Determination of Microbial Counts in Taiwan Beverage and Assessment on its Microbiological Standards
Date Issued
2010
Date
2010
Author(s)
Wang, Wei-Jen
Abstract
The Beverage Hygienic Standard in Taiwan was published in 1992 contained only three categories of beverages, including carbonated beverages, uncarbonated beverages, and acidic beverages containing milk or dairy products. However, it seems not to be suitable for the wide variety of beverages in the present market. Besides, microbiological criteria of beverages have not been revised since 1992 and the definition of beverage is not well defined either. Therefore, it is necessary to re-evaluate whether the standard is applicable to the variety of beverage products or not. This study collected information about beverages hygiene criteria from other countries, and investigated the microbial contents of beverage products in Taiwan market. A total of 175 samples of beverages were tested for their total plate count, coliform, Escherichia coli, Salmonella, mold and yeast count. Finally, we invited specialists and beverage producers to give their opinions for a suitable draft of the beverage categories and hygiene standards.
For all packed beverages, the results indicated that total plate counts and mold and yeast counts were less than 10 cfu/mL, and MPN of E. coli and coliform was negative, in agreement with the hygiene standard. Except 2 samples of fruit and vegetable juice containing lactic acid bacteria, their total plate counts are exceeded 200 cfu/mL, failed to meet the hygienie standard. For unpacked beverages, the E. coli and Salmonella test were met with the standard. Because of low pH values, 2 samples of carbonated beverages are unqualified. Most unqualified uncarbonated beverages were contaminated by coliform. Most acidic beverages, including milk or dairy products containing lactic acid bacteria resulted in excess total plate count. Ready to drink beverages should be always checked. The conclusions of expert meeting suggestion that the definition of beverages is “non-alcoholic or alcohol drinks containing less than 0.5% alcohol, including fermented beverages such as fruit vinegar which do not expect alcohol as target product.” The beverages such as soy milk, oat milk, cereal milk, which provide protein source and all the other functional beverages are also included in beverage category. Microbiological criteria remain unchanged, the division two of the second category was revised as “beverages containing coffee, cocoa, tea or other materials.” In addition, concentrated fruit and vegetable juice need to be determined mold and yeast counts.
Subjects
beverage
hygiene standard
microbiological inspection
sanitation indicator
microbial contamination
Type
thesis
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