential aspects is the ability of microorganisms to form biofilms, therefore, it is essential to use appropriate detection and diagnostic techniques, which allow to implement and evaluate strategies and control plans, in order to guarantee food safety and consumer health.