Abstract
Aim: The study aimed to determine the microbial risks originating from cutting/chopping boards, which is one of the critical public health and food safety risks that may occur in artisan restaurants, which is an essential element of gastronomic culture.
Method: Within the scope of the study, microbiological samples were taken with the sterile swap from the surfaces of the cutting/chopping boards used in the kitchens of the artisan restaurants operating in the districts of Istanbul, Büyükçekmece, Çatalca, and Silivri. The samples were left to incubate at the appropriate temperature and time. Total mesophilic aerobic bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and mold-yeast were counted.
Results: In microbiological samples taken from the surfaces of cutting and chopping boards, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, total mesophyll aerobic bacteria count, and the average of mold-yeast counts were determined as 0,74; 0,61; 1,53 and 1,21 logcfu/10 cm2, respectively, in microbiological samples. The detection of Staphylococcus aureus in different numbers in the samples indicates contamination originating from personnel, and the detection of Escherichia coli in different numbers indicates contamination of fecal origin.
Conclusion: Overall, it has been determined that good manufacturing practices, one of the food safety practices of artisan restaurants, are not adequately complied with. It is possible to state that food safety control systems such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) should be implemented effectively to ensure food safety in artisan restaurants.