ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to evaluate microbiological quality for each stage of the kimbap manufacturing process in summer and winter. Under the various controlled conditions through the simulation, the time-temperature data were collected and the microbiological quality(including total plate count, coliforms, and fecal coliform count) were evaluated. To determine the expected shelf life of Kimbap, a microbiolgical analysis according to the length of the storage time was performed. The microbiological analysis on both sanitary and unsanitary utensils was compared. The microbiological quality of the raw materials of Kimbap in summer was not at an acceptable level, but that of the heat-treated raw materials of Kimbap met the requirement according to the standards set by the Natick Research Center. The number of the microorganisms of the unsanitary utensils and the Kimbap made from unsanitary utensils was more than the acceptable criteria. Sanitary management is necessary to prohibit cross-contamination and to manufacture Kimbap safely. Results from storage times and storage temperature conditions(chilled and room-temperature storage) showed that the expected shelf-life of the Kimbap with the room-temperature storage was as less than 3 hours in summer, while it was as 7-10 hours in winter.