Study compares performance of ATP hygiene monitoring systems

A study found not all hygiene monitoring systems produce the same quality of test results, but 3M’s Clean-Trace Hygiene Monitoring and Management System came out on top.

The ZERO2FIVE Food Industry Centre at Cardiff Metropolitan University in Wales, UK, compared the performance of nine ATP hygiene monitoring systems. 3M Food Safety announced the results, which concluded that 3M’s system was the only one to provide stable and consistent results across time and temperature.

Each system tests for the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), an indicator molecule for biological residue that can be found after cleaning and provides an overall measure of cleanliness in production environments. They help food and beverage processors manage risk and identify areas with potential high contamination, which is why it is important that their results are reliable, consistent and able to meet demands of food manufacturing environments.

To test the stability of results of the nine systems, a known amount of ATP was applied on the swab and read repeatedly over two minutes. The researchers analysed how the results varied over time, with tests conducted at 10, 20 and 35°C.

The study revealed ATP systems vary in the quality of their results, with only the 3M Clean-Trace Hygiene Monitoring System producing acceptable results at all times and temperatures, the company said.

“In food production, starting the manufacturing process is a high-risk decision placing the health of your business and consumers at stake,” said Tom Dewey, 3M Food Safety Global Marketing Manager. “A reliable ATP monitoring system that provides stable and consistent results allows you to proactively manage risk in your operation and feel comfortable making the decision to go ahead with production.”

3M Food Safety said it commissioned the research to help the food and beverage industries optimise the quality and safety of their products and to support consumer protection.