18.01.2014

New research published in the journal Applied and Environmental Microbiology suggests Salmonella bacteria can form biofilms on the surfaces of a food processing facilities, making it extremely difficult to kill. Researchers from National University of Ireland, Galway conducted a study to investigate whether certain disinfectants can kill Salmonella biofilms on a variety of hard surfaces in a food processing setting. In this study, the researchers found it was not possible to kill the Salmonella cells using any of the three disinfectants if the biofilm was allowed to grow for seven days before the disinfectant was applied. They also noted the biofilm of Salmonella gets more dense over time, and becomes more firmly attached to the surface.

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Salmonella enterica - biofilm formation and survival of disinfection treatment on food contact surfaces: By Mary Corcoran- National University of Ireland Galway