• Korean journal of food and cookery science
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• v.23 no.5
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• pp.749-760
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• 2007

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality of non-heat-processed foods and the effects of HACCP implementation. Here, cabbage salad and cucumber&onion salad were selected and we investigated HA(Hazard Analysis) by checking microbiological quality, time and temperature, pH, and water activity at each processing stage. Thus, the receiving of spices and dressings, washing and sterilizing, cutting, cooking, and serving stages were all considered CCPs. Before implementing HACCP, microbial analysis showed that standard plate counts and coliform counts were higher than standard levels in most of the raw ingredients of each menu, as well as during the production process. The microbiological quality of the utensils and employee's hands used during cooking indicated levels requiring direct management. Evaluations of falling bacteria-in the foodservice establishment work areas ranged from $2{\sim}12CFU/plate$. However, after HACCP implementation, microbiological levels improved to standard levels fly sanitation education. Also, the number of falling bacteria were lower than before implementing HACCP. Therefore, it is essential the foodservice operations make efforts to implement HACCP, so that microbiological hazard levels are lowered and hygienic status improved.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.33 no.6
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• pp.517-521
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• 2007

To assess possible risks from the consumption of drinking water from various sources, a survey of the microbiological quality of tap water, commercial bottled drinking water which is exploited from natural mineral water, and natural spring water was conducted. A total of 4 different brands of commercial bottled drinking water, and 4 types of spring water from different sources, and tap water from 4 private houses were tested for four index microorganisms, and the microbial quality changes of the water during the storage at room temperature or refrigerated temperature for 7 days. Aerobic plate counts of all of the initial water samples were still within 100 CFU/ml (drinking water standard of Korea). Total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and E. coli were not detected in all of the water samples at initial. However, aerobic plate counts of three types of spring water and three types of bottled drinking water stored at room temperature showed higher levels than the standards in 5 days. Total coliforms were detected in three types of spring water after one day's storage at room temperature, and in one type of bottled drinking water after 5 days' storage. These results indicate that some of the spring water surveyed are not safe to drink, and the spring water and bottled drinking water after opening the lid should not be stored at room temperature, if they are used for drinking.

• Journal of the Korean Home Economics Association
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.19-31
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• 2005

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality and assure the hygienic safety of the Bibimbap production in elementary school foodservice in accordance with the HACCP(Hazzard Analysis Critical Control Point) program. The time-temperature relationship and the microbiological quality(total plate count and coliform bacteria count) were assessed to find the critical control point(CCP) during each of the production phase. In the pre-preparation phase, the risk factors of the raw ingredients exceeded the standard level suggested by Solberg et al. Mungbean starch jelly, egg and Kochujang were satisfactory in that no coliform groups were observed over the standard TPC level. In particular, there was a high the risk of beef from the early stages in terms of the coliform level. In the pre-preparation phase, green pumpkin had more coliform groups than the standard level even after washed, which calls for special attention to washing, sterilization, secondary infection of the handler, and the required time for pre-preparation of raw vegetables. In the cooking phase, the temperature of the soybean sprout and mungbean starch jelly decreased to 42$^{\circ}C$ and 26$^{\circ}C$, respectively, which was within the risk zone. In particular, mungbean starch jelly had a great risk factor even after boiling in hot water. During the storage stage before serving, a lot of ingredients were exposed to poor management of temperature and time and thus exceeded the standard level in the total plate counts. In particular, the microbiological count of beef was five times the standard level. Green pumpkins and soybean sprouts were left at 15-38$^{\circ}C$ that is within the risk zone for a long period of time after they were cooked. It is highly recommended that the time of the storage stage before consumption should be shortened and that proper devices should be used to prevent proliferation of bacteria. The number of TPC of the utensils was satisfactory enough, but the knife used exceeded the standard level and thus was a risk factor of bacteria proliferation.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.259-266
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• 2015

Observed trends in climate change, globalization and an aging population have an effect on public health conditions in Korea, prompting a reevaluation of current environmental regulations. In this study, we evaluated the performance of the total coliform (TC) standard, which is the only microbiological standard in the current regulation regime for hot spring water, by estimating correlation with the presence/absence of Legionella, a non-fecal opportunistic pathogen with heat-tolerance. Microbiological data in 7 studies that surveyed Legionella in hot spring waters were subjected to meta-analyses with the odds ratio (OR) as the effect size. The presence/absence of Legionella was significantly correlated to TC levels [OR = 3.1(1.5–6.4, 95% CI), p = 0.002]. Due to there being no direct explanation as to the reason for the occurrence of TC, mesophilic fecal bacteria, being coupled with Legionella presence, the mechanism of the correlation between the two kinds of bacteria was further investigated. Legionella presence was more prevalent with a high heterotrophic plate count [HPC; 4.0(2.2–7.2); p < 0.001] and water temperature [4.3(1.4–13.6), p = 0.011] when the temperature range was <40℃. However, it was reverse-correlated with water temperature when the temperature was >50℃ [0.2(0.1–0.4), p < 0.001]. Therefore, bacterial standing crops in hot spring waters appear to be determined by water temperature in general, and this forces TC and Legionella levels be correlated. In accordance with this relationship, HPC rather than TC reflect the levels of non-fecal contamination better. Therefore, employing HPC as the sole microbiological standard, or adding HPC into the current standard of hot spring water assessment, is suggested as a proactive measure to prevent health issues arising from contamination.

• Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.143-156
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• 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate water quality through a field survey at six floor fountain sites. The floor fountain facilities were designed and operated in such a way that tap water was stored in a water tank and recycled repeatedly. The water tank was cleaned once or twice per week in the summer. The number of facility users was low during the day due to sweltering heat, but up to 40 people, mainly children, were using them around 8 pm. Since the operation time was as short as 30 minutes, it is considered necessary to extend it for at least one hour for the number of users. As a result of the water quality test of the reservoir tank prior to operation after cleaning, it was measured to be within drinking water quality standards at the six facilities. As a result of the water quality test after use, ammonia nitrogen was measured to be 1.45 mg/L at Site IV. This exceeded the drinking water quality standard of 0.5 mg/L. In the case of turbidity, two cases exceed at 7.38 and 4.52 NTU when applying 4 NTU as the water quality standard for waterscape facilities. Twenty-eight cases exceed the standard of drinking water quality. The result of microbiological tests, at five sites excepting Site I, where disinfectant was injected, was that the maximum total colony count was 180,000 CFU/mL, total coliforms was 2,100,000 CFU/100 mL, fecal coliforms was 4,600 CFU/100 mL, Escherichia coli was 170 MPN/100 mL and Enterococcus was 100 CFU/100 mL. This exceeded the water quality standards of drinking water. Children are very likely to inhale because the water spews from below and falls from above, so it is necessary to apply water quality standards for ammonia nitrogen, turbidity and microbes. Current floor fountain facilities are highly susceptible to disease caused by microbial contamination because of water cycling and reuse, so it is necessary to change the water every day, clean the water tank, and perform chlorination. Therefore, it is necessary to inject calcium hypochlorite according to the free chlorine water quality standard of swimming pools with a different water tank capacity. In addition, facilities should be improved to prevent the reuse of water by installing the water tank at a separate location.

• Journal of the Korean Dietetic Association
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.381-389
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• 2004

The purpose of this study was to investigate effectiveness of sanitization on raw vegetables not heated in foodservice operations. Microbiological examinations of food materials and cooked food with leek Gukgalli were performed in 2 HACCP-implemented foodservices (A and B) appointed by Food and Drug Administrations, and in 2 other foodservices (C and D) not implemented HACCP. 'Washing and sanitizing raw vegetables' were monitored as CCP at A and B foodservices but only washing has been done in pre-preparation at C and D foodservices. Aerobic plate counts of received leek in A and B foodservices were above $10^7$ CFU/g indicating very poor microbiological quality. After sanitization treatment (soaking for 5 minutes in chlorine water: chlorine density 50〜100 ppm), its aerobic plate counts decreased to 7.06×$10^5$ CFU/g (A foodservice) and 4.31×$10^5$ CFU/g (B foodservice), coliform and faecal coliform were not detected. With this result, the effect of microbial reduction by sanitizer was conformed. But, the conditions of leek were still not acceptable by microbiological standards for ready-to-eat foods. After three more times of rinse has been done, the microbial conditions of leek became acceptable. In C and D foodservices, aerobic plate counts of leek showed decreasing trends by 2〜4 times of washings but microbiological quality of leek after pre-preparation were unacceptable by microbiological standards for ready-to-eat foods (C foodservice: 3.58×$10^5$ CFU/g, D foodservice: 1.29×$10^9$ CFU/g). For the prevention of foodborne illness, sanitizing raw vegetables should be performed during pre-preparation of non-heated foods.

• Journal of Yeungnam Medical Science
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• v.5 no.1
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• pp.69-75
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• 1988

The drinking water in the apartment is stored in reservior tank and thereafter supplied each household. In case the drinking water is stored too long or insanitary, tap water might change in quality. This study was carried out to evaluate the physico-chemical and microbiological conditions of 36 samples of tap water of apartments compared to 18 samples of tap water of independence houses in Taegu City from May to October, 1987. Main findings are summarized as follows : PH values were within normal range in all samples. Samples less than 0.2ppm in residual chlorine accounted for 16.7% in the appartment and 5.6% in the independence house. Nitrite nitrogen was detected 2.8% of apartment samples only. Among the total of 54 samples, 11.1% of the apartment and independence samples were over the normal value in standard plate count. Samples more than 1.8 of most probable number(MPN) accounted for 27.8% in the apartment and 33.3% in the independence house. In result of test for residual chlorine, nitrite nitrogen, standard plate count, and MPN, the proportion of the samples revealed inappropriated in respect of drinking water standards. In case of all sorts of tests was 2.7% in apartment and nothing in independence houses, in case of 3 sorts of tests was 2.7% in apartment and 5.6% in independence houses, in case of 2 sorts of tests was 8.3% in apartment and 5.6% in independence houses, and in case of only 1 test was 25.0% in apartment and 22.2% in independence houses. Correlation between residual chlorine and standard plate count, and between standard plate count and MPN were observed. It was found that the more years since construction of apartment were, the worse tap water was in quality.

• Journal of the East Asian Society of Dietary Life
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• v.24 no.6
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• pp.845-852
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• 2014

The quality of commercial sauce products was evaluated through pH, soluble solid content, salinity, water activity and microbial analyses. The pH of sauces was 2.38~5.30, soluble solids were between 6.03 and 71.67, and distributions of salt were 0.23~5.00% in 32 commercial sauce products. In addition, water activity of vinegar red pepper sauce and spicy soft tofu stew stock were determined 0.773 and 0.988, respectively. Yeast, mold, Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli and coliform were not detected in any sauces. Higher level of total viable cells (TVC) resulted in pH over 4.2. TVC of shelf-stable sauces was 1.0~3.6 log CFU/g. TVC of seven sauce products was classified as non-potentially hazardous foods by temperature controlled for safety standard (TCS), even though levels were over acceptable guidelines of the USDA (3 log CFU/g). These results indicate that the standard and classification of commercial sauce products should be modified and controlled strictly.

• Korean journal of food and cookery science
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.515-530
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• 2012

This research aims to audit foodservice sanitation management practices and to assess microbiological quality of foods and their food contact environments in kindergartens. Sanitation auditing was conducted in 10 kindergartens in Seoul, Gyeonggi, and Incheon areas to assess the levels of safety practices. Results revealed that the surveyed kindergartens scored 41.4 out of 100 points, on average. The average scores of each category were 6.4/11 (58.1%) for facilities sanitation, 4.2/12 (35.0%) for equipment sanitation, 2.4/10 (24.0%) for personal hygiene, 5.1/10 (51.0%) for food ingredients management, 6.0/17 (35.3%) for production process, 5.4/10 (54.0%) for environmental sanitation, 2.0/6 (33.3%) for kitchen utensils sanitation, and 2.2/6 (96.7%) for safety management. Microbiological quality of raw, prepared foods, personal sanitation (hands), environmental sanitation, and drinking water were assessed. Total plate counts (TPC) of the following menus exceeded the critical limit: seasoned leek (5 log CFU/g), cucumber (5.0 log CFU/g), panbroiled fish paste (TNTC at $10^4$), tangpyeongchae (5.3 log CFU/g), egg rolls (6.1 log CFU/g), panbroiled sausage (TNTC at $10^4$), and soft tofu pot stew (TNTC at $10^4$). Coliform which exceeded the standard limit were detected from seasoned leek (2 log CFU/g), cucumber (2.5 log CFU/g), panbroiled fish paste (2.0 log CFU/g), egg roll (3.8 log CFU/g), tangpyeongchae (4.0 log CFU/g), panbroiled sausage (2.3 log CFU/g), and soft tofu pot stew (3.7 log CFU/g). For seasoned foods (muchim), S. aureus ranged 2.2~2.9 log CFU/g. In food workers' hands, microbial profiles ranged 3.8~7.9 log CFU/hand for TPC, ND~4.5 log CFU/hand for coliforms, ND~4.7 log CFU/hand for S. aureus, and ND~5.3 log CFU/hand for Enterobacteriaceae. Microbiological profiles of food contact surface of knives, cutting boards, dish-clothes, and trays showed possibilities of cross-contamination. General bacteria were 2.1~4.5 logCFU/ml in 4 purified water samples and E. coli were found in the kitchen of one kindergarten. These results suggested that environmental sanitation management practices need more strict improvement: effective sanitation education methods and practices were strongly required, and more strict sanitation management for cooking utensils and equipment were required.

• Korean Journal of Ecology and Environment
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• v.39 no.3 s.117
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• pp.285-295
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• 2006

Korean water quality standards for the protection of agricultural water uses were originally derived based on management of public water resource. They were not prepared to protect crop plants from contaminants, and therefore required water parameters in agricultural uses were excluded in current water quality standards. Korean water standards in river and lake have five levels, and level IV is correspondent to agricultural water uses. Currently, there is no Korean guidelines to protect crop plants from contaminants contained in agricultural water. In Canada, agricultural water guidelines are provided to protect crops from contaminants. In this study, agricultural water quality standards in Korea were compared with them in developed countries to evaluate the adequacy of Korean water quality standards for the protection of agricultural water uses. Additional water quality parameters in agricultural uses were also proposed. Suggested parameters include electric conductivity, sodium, chloride, boron, copper, iron, zinc, and microbiological quality, They are the required parameters to protect crop plants as well as human health. Current water quality standards in agricultural uses was not considered to be appropriate in terms of crop protection. Additional water parameters should be included in agricultural water quality standards.