The aim of the priority action was to determine the microbiological status of already prepared starchy foods. Starchy foods, as side dishes or desserts, can pose a microbiological risk due to improper storage or holding time.

195 samples from all over Austria were analysed. Six samples were rejected:

• Two samples were assessed as unfit for human consumption
• Four samples were assessed as impaired

In addition to spoilage and hygiene indicator germs (aerobic mesophilic germs, Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, coagulase-positive staphylococci, presumptive Bacillus cereus), pathogenic germs (Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes) were also analysed in the microbiological parameters.