Microbiological examination of foods sold via vending machines.

A total of 153 food specimens obtained from vending machines in Taipei city were subjects for the microbiological examination. Based on the standards for total microbial counts and total coliform counts established by the Department of Public Health, Republic of China, the unsatisfactory percentage of such counts for foods sold from vending machines were: 14% for carbonated beverages, 71% for non-carbonated beverages, 73% for ice cubes, and 100% for soft ice cream. Among the non-carbonic acid beverages examined, the unsatisfactory percentage for iced coffee, cocoa, chocolate milk, and fruit milk reached 90%. Escherichia coli and fecal streptococci each were found once. None of the pathogens causing food-poisoning were found during the study. As for the sanitation control of vending machines examined, 66 to 74% percent were unsatisfactory.