Abstract
Concern has been raised regarding the public health risks from refillable-bulk soap dispensers because they provide an environment for potentially pathogenic bacteria to grow. This study surveyed the microbial quality of open refillable bulk soap in four different food establishment types in three states. Two hundred and ninety-six samples of bulk soap were collected from foodservice establishments in Arizona, New Jersey, and Ohio. Samples were tested for total heterotrophic viable bacteria, Pseudomonas, coliforms and Escherichia coli and Salmonella. Bacteria were screened for antibiotic resistance. The pH, solids content and water activity of all soap samples was measured. Samples were assayed for the presence of the common antibacterial agents triclosan and parachlorometaxylenol. More than 85% of the soap samples tested contained no detectable microorganisms, but when a sample contained any detectable microorganisms, it was most likely contaminated at a very high level (~7 log CFU/ml). Microorganisms detected in contaminated soap included Klebsiella oxytoca, Serratia liquefaciens, Shigella sonnei, Enterobacter gergoviae, Serratia odorifera and Enterobacter cloacae. Twenty-three samples contain antibiotic resistant organisms, some of which were resistant to two or more antibiotics. Every sample containing less than 4% solids had some detectable level of bacteria, while no samples with greater than 14% solids had detectable bacteria. This finding suggests dilution and/or low-cost formulations as a cause. There was a statistically significant difference (p=0.0035) between the fraction of bacteria positive samples with no detected antimicrobial (17%) and those containing an antimicrobial (7%). Fast food operations and grocery stores were more likely to have detectable bacteria in bulk soap samples compared to convenience stores (p<0.05). Our findings underscore the risk to public health from use of refillable- bulk soap dispensers in foodservice establishments.