DOI: 10.36347/sajb.2016.v04i08.011

Pages: 661-666

Plastic packaging which is a critical control point is very often contaminated with microorganisms during production. This aim of present study is to isolate and characterize dominant species found in food quality Cling films. Fifteen Cling film samples from various countries were chosen. Standard plate count for total microorganism was used. Then, Biochemical methods were used to identify microbial community on Cling film. Among tested Cling films, seven samples were devoid of any contamination. No fungus contamination was observed at all, while eight samples had bacterial contamination. The total colony counts for the microorganisms were a follow: 3.2×103, 5×104, 1.6×104 and 3×102 CFU. Based on the colony morphology, gram staining and biochemical tests, three different bacterial isolates were identified including Bacillus spp. (except B. anthracis), Klebsiella spp. and Staphylococcus aureus. It is necessary to incorporate a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points based program to ensure quality through the packaging operation and determination procedures for the presence of microorganisms need to be established which analyze them exactly and acceptable microbial limits set.