- Traditional microbiological testing methods usually take 24–72 hours, which makes risk handling delayed.
- The modern solution applied by many restaurants – hotels today is Kikkoman's Lumitester Smart ATP meter – a device that checks surface cleanliness quickly in just a few seconds.
How does the Lumitester Smart ATP meter work?
The Lumitester Smart uses the principle of bioluminescence:
- Use a test swab (LuciPac) to wipe the surface to be checked
- ATP reacts with the light-producing enzyme
- The device measures the light intensity → and gives the result in RLU (Relative Light Unit)
- Time to results: only 10 seconds
- High sensitivity – detects even very small stains
Applications of the ATP meter in restaurants – hotels
1. Kitchen checks (Kitchen Hygiene)
- Food preparation table surfaces
- Knives, cutting boards, cooking utensils
- Food processing machinery
👉 Ensures compliance with HACCP & ISO 22000 standards
2. Guest room hygiene control (Housekeeping)
- Door handles
- TV remote controls
- Sinks, toilets
- Table and chair surfaces
👉 Helps improve service quality and customer satisfaction
3. Checks in public areas
- Elevators
- Reception counters
- Buffet areas
👉 Reduces the risk of cross-contamination in crowded environments
Outstanding benefits of using Lumitester Smart
✔ Quick testing – decide immediately
No need to wait for microbiological results → act on the spot
✔ Clear quantification
The RLU index helps:
- Compare before – after cleaning
- Evaluate staff effectiveness
✔ Easy to use
- No specialist technician required
- Suitable for internal training
✔ Standardize the cleaning process
- Build clear SOPs
- Control quality consistently
Comparison with the traditional method
👉 Combining both methods will bring optimal control effectiveness.
Standard ATP testing procedure
- Select the location to be tested
- Swab the surface sample with a test swab
- Put it into the reader
- Record the RLU
- Compare with the standard threshold
- Take action (re-clean if needed).
In a context where customers are increasingly concerned about hygiene and food safety, applying technology such as Kikkoman's Lumitester Smart is a strategic move that helps:
- Raise hygiene standards
- Reduce food safety risks
- Enhance the brand reputation of restaurants – hotels
👉See also the article ATP meter | Lumitester Smart surface hygiene testing meter | Kikkoman
