Use of Rapid Microbial Kits for Regular Monitoring of Food-contact Surfaces towards Hygiene Practices

Food business operators should promote safe and healthy food, utilizing simple methods for microbe identification and verification. This study attempts to determine the practicability measurement of hygiene practices in two states of Malaysia. It used an inexpensive and user-friendly microbial kit to evaluate the cleanliness level of Food-Contact Surfaces (FCS). A total of 72 samples in triplicate detected 70% of all coliforms. The prevalent contaminations suggest that food service operators may need to improve the cleanliness of FCS. In conclusion, easy-to-use microbial kits are practical and self-check approach in hygiene and should be made mandatory or alternative for the operator.