title: [Definition of the term "work with pathogenic microorganism" a problem of quality control in the food industry (author's transl)].
abstract: According to the Federal Communicable Disease Act a permission is required for work with pathogenic microorganisms. Current interpretations of these legal requirements, however, pose considerable problems. For example it is quite open whether the determination of total counts or sterility tests are to be considered as work with pathogenic organisms or not. In a recent article a prominent representative of the federal health authority has discussed some of the aspects of this topic Unfortunately no progress in defining the term "work with pathogenic microorganisms" has been achieved. Therefore it seemed necessary to come back to that issue. The discussion presented here shows that the wording of the Federal Communicable Disease Act implies a rather restrictive interpretation of these provisions. Total counts, sterility tests, microbial flora analysis and salmonella tests in food quality control should not be considered as work with pathogenic microorganisms at all. Because of the great importance of these legal provisions health authorities definitely should avoid vague interpretation. Instead, if necessary, proper amendment of the legislation should be considered.
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000472:pathogenicity; D003140:Communicable Disease Control; D005516:Food Microbiology; D005525:Food-Processing Industry / Q000592:standards*; D005860:Germany, West; D007881:Legislation, Food; D008828:Microbiological Techniques; D011786:Quality Control; D012475:Salmonella
vernacular_title: Die Abgrenzung des Begriffs "Arbeiten mik Krankheitserregern". Ein Problem der bakteriologischen Betriebskontrolle.