Disposable frocks, manufactured by Precise
Systems, LLC, and made of an innovative
clothing material formed by an inner layer of a spun-bond polypropylene material reinforced by an outer layer of polyethylene, were compared with the cotton/polyester materials used in frocks typically worn in food plants today. The growth and absorption of bacteria on these materials were compared as an indicator
of the sanitary conditions of the disposable
frocks. These materials were cut into 2 x 2-
inch pieces and were inoculated with generic
Escherichia coli, E. coli O157:H7, Listeria
monocytogenes, and Salmonella spp. Samples
were collected after allowing microorganisms
to attach for 0, 1, 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours. In most instances, the cotton/polyester absorbed and maintained the initial inoculation rate over the sampling times. Polypropylene was somewhat absorbent, but contamination rates were slightly lower than on cotton/polyester. Polyethylene material was non-absorbent and performed the best, especially with Listeria monocytogenes. The data indicate that the non-absorbent property of polyethylene does not provide a reservoir for microorganisms, allows run-off, and therefore potentially reduces
the opportunity for cross-contamination
of food products.
