Microbiological Status in a Fully Export-Oriented Shrimp Processing Plant

The present study was carried out in the period from 1 April 2010 to 1 August 2010 to asses the st st microbial load of frozen shrimps processed for exporting to different countries of the world. For the microbial analyses, samples were collected from cooked IQF (Individual Quick Freezer) shrimp and raw block frozen shrimp. Total bacterial load of water, ice, contact surfaces at different stages were also investigated. The mean total coliforms observed in Cooked IQF shrimp was <3 ±0.00 MPN/g, while it was 23.50 ± 13.72 MPN/g in raw block frozen shrimp. Fecal coliforms for both raw block frozen and cooked IQF shrimp were <3 MPN/g. In the current investigation the SPC of normal water, UV radiated water, ice, receiving table, grading table and panning tray and worker’s hand (average of 3 samples ) were 8.34, 0, 5.14 44, 40, 31 and 23 cfu/cm respectively, which 2 were under limit of international standard. So the present findings indicate that the hygienic condition of the investigated fish processing plant was good and the quality of Cooked IQF shrimp was excellent for export.