ASSESSMENT OF MICROBIOLOGICAL HYGIENE AND SAFETY IN FOOD AND WATER IN HOTELS OF CRETE PARTICIPATING IN THE HOSPITALITY OF SPECIAL OLYMPICS 2011

摘要

As part of hosting the Special Olympics 2011 in Greece the Regional Public Health Laboratory of Crete in cooperation with local Public Health Authorities performed appropriate inspections and samplings during the period 16/5/ - 4/7/2011 in 23 hotels where some of the athletes, coaches and relatives were housed. The microbiological analysis of collected samples was performed according to ISO or other legally approved methods. We found the following: I. The microbiological quality of water systems in hotels of the counties of Heraklion and Chania was very satisfactory. Quality in the hotels of the county of Rethymno was bad due to unsafe water sources. The microbiological quality of all swimming pools examined was nearly excellent. Excellent was also the hotel sea environment. II. We identified: a) Weaknesses in organizing, developing and proven preventive programs for Legionella spp. presence in water distribution systems by hotel managements, b) Water originating from unsafe sources (irrigation water, wells and illegal drillings), c) Inefficient surveillance program for Legionella spp. presence in critical locations of water distribution, d) Absence of inspections programs for water chlorination, residual chlorine and temperature in water systems. Legionella spp. was isolated in 5.9% of the 187 samples collected. III. Of 23 hotels evaluated only 15 had certified HACCP systems in place as required by EC 852/2004. Of these only 8 complied fully with the HACCP principles and had satisfactory to excellent sanitary efficiency and kitchen designs. With respect to E. coli, S. aureus, L. monocytoges and Salmonella spp presence in 393 food samples collected, 45 (11.5%), 21 (5.3%), 39 (9.9%) and 0 (0%) respectively were not in compliance wtth food standards. Under current economic conditions and desirability of attracting international visitors, significant improvements in food safety and hygiene and legal compliance by the hotel industry is a must.