Comparison of protein detection and traditional microbiological methods for monitoring food contact surface hygiene in tourist facilities: a 3-years survey

Abstract

[eng] Food safety is a major concern for the tourist industry, and food contact surfaces play an important role in transmission of pathogens to food by cross contamination. Different methodologies are used for sanitary monitoring. The aim of this study was to compare two different techniques for hygiene monitoring in hotels. In this survey, 4,628 samples from 279 different hotels were investigated by protein detection and microbiological techniques. Correlation between the two methods was statistically significant (χ2 = 195.057; p<0.001). Overall, sanitary conditions of the food contact surfaces in our hotels are satisfactory. Differences were detected among the different types of surfaces. The appropriateness of protein monitoring for cleanliness assessment in these facilities is discussed.