Association of sanitary conditions and bacteriological quality of tube ice in ice plants in metropolitan Bangkok, Thailand

Abstract

This investigation aimed at studying the correlation between ice plant sanitary conditions and bacteriological quality of ice. The sanitary conditions in accordance with GMP regulations, the bacteriological quality of tube ice, and the processing water in 20 plants in Bangkok were studied. A modified inspection form from the Office of Food and Drug Administration was used for sanitary condition surveys. Ice and processing water samples were collected 2 times per plant with 3 samples each time. All 120 samples were analyzed for bacteriological quality by means of Standard Plate Count technique (Pour plate method) and Most Probable Number technique (MPN method). The results indicated that forty percent (8 Tube plants) failed and the remaining passed sanitary condition criteria. 23% of Tube Ice samples were acceptable in the standard permission level in terms of Total coliform bacteria and Fecal coliform bacteria. All Tube Ice plant processing water samples were acceptable in comparison with the standard permission level. Ice plant sanitary conditions were significantly correlated to bacteriological quality of the ice (p<0.05). Ice plant manufacturers should develop and implement Sanitary Standard and Operational Procedures (S.S.O.P.) in accordance with all GMP requirements to improve Ice plant sanitary conditions.