Killing of Campylobacter on contaminated plastic and wooden cutting boards by glycerol monocaprate (monocaprin)

Aims: Contamination in the kitchen with foodborne bacteria is a risk factor in human exposure to these pathogens, an important route being transfer of bacteria from contaminated cutting boards and other surfaces to humans. The aim of this study was to test microbicidal emulsions of glycerol monocaprate (monocaprin) against Campylobacter on contaminated cutting boards. Methods and Results: Plastic and wooden cutting boards, soiled with meat juice heavily contaminated with Campylobacter, were treated for 2 min with emulsions of monocaprin (MC) made in water or in buffer at low pH. Viable Campylobacter counts were reduced below the detectable level on plastic board surfaces after treatment with MC emulsions with or without 1·25% washing-up liquids (WUL). The counts were also greatly reduced on wooden boards (P < 0·05). Conclusions: Monocaprin emulsions and mixtures of MC emulsions and WUL may be useful as sanitizersdisinfectants in kitchens and in other food preparing and processing facilities. Significance and Impact of the Study: Cleaning with MC emulsions with or without WUL may reduce the risk of human exposure to Campylobacter.