Verificación del cumplimiento de protocolos de limpieza mediante el control microbiológico de superficies vivas e inertes en la cafetería de la Clínica “San Juan Bautista” del Valle

Abstract

Foodborne illnesses (FBIs) can pose a significant risk in hospital settings, as inadequate handling and hygiene of food intended for hospitalized patients can contribute to the development of healthcare-associated infections. This situation underscores the importance of ensuring food safety through the proper application of cleaning protocols and microbiological control of surfaces in food preparation and service areas. This study aimed to evaluate the degree of microbial contamination on live and inert surfaces in the cafeteria of the "San Juan Bautista" Clinic, located in El Valle, Cuenca, Ecuador, in order to verify compliance with cleaning protocols. An observational and analytical study with a quantitative approach was carried out, in which the microbial load of total coliforms and Staphylococcus aureus was determined as indicators of contamination, using as a reference the microbiological limits established in the Technical Guide for the Microbiological Analysis of Surfaces in Contact with Food and Beverages of Peru. The analysis was performed on 13 surfaces over six days, with duplicate tests conducted using Petrifilm plates. The results showed that inert surfaces met the established parameters for total coliforms during the study period. Regarding live surfaces, compliance with the permitted limits for Staphylococcus aureus was observed; however, on certain days, total coliform levels exceeded the established limits. These findings highlight the need to strengthen hygiene practices among food handlers in order to optimize food safety conditions.