Efficacy of Manufacturer Recommendations for the Control of Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes in Food Ink Capsules Utilized in 3D Food Printing Systems

•Manufacturer recommendations are often inadequate for cleaning 3D food ink capsules.•Dishwasher position plays a significant role in 3D food ink capsule cleaning.•Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes were removed similarly.•Manual washing was not significantly different from the dishwasher heavy cycle.•Complex soil matrices lead to decreased cleaning in the dishwasher speed cycle. The adoption of 3D food printing systems has allowed for the personalization of food properties such as color, shape, and texture. This study aimed to determine if manufacturer cleaning recommendations for stainless steel food ink capsules utilized in 3D food printers adequately control foodborne pathogens of concern, as the recommendations have not been tested. A cocktail of ∼9 log10 CFU/mL each of Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes was inoculated onto the interior surface of the capsules. Capsules were either unsoiled or soiled with one of the following: butter, protein powder solution, powdered sugar solution, or a mixture containing all three food components. The prepared capsules underwent one of three hygienic protocols: manual washing (MW), a dishwasher speed cycle (DSC), or a dishwasher heavy cycle (DHC). The interaction effect between DSC and the soil mixture was significant (P = 0.01), with the combination achieving an estimated mean log reduction of 5.28 (95% CI: 4.61, 6.05) for L. monocytogenes and 6.69 (95% CI: 6.03, 7.41) for S. Typhimurium. The DSC was the least effective method of cleaning when compared with MW and the DHC. No significant differences were found by placing capsules on the right or left side of the dishwasher (P > 0.1). The interaction effect between wash type and capsule position was significant (P = 0.0007), with the soil mixture and DSC combination achieving an estimated mean log reduction of 3.48 (95% CI: 2.72, 4.45) for the front-most position versus 7.92 (95% CI: 6.72, 9.31) for the back-most position. Soil matrix, cleaning protocol, and capsule position all significantly impact capsule cleanability and therefore food safety risk. The DHC is recommended, and the corners should be avoided during dishwasher loading. The current study provides practical information for consumers, restaurants, industry, and regulatory industries regarding the best practices for cleaning 3D food printers.