Validation of Portable Culture Device for Enumerating Total Viable Count from Food Samples

Abstract

Bacterial contamination in food arises from various sources, including human contact and processing equipment, and often worsens during storage, affecting food quality. Traditional bacterial enumeration methods, though reliable, are time-consuming, while newer alternatives like biosensors provide faster results but are more expensive. The accurate identification of microorganisms is critical for food safety in the food industry. Portable culture devices (PCDs) offer a practical solution for on-site testing, particularly in resource-limited settings. This study aimed to validate the use of PCDs for semi-quantifying microorganisms in food samples by comparing their performance with conventional detection methods. PCDs were tested on both artificially contaminated (spiked) and naturally contaminated (non-spiked) food samples to evaluate their effectiveness and reliability. These attributes make PCDs valuable for use in settings with limited access to advanced laboratory equipment. The findings suggest that PCDs are suitable alternatives to traditional culture-based methods, providing similar results while offering advantages such as simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for on-site testing. This highlights the potential of PCDs to streamline the food testing process by reducing the time required for microbial detection, thus improving food safety practices. In conclusion, PCDs could play a significant role in enhancing food safety and quality monitoring.