Microbiological quality of food-survey reports
ACT Health conducts regular food safety and compliance surveys on a variety of foods available in the ACT. Food samples are collected and analysed to test for the presence of various pathogenic and indicator microorganisms.
Public Health Officers collect the food samples and take appropriate action if the analysis provides an undesirable result. Microbiologists from the ACT Government Analytical Laboratory are responsible for the analysis of the food samples.
The surveys focus on locally produced and supplied food, in addition, current public health issues can impact on the focus of surveys undertaken.
Microbiology explained
Microbiology is the study of all living organisms that are too small to be visible with the naked eye. This includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae, collectively known as microorganisms.
In these microbiological surveys, the levels of target bacteria are checked in the sampled foods as some bacteria are known to cause human illness (pathogenic), for example Salmonella and some may indicate unhygienic preparation (indicator organisms).
Reports
2016-17
2015-16
- Microbiological Quality of Fried Ice Cream January - June 2016
- Microbiological Quality of Pre-Prepared Salads January - June 2016
- Microbiological Quality of Condiments 2015 - 2016
2014-15
- Microbiological Quality of Fresh Herbs July - October 2014
- Microbiological Quality of Seed Sprouts October - December 2014
- Microbiological Quality of Ready to Eat Foods 2014 - 2015
2013-14
- Microbiological Quality of Ice Cream Soft Serve Ice Cream and Gelato July - October 2013
- Microbiological Quality of Kebabs and Yeros May - June 2014
2012-13
2011-12
- Microbiological Quality of Dried Seeds and Spices April - July 2012
- Microbiological Quality of Ready-to-eat foods July 2011 - June 2012
- Microbiological Quality of Savoury Bakery Products Jan 2012 - March 2012
- Microbiological Quality of Tofu April 2012 - June 2012
2010-11
- Microbiological Quality of Kebabs May - Sept 2011
- Microbiological Quality of Ready-to-eat foods July 2010 - June 2011
- Microbiological Quality of Soft Cheeses February 2011 - April 2011
- Microbiological Quality of Sushi September - December 2011
2009-10
- Microbiological Quality of Pre-packaged Ready to Eat Foods November 2009 - June 2010
- Microbiological Quality of Pre-packaged, Refrigerated Ready to Eat Foods Nov 2009 - June 2010
Archived reports
- Bakery Survey Report 2008
- Cooked Prawns Food Survey Report Feb 2007 - March 2008
- Ready-to-eat Food Survey Report July 2006 - June 2007
- Cooked rice survey report July - Sept 2006
- Ready-to-eat Food Survey Report July 2005 - June 2006
- Ready-to-eat Food Survey Report July 2004 - June 2005
- Microbiological Quality of Raw Fish Survey Report July - Sep 2004
- Ready-to-eat Food Survey Reports July 2003 - June 2004
- Incidence of Salmonella in ACT Aquariums Oct - Dec 2003
- Long Life Refrigerated Products Survey 2003
- Ready-to-eat Food Survey Report July 2002 - June 2003