Comparison of cleaning fabrics for bacterial removal from food-contact surfaces

Food-contact surfaces are highly contaminated with microorganism and great sources for transmission of foodborne pathogens. It is important to eliminate bacteria using appropriate sanitizing approaches to minimize cross-contamination during food preparation and/or consumption and reduce the risk of foodborne diseases. The objective of this study was to compare the removal efficiency of bacteria on food-contact surfaces by different cleaning cloths. Commercially available blended cellulose/cotton cloth, microfiber, scouring cloth, nonwoven fabric and terry towel were used. Stainless steel and Formica laminate surfaces were inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat turkey slurry and the surface was wiped with different cloths. The remaining bacteria on the food-contact surfaces and bacteria immersed in each cloth were enumerated. Overall significant reductions were observed on stainless steel and Formica laminate surfaces by 0.92-2.62 and 2.21-3.44 log CFU/cm2 reduction, respectively (P < 0.05). Among all cloths, blended cellulose/cotton cloths showed the highest removal efficiency by 2.53-2.62 (stainless steel) and 3.16-3.44 (Formica) log CFU/cm2 reduction. Bacteria captured by each cloth did not show significant differences with the range of 5.40-5.69 log CFU/cm2 (stainless steel) and 2.78-3.62 log CFU/cm2 (Formica). ATP bioluminescence assay result was significantly reduced by cleaning cloths (P < 0.05) while the relative luminescence unit (RLU) value was higher on stainless steel by 2547-6073 RLU than on Formica by 208-503 RLU. These results indicate that the performance of cleaning cloths varied for the removal of bacteria and food debris depending on the fabric material and processing pattern.

► The bacteria removal efficiency of cleaning cloths on stainless steel and Formica laminate surfaces was evaluated. ► Significant reduction of Listeria monocytogenes in turkey slurry was observed for all cleaning cloths. ► ATP bioluminescence assay was also investigated. ► Overall performance of cleaning cloths was varied depending on the fabric material and processing pattern.