2. What is
Environmet
Monitoring
Program (EMP) ?
Environment Monitoring Program (EMP)
describes the microbiological testing under
taken in order to detect changing trends of
microbial counts & early detection indicate
potential presence of pathogen in the
processing environment.
3. why emp is looking important ?
Correct
problem areas
before they
pose a risk
into product.
1 2 3 4
Provide
information to
improve
envionmental
control.
Verify the
effectiveness
of controls for
preventing
cross-
contamination
Enable detection of
pathogens, and
organisms that
indicate potential
presence of
pathogens.
5. 1. AssEMBLE EMP TEAM
Key step to development of a emp program
3.Identify regulatory &
Customer Requirement
2. Assemble
documentation and
information needed
4.Decide on key
parameter of emp
program
7. should be a cross-functional team that, at minimum, includes
representation of quality assurance, microbiologist, sanitation and
plant management function
Assemble
EMP Team
01
8. Includes zoning plans, details on equipment and equipment location,
EMP results obtained previously in the same facility, other
environmental programs already implemented (e.g., ATP testing),
and validation data for food safety programs (if available)
Assemble
documentation
02
12. Should also include identification of industry and regulatory
guidance documents
Identify regulatory
& Customer
Requirement
03
13. Example swab environmental monitoring program with additional customer request
parameter
Place Desc
Microbiology parameter
TPC Enterobacter Staphylococcus
aureus
Coliform Salmonella sp Listeria sp
Std: < 10 Cfu/cm2 Std: < 10 Cfu/cm2 Negative Std: < 10 Cfu/cm2 Negative Negative
Conveyor Belt < 10 < 10 Negative < 10 - -
Packing Machine < 10 < 10 Negative < 10 - -
Packing Material < 10 < 10 Negative < 10 - -
Elevator belt < 10 < 10 Negative < 10 - -
Locker room - - - - Negative Negative
Customer Request
FDA requirement for RTE
(FDA, 2017)
14. Includes target organisms, testing procedures, sample sites,
sampling frequency, number of samples collected per week or
month, sampling time and day and testing lab (in-house versus
third-party lab)
Decide on key
parameters of
emp
04
15. Example of EMP sampling freq, number of samples per zone, type & target value of each
microorganism. Each plant should customize their emp’s after careful evaluation of
microbial risk of their product. The sample freq and number of samples per zone may be
midified after reviewing the results and assessing the effectiveness of corrective action
plan.
(Cinar et al., 2021)
16. Includes record-keeping system, SOPs and written guidance for
follow-up on positive results (corrective actions).
Develop
written
documentation
05
17. Example action to be taken
following a zone 1listeria
positive.
(GMA, 2014)
18. includes training SOPs, records of training and results for tests.
Training should be delivered in a form that is easily understandable
by all personel
Train
sample
collector
06
19. training should include aseptic
technique, properly collecting
samples at each location,
ensuring the proper location is
swabbed and understanding
safety considerations for each
location
The picture beside is an example
of sampling technique using swab
sampler & sponge stick should be
trained to staff.
(3M & Cornell University, 2019)
20. Regular review of sampling plans, results and corrective actions
should occur every 6 to 12 months and needs to include the
complete emp team
Schedule
regular
review
07
21. reference
1. 3M, & Cornell University. (2019). Environmental monitoring
handbook for the food and
beverage industries. USA: 3M.
2. Cinar, A., & OnbaŞi, E. (2021). Monitoring environmental
microbiological safety in a frozen fruit and vegetable plant. Food
Sci. Technol, Campinas, 41(1): 232-237.
3. United States Food and Drug Administration. 2017. Control of
Listeria monocytogenes in Ready-To-Eat Foods: Guidance for
Industry; Draft Guidance.
4. GMA. (2014). Listeria monocytogenes guidance on
environmental moitoring and corrective actions in at-risk foods.
