Control de calidad microbiológico en la cadena de producción de bebidas no alcohólicas en POSTOBÓN S.A.

Abstract

This study evaluated the microbiological quality monitoring and control system in the soft drink production chain at Postobón S.A. To achieve this objective, different sampling points were selected in the soft drink production chain, from raw material to finished product, and different microbiological analysis techniques were used. The techniques used were bioluminescence with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) on the surfaces of equipment and utensils, analysis of the finished and in-process product of brands such as Hit and Gatorade, evaluation of raw materials such as caps and containers, analysis of aseptic fruit pulp, sugar, other micro ingredients (modulators, pectin, flavors, emulsions), and microbiological analysis of water used in the production of nonalcoholic beverages. For microbiological analyses, techniques such as depth seeding, membrane filtration and seeding on rehydratable film (Petrifilm) were used. The results obtained indicated good management and manufacturing practices in the company. However, some areas were identified in the production chain and performance that would induce a reduction in the operational costs of the microbiological quality monitoring and control system in the soft drink production chain. Possible recommendations include the implementation of on-line monitoring systems for some key microbiological parameters in the industrial process and the revision and updating of sampling points. In conclusion, this study allowed an analysis of the microbiological quality monitoring and control in the soft drink production chain at Postobón S.A. The results indicate that, although the current system works well, there are areas within the production chain that could improve performance and reduce operational costs.