Module 4 Ham & Cooked Pork
11 Microbiological standards
Last Updated: 5 Jan 2022.
11.1 Sampling & testing plan for microbiological standards
11.1.1 The site shall have a sampling plan and testing regime in place for the routine monitoring of the microbiological compliance of the finished products listed on the sites BMPA Quality Assured Ham and Cooked Pork certificate of conformity.
11.1.2 Where out of specification results occur, there shall be evidence that this is subject to investigation, trend analysis or other specific corrective actions.
Guidance
It is important that the sampling plan covers the scope of approved products listed on the Certificate of Conformity.
ACC counts in excess of 1 x 104 cfu/g may result in further investigation for example, Listeria monocytogenes.
Enterobacteriaceae counts in excess of 102 may result in further Investigation for e.g. Salmonella spp/E.coli.
Evidence
Records shall cover the period since the last audit. Although the accreditation element shall have been covered under the core requirement, the site shall retain a copy of the laboratory’s accreditation and the scope of the tests of the certification. Sampling schedules aligned to the scope of approved products and microbiological reports since the last audit. Evidence of corrective actions taken where non-conformance has been highlighted.
11.2 Microbiological testing for whole units
Product shall be tested weekly to demonstrate compliance with the following start of life microbiological targets:
| Test | Target | Not acceptable |
|---|---|---|
| ACC @ 30°C | <1 x 103 | >1 x 104 |
| Enterobacteriaceae @(37°C) 24 hrs | <10 | >100 |
| Staph Aureus (coag.+ve)@ 37°C 48 hours | <20 | > 102 |
| Salmonella (in 25gsample) | Absent | Present |
| Listeria spp and L. monocytogenes | Absent in 25g sample | >100 cfu/g at any time during shelf life |
11.3 Microbiological testing for slices
Product shall be tested weekly to demonstrate compliance with the following start of life microbiological targets:
| Test | Target | Not acceptable |
|---|---|---|
| ACC @ 30°C | <5 x 103 | >1 x 105 |
| Enterobacteriaceae @(37°C) 24 hrs | <102 | >1 x 103 |
| Staph Aureus (coag.+ve)@ 37°C 48 hours | <20 | > 102 |
| Salmonella (in 25gsample) | Absent | Present |
| Listeria spp and L.monocytogenes | Absent in 25g sample | >100 cfu/g at any time during shelf life |