Fish Microbiology and Quality Assurance

Unit 4 - Food preservation techniques and microorganisms

4.6.4. Cell aggregates
Microorganisms occur either as single cells or as aggregates consisting of clumps or chains of cells. Microorganisms always grow attaching on to suspended organic and inorganic substances rich in nutrients. In food industry spoilage and pathogenic organisms grow on food residues and serve as continuous source of contamination to food. Also, the bacterial cell aggregates are more resistant to cleaning and disinfection in food industry. As the microbial cells occur in several layers on food residues and surfaces containing nutrients, the cells in the inner layers are not exposed to disinfection treatment and hence survive better. Formation of bacterial cell aggregates need to be prevented in any food handling and processing environment by following good sanitary measures.