Microbiology of Hand Contact Surfaces in the Retail Environment

• Project start date: 1 November 2009
• Project status: Completed
• Project type: Food safety
• Discipline: Microbiology and food hygiene
• Author/s: Safefood research

Research objective

The primary objective of this study was to assess the microbiological status of food and hand contact surfaces in retail environments and determine their potential to act as vectors for foodborne pathogens. Specifically, the study aimed to detect the presence of Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria on these surfaces, measure Aerobic Colony Counts, and assess levels of Enterobacteriaceae and E. coli. Additionally, the study sought to understand the cleaning practices of retailers and the usage patterns of shoppers regarding long-life shopping bags.

Outputs

Research report

• Title: An assessment of the microbiology of Hand Contact Surfaces in the Retail Environment
• Publication date: 10 October 2013
• Summary: Hygiene levels of the sampled surfaces in supermarkets were satisfactory, with no significant risk of foodborne pathogen transfer detected. The existing cleaning routines and hygiene practices were effective, providing no cause for concern regarding the surfaces tested.
• Findings:

  Environmental Health Officers collected swab samples from conveyor belts, long-life shopping bags, shopping trolley handles, and card payment unit keypads. The samples were tested for Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria, as well as for Aerobic Colony Counts, Enterobacteriaceae, and E. coli. The study also included questionnaires to retailers and shoppers to understand cleaning practices and bag usage.

  • Pathogen Detection: Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Listeria were not detected in any samples. Levels of Enterobacteriaceae and E. coli were below detection limits in all but one sample.
  • Aerobic Colony Counts:   These varied across samples but none were deemed ‘unacceptable’ or ‘unsatisfactory’ under guidelines for ready-to-eat foods.
  • Hygiene Practices: All supermarkets reported cleaning conveyor belts at least once daily. Questionnaires indicated good hygiene practices among retailers and shoppers.
• Recommendations:
  1. Maintain current hygiene practices, continuing regular cleaning of conveyor belts and other frequently touched surfaces.
  2. Educate shoppers on the importance of cleaning and maintaining long-life shopping bags to prevent cross-contamination.
  3. Implement periodic microbiological assessments to ensure continued compliance with hygiene standards.
  4. Encourage supermarkets to maintain and document strict cleaning protocols.
  5. Foster a culture of hygiene and cleanliness among staff and customers.