Method and apparatus for applying aggregating sampling to food items

A method for microbial sampling food comprising:

• gathering a microbial sampling from multiple food items with a microbial sampling sheet, the microbial sampling sheet comprising a non-woven synthetic cloth that is absorbent, by contacting the multiple food items by sliding or moving the sampling sheet across or through the multiple food items;
• extracting microorganisms from the microbial sampling, wherein the microorganisms include non-pathogenic microorganisms and any pathogens if present;
• concentrating the microorganisms;
• isolating the microorganisms;
• determining an amount of the microorganisms and determining a presence of any pathogens;
• aggregating information from the determining of the amount of the microorganisms into a microorganism report;
• confirming the determination of the amount of the microorganisms;
• and
• reporting the microorganism report of the determination of the amount of the microorganisms and the presence of any pathogens.