62.31 Gathering and Interpreting Background Information
Information regarding the circumstances of production and storage and the incidence of defects in canned foods
suspected of spoilage is invaluable for diagnosis. In some cases, the cause and nature of spoilage may be evident after a
thorough review of background information.
To illustrate this point, aseptically canned foods (those where the container and product are sterilized separately and
then filled and closed) such as juices, puddings and milk do not lend themselves to the procedures listed in this chapter.
Contamination may occur in the container before filling, in the cooling of the liquid product, in a division vale area, or
in the filling or closing area. Microorganisms resulting from this cold recontamination before closing may resemble
leakage types. Therefore, subculturing usually does not help in the diagnosis. Instead, a history of the spoilage often
will pinpoint the cause. For instance, spoilage that starts early in the day and builds up to 100% by the end of the day
usually indicates recontamination of the product in the cooling, diversion or filling equipment areas. Low numbers of
spoiled food containers scattered throughout a day or period usually indicate contamination of container or lid, filtered
air or sealing machine.
A suggested “ Request for spoilage analysis” from is provided (Figure 1) for gathering background information. The
best way to use the from is to request persons submitting samples to fill out the questionnaire at the time the collected
samples are submitted for examination. Some detailed information may not be available initially and may need to be
obtained later. One this made as to possible problems or causes spoilage, which may be confirmed with microbiological
analyses and testing of the containers.
For canned food using terminal heat processing, the suggested guide for interpretation of background information is
show in table 1. this may guide the investigator in obtaining additional information and/ or records to support the
laboratory findings