Microbial Testing Procedure

In reassessing our HACCP plan, we have determined that there is a likelihood that the e coli 0157-h7 organism could be present in raw materials.  In order to insure that all precautions are taken to detect e-coli we have instituted the following procedures.

Raw Materials

We require a letter of guarantee from all suppliers of raw materials.  This letter states that the establishment providing raw materials has a kill step in their process for e-coli-0157-H7 and that this step is a CCP in their haccp plan.  The supplier must also state that they have SSOPs in place to eliminate or reduce the likelihood of e-coli being introduced into product during production.  In order to further verify the absence of e—coli 0157-H7, if a letter of guarantee is not available we will retain product and run in-house testing.

 20-Hour Test System

 Medium preparation-Transfer the contents of one Reveal 20-hour medium (or Reveal 20-Hour Special) bottle to a Stomacher-type bag.  Add 225 mL of 36°C ± 1° sterilized water.  Grasp the bag tightly about 2-3 inches from the top, support bottom, and mix vigorously until medium is dissolved (about 1 minute).  Place Stomacher-type bag in a rack or other support.  The medium can be held at 36°C ± 1° until used, but no more than 6 hours.  For best results, use medium soon after it is prepared.  The enrichment medium used by the FSIS to isolate E. coli 0157:H7 from meat and poultry products is described below: