MICROBIOLOGICAL STATUS OF EGYPTIAN SALTED MEAT (BASTERMA) AND FRESH SAUSAGE

The microbiological quality of 125 samples of the most popular Egyptian meat products (75 Egyptian fresh sausage "EPS" and 50 basterma) was determined. The aerobic plate count (APC) and Lactobacillaceae count of basterma ranged from 1 × 10⁴ to 9 × 10⁶ CFU/g, respectively . Enterobacteriaceae, mold and yeast counts for basterma were similar (<1 × 10² CFU/g). Artificially contaminated slices of meat and garlic paste of basterma showed that the paste inhibited growth of Salmonella typhimurium. APC and Enterobacteriaceae counts of EFS ranged from 1.1 × 10⁴ to 1 × 10⁸ and from 1 × 10² to 1 × 10⁷ CFU/g, respectively. Nearly 26% and 29% of EFS were positive for Clostridium perfringens and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus, respectively . Salmonella could not be detected in any examined samples. Bacteriologically, EFS might pose a potential health hazard, making it imperative to institute sanitary measures during its production and sale .; Accepted for Publication July 2, 1997     

Quality of Shredded Carrots as Affected by Packaging Film and Storage Temperature

ABSTRACT: Different packaging films and storage temperatures were used to establish a range of equilibrium modified atmospheres for storage of shredded carrots. Quality and storage-life of the packaged shredded carrots were determined using sensory evaluation, microbial counts, and a range of physical tests. Minimal processing steps such as peeling and shredding caused physical damage, physiological stress, and enhanced microbial growth, leading to a reduced shelf life when compared to the whole vegetable. A P-plus microporous film (CO₂ permeability of 29 X 10³mL.m ^-2.d ^-1.atm ^-1) was the most suitable for the storage of shredded carrots. Findings indicated that deterioration in these products was triggered by the depletion of oxygen more than by the rise in carbon dioxide.     

SHELF-LIFE OF FRESH FILLED PASTA. HAZARD ANALYSIS AND CRITICAL CONTROL POINTS OF THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS AND HOUSEHOLD PRACTICES

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) approach was used to assess the safety of a fresh filling pasta (ricotta-filled ravioli) manufacturing plant in La Plata region, Argentina. Household practices like cooking and holding meals before serving were also evaluated. Samples of ricotta, main raw material of the filling, showed colony counts of Enterobacteriaceae total microorganisms, molds and yeasts of (5 × 10³-1 × 10⁵), (1x10⁵−1x10⁸) and 1 × 10⁵ CFU/g, respectively. E. coli was also detected in one out of five samples, suggesting a hazardous condition of this raw material. Salmonella spp. was not isolated from any of the dough samples tested. Ricotta filling showed high colony counts of mesophilic microorganisms (6 × 10⁶ CFU/g), Enterobacteriaceae (1 × 10⁵ - 1 × 10⁶ CFU/g), while E. Coli was detected in 20% of the samples. Counts of B. cereus, S. aureus were less than 1 × 10² CFU/g in the analyzed materials. In the finished product (ricotta-filled ravioli), the colony counts of mesophilic microorganisms and Enterobacteriaceae were 3 × 10⁸ and 8 × 10⁵ CFU/g, respectively. Critical Control Points found were cooking and holding time before serving. The implementation of suggested corrections allowed the microbial quality of the final product (ricotta-filled ravioli) to be improved considerably. The growth of total microbial counts during refrigerated storage (0, 4, 8 and 10C) were measured and the shelf-life of ricotta and ricotta-filled ravioli was calculated.     

The yeast flora of stored ready-to-use carrots and their role in spoilage

Spoilage of ready-to-use grated raw carrots packaged in polymeric films and stored at 10°C was investigated for involvement of yeasts. Cryptococcus albidus was only isolated during the first 3 days of storage, increasing to levels of 10⁵–10⁶g^-1. Candida lambica was more commonly isolated after 3–7 days of storage, and reached 10⁷–10⁸g^-1 after 12 days. Candida sake was present throughout storage, increasing from 10⁵–10⁶ after 3 days to 10⁷–10⁸ after 12 days. In some samples, Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis were also isolated at levels similars to C. sake . All the yeasts isolated at the end of storage were fermentative species and their metabolism was characterized with a Warburg apparatus. Neither the number of yeasts nor the composition of the yeast flora were related to the deterioration of the product. Although Candida lambica inoculated on grated carrots caused spoilage after 12 days at 10°C, the high O₂ permeable film was most effective in reducing exudate.     

Inactivation of Listeria monocytogenes on Beef Bologna and Cheddar Cheese Using Polyvinyl-idene Chloride Films Containing Sorbic Acid

ABSTRACT: Polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC, Saran^R F-310) films containing sorbic acid (0%, 1.5%, and 3.0% w/v) were prepared with use of a solvent-casting method and were then placed between slices of commercially produced beef bologna that were previously surface-inoculated with L. monocytogenes at 10³ or 10⁵ CFU/g. In addition, cubes of commercial Cheddar cheese were surface-inoculated to contain 10³ or 10⁵ Listeria monocytogenes colony-forming units (CFU) /g and then wrapped with the sorbic acid-containing films. Films containing 1.5% and 3.0% (w/ v) sorbic acid prevented growth of L. monocytogenes on bologna slices with populations as much as 7.1 logs lower after 28 d of storage at 4 °C compared with the sorbic acid-free controls. In contrast, numbers of Listeria remained relatively stable on Cheddar cheese with populations decreasing < 1.3 logs after 35 d of storage. With use of the sorbic acid-containing films, common spoilage organisms were also inhibited on both products. After 28 d of contact with bologna and Cheddar cheese, these films retained 7% and 60% of their original sorbic acid content, respectively, with the control film retaining 85% of its original sorbic acid content. Given these findings, sorbic acid-containing films may be useful in enhancing the safety and shelf-life of ready-to-eat delicatessen products.     

THE EFFECT OF AEROBIC MESOPHILIC MICROFLORAL LEVELS ON THE ISOLATION OF INOCULATED LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES STRAIN LM82 FROM SELECTED FOODS

The effect of aerobic mesophilic microfloral concentration on the isolation of Listeria monocytogenes LM82 was studied in 31 (18 cheeses and 7 noncheese) retail foods having standard plate counts of 10¹ to 10⁸ colony forming units (CFU)/g. Foods were spiked with L. monocytogenes and enriched at 30°C for 24 h in a selective enrichment broth used in a U.S. Food and Drug Administration method. Inoculum levels for isolation on modified McBride agar ranged from 0.1 to > 5 × 10³ with a geometric mean value of 5 inoculated CFU/g or 1.4 CFU/g. Pure Enterococcus (Streptococcus) faecalis ( 0 to 6 × 10⁶ inoculated CFU/mL ) in the absence of food matrix had no effect on the enrichment of L. monocytogenes. Ease of isolation of LM82 was independent of the food microflora concentration both generally and in the specific food type of 9 Brie cheeses. Competition, when it occurs, therefore, may be due to specific bacterial competitors rather than bacterial numbers .     

Quality characteristics of minimally processed leek packaged using different films and stored in lighting conditions

Since minimal processing of vegetables does not impede their capacity to react to external stimuli, this work sought to study the effect of lighting on minimally processed leek during storage. White and green cuts were processed separately and packaged using films with different permeability: a totally permeable PVC film and two P-Plus films: P-Plus 120 and P-Plus 90, with O₂ permeability of 8000 and 5000 cm³ m⁻² 24 h⁻¹ atm⁻¹ at 25 °C, respectively. All the packaged leek was stored at 4 °C for more than 26 days in two different conditions: in complete darkness and in light. Lighting caused an increase in stomatal aperture and respiratory rate. Thus, the white cut achieved atmospheres with higher CO₂ (10%) and lower O₂ (12%) content than samples packed in the same film kept in the dark. The green cut saw respiratory activity compensated by photosynthesis, and the atmosphere composition remained similar to atmospheric conditions until day 18. Lighting also affected the colour, accelerating the changes in appearance. Exposure to light had a negative effect on the quality parameters.     

Control of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat meats containing sodium levulinate, sodium lactate, or a combination of sodium lactate and sodium diacetate

ABSTRACT:  This study investigated the use of sodium levulinate to prevent outgrowth of Listeria monocytogenes in refrigerated ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products. Turkey breast roll and bologna were formulated to contain 1%, 2%, or 3% (w/w) sodium levulinate, 2% sodium lactate, a 2% combination of sodium lactate and sodium diacetate (1.875% sodium lactate and 0.125% sodium diacetate), or no antimicrobial (control). Samples of the RTE products were sliced, inoculated with 10² to 10³ CFU/cm² of a 5-strain cocktail of L. monocytogenes , vacuum packaged, and stored at refrigeration temperature for 0 to 12 wk. Counts reached 10⁸ CFU/cm² on control turkey roll product after 8 wk, and over 10⁷ CFU/cm² on control bologna after 12 wk. Addition of 2% or more sodium levulinate to turkey roll and 1% or more sodium levulinate to bologna completely prevented growth of L. monocytogenes during 12 wk of refrigerated storage. A consumer taste panel with pathogen-free samples found no differences in the overall liking among the preparations of turkey roll or among preparations of bologna. These results show that sodium levulinate is at least as effective at inhibiting outgrowth of L. monocytogenes in RTE meat products as the current industry standards of lactate or lactate and diacetate, and levulinate addition does not alter the overall liking of the RTE meat products.     

Maintaining Quality of Fresh-cut Tomato Slices through Modified Atmosphere Packaging and Low Temperature Storage

ABSTRACT: Quality of fresh-cut tomato slices was compared during cold storage under various modified atmosphere packaging conditions. Chilling injury of slices in containers sealed with Film A was higher than with Film B; these films had oxygen transmission rates of 87.4 and 60.0 ml · h^-1· m^-2· atm^-1 at 5 °C and 99% RH, respectively. While slices in containers with an initial atmospheric composition of air, 4% CO₂+ 1 or 20% O₂, 8% CO₂+ 1 or 20% O₂, or 12% CO₂+ 20% O₂ showed fungal growth, slices in containers with 12% CO₂+ 1% O₂ did not. Low ethylene in containers enhanced chilling injury. Modified atmosphere packaging provided good quality tomato slices with a shelf life of 2 w or more at 5 °C.     

Antimicrobial chitosan-lysozyme (CL) films and coatings for enhancing microbial safety of mozzarella cheese

ABSTRACT:  This study investigated the antimicrobial activities of chitosan-lysozyme (CL) composite films and coatings against tested microorganisms inoculated onto the surface of Mozzarella cheese. CL film-forming solutions (FFS) with a pH of 4.4 to 4.5 were prepared by incorporating 0% or 60% lysozyme (per dry weight of chitosan) into chitosan FFS with or without a pH adjustment to 5.2. Sliced cheese was subjected to 3 CL package applications: film, lamination on a multilayer coextruded film, and coating. Cheese was inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes , Escherichia coli , or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10⁴ CFU/g, or with mold and yeast at 10² CFU/g. Inoculated cheese was individually vacuum packaged and stored at 10 °C for sampling at 1, 7, and 14 d for bacteria, and at 10, 20, and 30 d for fungi. Inoculated bacteria survived but failed to multiply in untreated cheese during storage. Treated cheese received 0.43‐ to 1.25‐, 0.40‐ to 1.40‐, and 0.32- to 1.35-log reductions in E . coli , P. fluorescens , and L . monocytogenes , respectively. Incorporation of 60% lysozyme in chitosan FFS showed greater antimicrobial effect than chitosan alone on P. fluorescens and L . monocytogenes . The pH adjustment only affected the antimicrobial activity on L . monocytogenes , with lower pH (unadjusted) showing greater antimicrobial effect than pH 5.2. Mold and yeast increased to 10⁵ CFU/g in untreated cheese after 30 d storage. Growth of mold was completely inhibited in cheese packaged with CL films, while 0.24‐ to 1.90‐ and 0.06‐ to 0.50-log reductions in mold populations were observed in cheese packaged with CL-laminated films and coatings, respectively. All CL packaging applications resulted in 0.01- to 0.64-log reduction in yeast populations.     

EXAMINATION OF THE MICROBIAL STATUS OF SELECTED INDIGENOUS FERMENTED FOODS IN NIGERIA

Four Nigerian traditionally fermented foods (wara, nono, ogi and kununzaki) were evaluated for the presence of some microorganisms of public health concern. Among the dairy foods , Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella sp. were isolated from wara while Escherichia coli, Salmonella sp. and Klebsiella sp. were isolated from nono. The cereal-based fermented foods (ogi and kunu-zaki) contained Bacillus subtilis, E. coli, S. aureus, Klebsiella sp. and Enterococcus faecalis. The mesophilic aerobic counts were: 5 × 10⁵ for wara; nono, 1.53 × 10⁷; ogi, 3.6 × 10⁶ and kunu-zaki, 2.6 × 10⁶ cfu/mL. The enterobacteriaceae counts on nono, wara, ogi and kunu-zaki were 1.79 × 10⁷, 4.5 × 10⁵, 4.0 × 10⁵ and 1.2 × 10⁶ cfu/mL, respectively. No Vibrio count (detection limit: <10 cfu/mL) was recorded in all the food samples considered. The yeast and mold counts ranged from 1.0 × 10⁵– 3.31 × 10⁷ among the food products. The antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of the organisms isolated from dairy products (nono and wara) revealed that they were resistant to ampicillin (100%) and sensitive to gentamicin (100%) and nalidixic acid (100%). Most isolates from cereal based products (ogi and kunu-zaki) were 100% resistant to penicillin, ampicillin and chloramphenicol. This work highlights the need to maintain hygienic standards in the preparation of our locally fermented cereal and dairy foods.     

Alginate- and gellan-based edible films for probiotic coatings on fresh-cut fruits

ABSTRACT:  Alginate- (2% w/v) or gellan-based (0.5%) edible films, containing glycerol (0.6% to 2.0%), N-acetylcysteine (1%), and/or ascorbic acid (1%) and citric acid (1%), were formulated and used to coat fresh-cut apple and papaya cylinders. Water vapor permeability (WVP) was significantly higher ( P < 0.05) in alginate films (0.30 to 0.31 × 10⁻⁹g m/Pa s m²) than in the gellan ones (0.26 to 0.27 × 10⁻⁹g m/Pa s m²). Addition of 0.025% (w/v) sunflower oil decreased WVP of gellan films (0.20 to 0.22 × 10⁻⁹ g m/Pa s m²). Water solubility of gellan and alginate films at 25 °C (0.47 to 0.59 and 0.74 to 0.79, respectively) and their swelling ratios (2.3 to 2.6 and 1.6 to 2.0, respectively) indicate their potential for coating high moisture fresh-cut fruits. Fresh-cut apple and papaya cylinders were successfully coated with 2% (w/v) alginate or gellan film-forming solutions containing viable bifidobacteria. WVP in alginate (6.31 and 5.52 × 10⁻⁹g m/Pa s m²) or gellan (3.65 and 4.89 × 10⁻⁹ g m/Pa s m²) probiotic coatings of papaya and apple, respectively, were higher than in the corresponding cast films. The gellan coatings and films exhibited better water vapor properties in comparison with the alginate coatings. Values > 10⁶ CFU/g B. lactis Bb -12 were maintained for 10 d during refrigerated storage of fresh-cut fruits, demonstrating the feasibility of alginate- and gellan-based edible coatings to carry and support viable probiotics on fresh-cut fruit.     

Effects of Low-dose Gamma Irradiation and Conventional Treatments on Shelf Life and Quality Characteristics of Diced Celery

ABSTRACT: The effects of 0.5 and 1.0 kGy gamma irradiation on microbial and sensory characteristics of diced celery were compared to conventional treatments such as acidification, blanching, and chlorination. Aerobic plate counts for the irradiated celery did not exceed 10⁷ CFU/g, in contrast, the acidified, blanched, chlorinated, and control samples surpassed aerobic microbial counts of 10⁸ CFU/g in 22, 19, 12, and 8 d, respectively. Importantly, the 1.0-kGy treatment eliminated inoculated Listeria monocytogenes and E. coli. While the acidified and blanched samples had significantly different sensory profiles compared to the other treatments, the irradiated samples maintained their color, texture, and aroma longer and were preferred in the sensory tests. The sensory shelf life of the 1.0-kGy-treated celery was 29 d compared to 22 d for the control, chlorinated, and 0.5 kGy, and 15 d for the acidified and blanched celery.     

CHALLENGE STUDIES WITH PROTEOLYTIC CLOSTRIDIUM BOTULINUM IN YEAST AND CHEMICALLY LEAVENED CRUMPETS PACKAGED UNDER MODIFIED ATMOSPHERES

Challenge studies were done with proteolytic Clostridium botulinum (10³ spores/g) in yeast-and chemical-leavened crumpets (50-g) packaged in air with an ethanol vapor (2-G Ethicap®) generator or in 100% CO₂ and stored at ambient temperature (25C) for 30 days. Neurotoxin was detected in all gas- (CO₂) packaged crumpets after 5 days regardless of the method of leavening. While neurotoxin was delayed for 10 days in chemical-leavened Ethicap®-packaged crumpets, it was not detected in any similarly packaged yeast-leavened crumpets throughout storage. This inhibition of growth and neurotoxin production by C. botulinum was attributed to the production of ethanol by Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the yeast leavened crumpets, in conjunction with the ethanol vapor generated by the Ethicap® sachets (2-G), to levels to inhibitory to the growth of C. botulinum (>2.8% v/v). Subsequent challenge studies in sterile crumpets inoculated with either C. botulinum (10³ spores/g) or a co-inoculum of C. botulinum (10³ spores/g) and S. cerevisiae (10⁵ CFU/g) confirmed the significant role (p<0.001) of S. cerevisiae in enhancing the antibotulinal efficacy of ethanol vapor. These studies showed that the method of crumpet leavening could have a profound effect on the growth of and neurotoxin production by C. botulinum in crumpets packaged under modified atmospheres.     

Influence of exposure to light on the sensorial quality of minimally processed cauliflower

ABSTRACT:  The impact of lighting on minimally processed cauliflower packaged in 4 different film types (PVC and 3 P-Plus) has been measured and quantified. The effect on the sensorial quality of storage at 4 °C in darkness and partial or continuous lighting was evaluated. The gas concentrations in the packages and the weight losses were also determined. Atmosphere composition inside the packages depended on both the permeability of the film used for the packaging and exposure to light. Samples stored with lighting maintained the gaseous exchange between plant tissue and the atmosphere inside the packages for longer periods than in samples kept in darkness. This prompted a greater loss of water vapor as well as the development of atmospheres with low levels of O₂ and high levels of CO₂ in the samples packed with less permeable films. The most important aspect in sensory evaluation was color. In instrumental color evaluation, coordinates h * and L * were the main means for estimating color evolution. The presence of light accelerated browning in the cut zones. The development of abnormal coloring in these areas marked the end of shelf life for minimally processed cauliflower. Among the sensory attributes studied, color was the most affected by exposure to light. Samples packed in P-Plus 120 film displayed the lowest level of color deterioration in the cut zones. However, under lit conditions, the low permeability of this film caused atmospheres with very low O₂ contents and high CO₂ contents. These atmospheres produced a loss of texture and the development of off-odors.     

EVALUATION OF BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY IN SELECTED COMMERCIAL INFANT FORMULAS AVAILABLE IN POLAND AND EGYPT

One hundred samples of commercial infant formula bought in shops in the Poznan region (Poland) and Cairo region (Egypt) were investigated. Samples were analyzed for aerobic plate counts (APC), total Bacillus cereus (TBC), and incidences of Bacillus spp. and coliforms. The mean APC and TBC did not show any important variation with country, being practically the same in products bought in Poland and Egypt. All commercial infant formula analyzed immediately after opening were of satisfactory bacteriological quality, exhibiting APC lower than 10⁴ CFU g⁻¹ (mean 4.9 × 10²) and TBC lower than 10³ CFU g⁻¹ (mean 1.1 × 10²). However, 60% of the examined fruit juice and ready-to-feed infant formula presented TBC above the recommendation safety limit after storage at 22C for 72 h and at 35C for 48 h. In most cases the mean log APC and TBC were highest (P > 0.05) for fruit juice and ready-to-feed infant formula stored at elevated temperature (35 ± 1C).     

The distribution of Enterobacteriaceae and some pathogenic micro-organisms in nonbranded white cheese samples sold in Ankara city

In this research, 75 samples of nonbranded white cheese, presented for sale in small markets from various regions and bazaars in Ankara, were studied. Eighty-six isolates, 71 of which are Gram-negative isolates and 15 of which are Gram-positive isolates, were obtained. These isolates were identified by using bioMérieux API20E and classical methods. Total mesophilic bacteria counts and total coliform bacteria counts were carried out for each white cheese sample. The total average mesophilic bacteria of 75 white cheese samples was 15.5 × 10⁵ cfu/g and the total average coliform bacteria were 13.6 × 10⁵ cfu/g.     

Effect of inoculation with lactic acid bacteria on extending the shelf-life of vacuum-packed cold smoked salmon

Extending the shelf-life of vacuum-packed cold smoked salmon was tested with lactic acid bacteria. Carnobacterium spp. (10 and 39) isolated from seafood, one type strain C. piscicola NCDO 2762 and a Lactobacillus plantarum strain commonly used in meat industry, were sprayed on both sides of commercial smoked salmon slices (10⁸ CFU g⁻¹) which were vacuum packaged and stored at 4°C for up to 28 days. A control sprayed with sterile physiological saline was used. In one trial, after storage with strains 10 and 39, the smell of inoculated slices became significantly less acid, sour, amine and rancid, and more specifically salmon than the control, with maximum effect after 3 weeks. These differences were not so pronounced in laboratory-processed slices for these two strains nor for C. piscicola and L. plantarum , probably because the initial counts were much lower. The effect on H₂S-producing bacteria was variable. The yeast and mould count was always reduced on the inoculated samples. Odour differences did not correlate with chemical data, as similar concentrations of metabolites were observed in both standard and assay tests.     

Effect of Inoculation Level of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Yogurt Cultures on Conjugated Linoleic Acid Content and Quality Attributes of Fermented Milk Products

ABSTRACT:  The effect of inoculation concentration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and yogurt cultures and storage time on conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) content and quality attributes of fermented milk products was determined. Yogurt culture ( Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, 1:1 ratio, YC ) , L. rhamnosus (LB), and LB co-cultured with yogurt culture, were inoculated at 10⁶, 10⁷, 10⁸ CFU/mL into a milk with hydrolyzed soy oil as the lipid source. CLA content, microbial counts, acidity, texture, and volatile flavor profile of the fermented milk products were stable during storage at 4 °C for 14 d. Total CLA contents ranged from 0.51 to 1.00 mg CLA/g lipid following 14 d of storage. Inoculation level of L. rhamnosus and yogurt cultures had no significant effect on CLA content and texture, but affected acidity and the volatile flavor profile of the fermented milk products. The fermented milk products produced by L. rhamnosus co-cultured with yogurt culture with 10⁷ CFU/mL total inoculation level resulted in a high CLA content and desirable quality characteristics. This research demonstrated that the optimal inoculation concentration and the combination of L. rhamnosus and yogurt cultures were important factors to produce fermented milk products with CLA content and acceptable quality attributes.     

EFFECT OF HIGH HYDROSTATIC PRESSURE, GAMMA-IRRADIATION AND COMBINATION TREATMENTS ON THE MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF LAMB MEAT DURING CHILLED STORAGE

The effect of gamma irradiation (1.0 kGy) and high hydrostatic pressure (200 MPa for 30 min), either alone or in combination on the shelf-life of lamb mince meat at 0–3C was studied. Untreated control samples initially had total microbial counts of 10⁵ CFU/g, 10² CFU/g of coliforms and 10⁴ CFU/g of Staphylococcus spp. Coliforms were eliminated by all the treatments . Staphylococcus spp. however, were reduced only by 1 log cycle when treated with irradiation alone and high pressure alone. These species were a mixture of mannitol-fermenting and mannitol-nonfermenting strains. In samples subjected to the combination treatment , Staphylococcus spp. appeared only after 3 weeks of storage and all were mannitol-nonfermenting. On the basis of microbiological and sensory quality, the shelf-life of the control sample was less than 1 week. All treated meat samples had a shelf-life of 3 weeks, but only combination treated samples were free from potentially pathogenic Staphylococcus spp .