Explain Environmental Sampling - Methods and Techniques?

Environmental sampling can be done for total microbial load or for some specific pathogens or spoilage organisms. The medium used is chosen accordingly. Different media like Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) broth, Plate-count agar with or without antibiotics, Pseudomonas isolation agar etc. can be employed, depending upon the purpose. Criteria for acceptable microbiological results from food contact surfaces depend on the food being processed in the facility. On the basis of nature of the site, degree of contamination and microbiological information sought, different sampling techniques can be employed for processing surfaces and air sampling.