Adenylate kinase amplification of ATP bioluminescence for hygiene monitoring in the food and beverage industry

Fourteen food residues, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus on stainless steel surfaces were detected using a combined assay with adeny late kinase as a cellular marker and ATP bioluminescence. The limit of sens itivity ranged from 0 . 02 to 708 mu g for minced meat and broccoli, respec tively. Both methods gave the same detection limit (10(5) cfu) for E. coli and Staph. aureus on stainless steel surfaces. The combined adenylate kinas e-ATP assay is applicable to monitor the hygiene of work surfaces, especial ly those prone to contamination by meat and vegetable residues.