Microorganisms Acquired During Transport, Handling and Processing of Raw Foods

Microorganisms can come from truck, tanker, food handlers and equipment and utensils used in the harvesting, transport and processing of foods. Personnel who come in contact with the food directly or indirectly can transmit the microorganisms present on their skin, hands, mucous membrane, intestine and also on clothing. Food handlers with poor hygiene and unsanitary habits are most likely to contaminate the food with enteric microorganisms. Microorganisms present on the equipments and utensils, like, knives, containers, trays, pipes, tables, conveyor belts, filters, grinders etc., processing surfaces and environment and also from packaging materials can enter into the food.