Assessment of Microbiological Quality of Outsourced School Meals

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to provide a basic resource for establishment of hygienic management standards for meal delivery from the central kitchen to schools. Flow diagrams for delivery of food were analyzed, and time-temperature conditions of the food and environment were measured. Four different foods samples including Mexican salad, radish salad, stir-fried pork and vegetables, and stir-fried chicken and vegetables were collected after production and before service. Microbiological analysis was performed for aerobic plate counts (APC), Enterobacteriaceae, coliforms, E. coli, Salmonella spp., S. aureus, B. cereus, C. perfringens, and L. monocytogenes. After completion of production of cooked foods 2~3 hours were taken for the cooked foods to reach the temperature danger zone. Food temperatures at the meal service did not meet the recommended temperatures (10/57degrees C) for conventional school food service systems. The highest APC counts were observed in radish salad (5.70 log CFU/g), followed by Mexican salad (5.18 log CFU/g). Enterobacteriaceae and coliform counts were within acceptable levels of those recommended by the UK Public Health Laboratory Service. No E. coli or pathogens were found. These results provide useful information for determination of microbiological hazards in school food service systems, and suggest that time-temperature control during delivery is necessary for the safety of cooked foods.