ATP-Bioluminescence Assay for Real Time Surface Hygiene Monitoring in Fish Value Chain

Abstract

ATP-bioluminescence (ATP-B) assay was used to evaluate organic debris load, which in turn indicates the cleanliness of fish contact surfaces (FCS) in fish value chain, where the last point is ready to eat (RTE) fish. Contaminated FCS can harbour lot of microorganisms including pathogens and specific spoilage organisms. From the stipulated four critical points in the value chain viz., harvesting unit (coracle), auction cum assortment area (AAA), preprocessing area (PPA), cooking and marketing area (CMA). Specific FCS were selected for real time surface hygiene monitoring using ATP bioluminescence assay both following normal cleaning process (NCP) and prescribed Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP). The present study has significance in fish industry for monitoring hygiene and establishing high risk zones in value chain, as it gives real time information about hygiene once critical limits were located after a justification period. Visual assessment of cleanliness is unreliable in monitoring surface hygiene in fish value chain, and ATP-B testing can aid in the design, execution and substantiation of effectual surface cleaning. For successful monitoring and validation of surface cleaning, a scheme that integrates visual judgment and ATP-B testing, with periodical conventional microbial swab testing is anticipated. The principal component analysis illustratively divided the ATP bioluminescence values of FCS following normal cleaning process (NCP) and prescribed Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOP).