title: Application of Microbiological Method Direct Epifluorescence Filter Techique/Aerobic Plate Count Agar in the Identification of Irradiated Herbs and Spices.
abstract: Irradiation is a preservation technology used to improve the safety and hygienic quality of food. Aim of this study was to assess the applicability and validity of the microbiological screening method direct epifluorescence filter technique (DEFT)/aerobic plate count (APC) (EN 13783:2001) for the identification of irradiated herbs and spices. Tests on non-irradiated and irradiated samples of dried herbs and spices were performed. The method was based on the comparison of APC and count obtained using DEFT. In accordance with the standard reference, this method is not applicable to samples with APC<103colony forming units (CFU)/g and this is its main limit. The results obtained in our laboratories showed that in 50% of cases of non-irradiated samples and in 96% of the samples treated with ionising radiation, the method was not applicable due to a value of CFU/g <103.
authors: Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana , Roma.
authors: Maria Concetta
authors: MC
authors: Campagna
authors: Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana , Roma.
authors: Maria Teresa
authors: MT
authors: Di Schiavi
authors: Microbiologia Alimentare, Laboratorio di Prevenzione ASL Milano.
authors: Marina
authors: M
authors: Foti
authors: Unità Operativa di Biologia ARPA Verona , Italy.
authors: Maria Cristina
authors: MC
authors: Mosconi
authors: Unità Operativa di Biologia ARPA Verona , Italy.
authors: Giuseppina
authors: G
authors: Mattiolo
authors: Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Regioni Lazio e Toscana , Roma.
authors: Roberta
authors: R
authors: Cavallina
keywords: DEFT/APC; EN 13783:2001; Herbs; Irradiated food; Spices