THE MICROBIOLOGICAL WHOLESOMENESS OF SPACE FOODS
Abstract
The microbiological requirements for space foods were established in 1964 to safeguard the health of the astronauts during a space mission. These requirements are: the total aerobic plate count shall not exceed 10,000 per gram; the total coliform count shall not exceed 10 per gram; the fecal coliforms shall be negative in one gram; the fecal streptococci shall not exceed 20 per gram; the coagulase positive staphylococci shall be negative in five grams; and the Salmonellae shall be negative in ten grams of food. During 1967 and 1968, 88 per cent of the space foods tested had total plate counts of less than 10,000 per gram; 96 percent had less than 10 coliforms per gram and 99 percent were negative for fecal coliforms; 86 percent has less than 20 streptococci per gram; and 100 percent were negative for staphylococci and Salmonellae. This report discusses the scientific and technical rationale behind these microbiological requirements. These requirements and the methodology prescribed for determining compliance therewith are documented. Both are under continued review and amendment, in keeping with up-to-date scientific knowledge and technical experience.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0701861
Entities
People
- Edmund M. Powers
- Hamed M. El-bisi
Organizations
- United States Army Soldier Systems Center