Sources and Extent of Microbiological Contamination of Beef Carcasses in Seven United States Slaughtering Plants

1999 ◽  
Vol 62 (2) ◽  
pp. 140-145 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOHN N. SOFOS ◽  
SHERRI L. KOCHEVAR ◽  
GINA R. BELLINGER ◽  
DENNIS R. BUEGE ◽  
DALE D. HANCOCK ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Total Coliform ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Microbiological Contamination ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Beef Carcasses ◽  
Standard Procedures ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
Fresh Feces ◽  
Sources Of Contamination ◽  
Microbiological Status

This study determined microbiological loads of beef carcasses at different stages during the slaughtering to chilling process in seven (four steer/heifer and three cow/bull) plants. Potential sources of contamination (feces, air, lymph nodes) were also tested. Each facility was visited twice, once in November through January (wet season) and again in May through June (dry season). Carcasses were sampled by aseptic excision of surface tissue (100 cm2) from the brisket, flank, and rump (30 samples each) after hide removal (pre-evisceration), after final carcass washing, and after 24-h carcass chilling. The samples were analyzed individually by standard procedures for aerobic plate counts (APC), total coliform counts (TCC), Escherichia coli biotype I counts (ECC), and presence of Salmonella. Incidence of Salmonella was higher on dry feces of older compared to younger animals, fresh feces of younger compared to older animals, and on cow/bull carcasses compared to steer/heifer carcasses. Most factors and their interactions had significant (P ≤ 0.05) effects on the bacterial counts obtained. Depending on plant and season, APC, TCC, and ECC were ≤104, ≤102, and ≤101 CFU/cm2 in 46.7 to 93.3, 50.0 to 100.0, and 74.7 to 100.0% of the samples, respectively. TCC exceeded 103 CFU/cm2 in 2.5% (wet season) and 1.5% (dry season) of the samples. ECC exceeded 102 CFU/cm2 in 8.7%, 0.3%, and 1.5% of the pre-evisceration, final carcass-washing, and 24-h carcass-chilling samples, respectively, during the wet season; the corresponding numbers during the dry season were 3.5%, 2.2%, and 3.0%, respectively. These data should serve as a baseline for future comparisons in measuring the microbiological status of beef carcasses, as the new inspection requirements are implemented.

Incidence of Salmonella on Beef Carcasses Relating to the U.S. Meat and Poultry Inspection Regulations

1999 ◽  
Vol 62 (5) ◽  
pp. 467-473 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOHN N. SOFOS ◽  
SHERRI L. KOCHEVAR ◽  
J. O. REAGAN ◽  
GARY C. SMITH
Keyword(s):  
Correlation Coefficients ◽  
Total Coliform ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Regulatory Requirements ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Beef Carcasses ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
Dry Seasons ◽  
The U.S

This article is part of a major study designed to collect baseline contamination data by sampling beef carcasses in seven slaughtering plants (four steer–heifer and three cow–bull plants) during both a dry season (November to January) and a wet season (May to June). Samples (n = 30) were excised from each of three carcass anatomical sites (brisket, flank, and rump) at each of three points in the slaughtering chain (pre-evisceration, following final carcass washing, after 24-h carcass chilling). A total of 3,780 samples (100 cm2 each) were analyzed for presence of Salmonella; aerobic plate counts, total coliform counts, and Escherichia coli counts were also made. After 24-h chilling, average incidence (expressed as a percentage) of Salmonella in the brisket, flank, and rump samples, respectively, for steer–heifer carcasses was 0.8 ± 1.7, 0, and 2.5 ± 5.0 for the wet season and 0.8 ± 1.7, 0, and 0 for the dry season; the corresponding percentages for cow–bull carcasses were 4.4 ± 2.0, 2.2 ± 3.9, and 1.1 ± 1.9 for the wet season and 2.2 ± 3.9, 1.1 ± 1.9, and 0 for the dry season. Depending on plant and season, ranges of probabilities of chilled steer–heifer carcasses passing the U.S. regulatory requirements for Salmonella contamination were 0.24 to 1.0 for the brisket, 1.0 for the flank, and 0.002 to 1.0 for the rump; the corresponding ranges for the chilled cow–bull carcasses were 0.25 to 1.0, 0.25 to 1.0, and 0.70 to 1.0. When the number of positive brisket, flank, and rump samples were combined, the probabilities of passing the regulatory requirements were 0.242 to 1.0 and 0.772 to 1.0 for the wet and dry seasons, respectively, in steer–heifer plants and 0.368 to 0.974 and 0.865 to 1.0 in cow–bull plants. Correlation coefficients of aerobic plate counts, total coliform counts, and E. coli counts with Salmonella incidence were higher (P ≤ 0.05) for cow–bull samples that had increased incidence of the pathogen when compared to steer–heifer samples.

Interventions to Reduce Microbiological Contamination of Beef Variety Meats

2000 ◽  
Vol 63 (1) ◽  
pp. 44-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. DELMORE ◽  
J. N. SOFOS ◽  
G. R. SCHMIDT ◽  
K. E. BELK ◽  
W. R. LLOYD ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Acetic Acid ◽  
Lactic Acid ◽  
Bacterial Contamination ◽  
Total Coliform ◽  
Hot Water ◽  
Trisodium Phosphate ◽  
Microbiological Contamination ◽  
Beef Carcasses ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
Effective Treatments

Hot water and solutions of acetic acid, lactic acid, or trisodium phosphate applied by immersion or spraying, chlorine solution applied by immersion, and exposure to steam in a pasteurization system, in a cabinet, or in combination with vacuum were evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing levels of bacterial contamination on samples of beef cheek meat, large intestine, lips, liver, oxtail, and tongue. Treated samples (five per treatment) and controls were analyzed for aerobic plate counts (APCs) on tryptic soy agar and for total coliform counts (TCCs) and Escherichia coli counts (ECCs) on Petrifilm. Acetic acid (2%) immersion and trisodium phosphate (12%) spraying and immersion for 10 s were among the most effective treatments in 16, 15, and 14, respectively, of 18 comparisons for reducing APCs, TCCs, and ECCs on four or more of the six variety meats tested. Acetic acid (2%) spraying, lactic acid (2%) immersion, and hot water (78 to 80°C) spraying for 10 s were among the most effective treatments for reducing APCs, TCCs, and ECCs on four or more of the six variety meats. Chlorine (0.005%) immersion and steam were among the least effective treatments for reducing APCs, TCCs, and ECCs on variety meats. The results indicated that interventions applied to decontaminate beef carcasses can also be considered for decontamination of variety meats.

Using Indicator Bacteria and Salmonella Test Results from Three Large-Scale Beef Abattoirs over an 18-Month Period To Evaluate Intervention System Efficacy and Plan Carcass Testing for Salmonella

2007 ◽  
Vol 70 (12) ◽  
pp. 2732-2740 ◽  
Author(s):  
JOHN R. RUBY ◽  
JUN ZHU ◽  
STEVEN C. INGHAM
Keyword(s):  
Lactic Acid ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Microbial Contamination ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Microbiological Contamination ◽  
Negative Results ◽  
Intervention Process ◽  
Beef Carcasses ◽  
Causative Factors ◽  
Plate Counts

To develop a process for predicting the likelihood of Salmonella contamination on beef carcasses, we evaluated the influence of several possible causative factors (i.e., year, abattoir, day of week, month, and intervention system components) on the risk of Salmonella and indicator organism contamination. Hide and carcass sponge samples were collected in 2005 to 2006 in six steps at three abattoirs in the East (A), Midwest (B), and Southwest (C) United States. Each abattoir used the same intervention system. Samples were analyzed for aerobic plate counts (APCs; n = 18,990) and Enterobacteriaceae counts (EBCs; n = 18,989) and the presence or absence of Salmonella (n = 5,355). Our results demonstrated that many factors play a significant role in the level of microbial contamination of beef carcasses. Overall, Salmonella prevalence and EBC levels were significantly higher in 2006 than in 2005. APCs and EBCs were highest in abattoirs A (3.57 log CFU/100 cm2) and B (1.31 log CFU/100 cm2). The odds of detecting a positive Salmonella isolate were greatest in abattoir C and lowest in abattoir A. Across the three abattoirs, the overall intervention process effectively reduced microbiological contamination. Salmonella prevalence fell from 45% (preevisceration) to 0.47% (postchilled–lactic acid), and there were APC and EBC reductions of 5.43 and 5.28 log CFU/100 cm2, respectively, from hide-on to postchilled–lactic acid samples. At each abattoir, composites of three individual EBC-negative carcass samples yielded Salmonella-negative results 97 to 99% of the time. These results suggest the possibility of using indicator test results to accurately predict the absence of Salmonella in a beef carcass sample.

scholarly journals Investigation of Heavy Metals Level in selected Boreholes around the Vicinity of some Cemeteries in Benin City, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 841-845
Author(s):  
C.A.E. Ibhadode ◽  
I.R. Ilaboya
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Pollution Index ◽  
Mean Value ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Monthly Basis ◽  
Benin City ◽  
Standard Procedures ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Concentration

Groundwater pollution by heavy metals such as lead, copper, nickel and iron is one of the major environmental issues of concern which has developed into a widely studied area. In this study, attempt was made to investigate the level of heavy metals in selected boreholes around the vicinity of cemeteries in Benin City. Seventy-two (72) samples of groundwater were taken from boreholes in 9 stations around the three cemeteries in Benin City on monthly basis. The samples were analysed for 7 heavy metals, in accordance with standard procedures. The heavy metals include; Zinc, Lead Iron, Copper, Cadmium, Nickel and Mercury. From the results of the study, a variation in the mean concentration of zinc was observed. The mean concentration of zinc in site 1 was 0.450mg/l, for site 2, it was 0.140mg/l and for site 3, it was 1.0533mg/l. For iron, mean concentration was 0.072mg/l in site 1. For site 2, mean concentration of iron was 2.140mg/l and for site 3, mean concentration of iron was 0.560mg/l. It was further revealed based on the results that mean value of heavy metals in groundwater around cemeteries in Benin City were generally lower during dry season compared to wet season. In addition, result of computed pollution index (Pi) revealed that the heavy metal with the highest potential to pollute groundwater is Cadmium, with Pi of 0.5333 and 0.400 representing dry season and wet season respectively.

scholarly journals Physico-chemical and Bacteriological Water Quality Evaluation of the Four Tributaries in Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL), South Cotabato, Philippines

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 3
Author(s):  
Tres Tinna B. Martin ◽  
Gerald G. Lobredo ◽  
Emmanuel P. Leaño ◽  
Maximo C. Aljibe ◽  
Edna P. Oconer
Keyword(s):  
Total Coliform ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Microbial Load ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Microbial Characteristics ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Domestic Use ◽  
Standard Limit ◽  
Riverine Systems

Healthy riverine systems provide ecological services that can be translated into human use and consumption. However, human activities cause environmental degradation limiting available pristine water supply and raising public health concerns. In the present study, four tributaries surrounding Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape (MMPL) were selected (Glandang, Linan, Kawit, and Amlok) for evaluation of their physicochemical and microbial characteristics between wet and dry season. The pH and total dissolved solids (TDS) of the river waters ranged from 6.75-8.68 and 55.96-221.89 ppm, respectively, with a pronounced pH fluctuation and TDS increase in Glandang and Linan tributaries from upstream to downstream stations. All tributaries showed varying dissolved oxygen (DO) levels upstream but become relatively stable downstream. All DO values, however, are below the standard limit set for freshwater quality. In terms of microbial load, total coliform ranged from 51-275 cfu/ml while E. coli showed absence (0 cfu/ml) to as high as 77 cfu/ml. Higher total coliform counts were observed on Kawit and Amlok tributaries which are situated in areas that are relatively more forested than the other two rivers. Presence of E. coli was also detected in the water samples from all tributaries. Temporal variation is significant indicating increased pH, TDS and microbial load during the wet season and DO during the dry season. The present microbial load of the four tributaries would restrict the utilization of water resource and necessitate proper treatments prior to domestic use. Read full article here.

Microbial Populations on Hides of Grazing Steers in a Forage-Based Production System in Uruguay

2008 ◽  
Vol 71 (9) ◽  
pp. 1919-1921
Author(s):  
PABLO J. ROVIRA ◽  
JOSÉ I. VELAZCO
Keyword(s):  
Escherichia Coli ◽  
Environmental Conditions ◽  
Production System ◽  
Total Coliform ◽  
Red Meat ◽  
Microbial Populations ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
Grazing Livestock ◽  
Microbiological Status ◽  
Hygienic Conditions

The objective of the study was to evaluate the microbiological status of hides of grazing steers in a typical forage-based system in Uruguay. The study was conducted on a single farm with samples taken on 3 days during the spring of 2007. Four anatomical hide sites (perineum area, flank, back, and shoulder) of 10 steers were individually swabbed each sampling day at the farm environment (n = 120). Each sample was analyzed by the Laboratorio Tecnológico del Uruguay for aerobic plate counts (APC), total coliform counts (TCC), and Escherichia coli counts (ECC). Mean log values for APC, TCC, and ECC on external animal hide surfaces, across all sampling sites, were 5.52, 1.89, and 1.70 log CFU/cm2, respectively. There were no significant differences among bacterial counts from the four hide surface locations. Mean log values for APC, TCC, and ECC were 1.49, 1.15, and 1.12 log CFU/cm2 lower, respectively, on sampling day 2 than on sampling day 3. Microbial populations on hides of grazing steers are highly variable and dependent on climatic and environmental conditions. To our knowledge this is the first study published evaluating the hygienic conditions of grazing livestock operations in Uruguay and their potential implications on the red meat chain.

Steam Vacuuming as a Pre-Evisceration Intervention To Decontaminate Beef Carcasses

1997 ◽  
Vol 60 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-113 ◽  
Author(s):  
SHERRI L. KOCHEVAR ◽  
JOHN N. SOFOS ◽  
ROBERT R. BOLIN ◽  
JAMES O. REAGAN ◽  
GARY C. SMITH
Keyword(s):  
Fecal Contamination ◽  
Total Coliform ◽  
Processing Plant ◽  
Bacterial Counts ◽  
Microbial Counts ◽  
Beef Carcasses ◽  
Processing Plants ◽  
Plate Counts ◽  
Experimental Treatments ◽  
Unit Unit

One steam-vacuuming unit (Unit A) was evaluated for removal of visible contamination and reduction of bacterial counts on beef carcass surfaces in five processing plants; a second steam-vacuuming unit (Unit B) was evaluated in two of those same plants at a later date. Experimental treatments included appropriate Controls: steam vacuuming carcass surfaces with or without visible contamination, and knife trimming surfaces with visible contamination. Depending on the processing plant, carcasses were tested on the midline or on the round. Each treatment was applied to a 103-cm2 area of the carcass surface, which was scored for visible contamination and analyzed for aerobic plate counts (APC) at 25°C and for total coliform counts (TCC). Average reductions in APC of 0.57 (Unit A) and 0.72 (Unit B) log CFU/cm2 and in TCC of 0.33 (Unit A) and 0.26 (Unit B) log CFU/cm2 were obtained by steam-vacuuming carcass surfaces which had no visible fecal contamination. Steam vacuuming and knife trimming effectively (P < 0.05) cleaned soiled carcass surfaces and reduced microbial counts. Knife trimming reduced APC and TCC by 1.38 and 1.61 log CFU/cm2 in the Unit A experiment and by 1.64 and 1.72 log CFU/cm2 in the Unit B experiment, respectively. Steam vacuuming carcass surfaces soiled with visible contamination reduced APC and TCC by 1.73 and 1.67 log CFU/cm2 (Unit-A) and by 2.03 and 2.13 log CFU/cm2 (Unit B), respectively. The results of this study suggest that both steam-vacuuming systems available at the time of the study were at least as effective as knife trimming in decontaminating beef carcasses with areas of visible contamination 2.54 cm in the greatest dimension.

scholarly journals Bacteriological assessment of dug well water in rural areas of Bangladesh

2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (7) ◽  
pp. 720-732
Author(s):  
Md. Atikul Islam ◽  
Md. Ali Akber ◽  
M. M. Majedul Islam ◽  
Md. Azharul Islam ◽  
Mukta Dutta
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Total Coliform ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Risk Category ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Government Organization ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Dug Wells ◽  
Dug Well

Abstract This study assessed the bacteriological quality of dug well waters from Jashore district – an arsenic affected area of Bangladesh. A total of 58 dug wells (42 installed by a government organization (GO) and 16 installed by a non-government organization (NGO)) were sampled in the dry and wet seasons. The samples were evaluated for total coliform (TC), faecal coliform (FC) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Sanitary inspections of the surroundings of the GO-installed dug wells identified the sources of faecal contamination. Both the GO-installed and NGO-installed dug wells had bacterial contamination. The median concentrations of E. coli among the GO-installed and NGO-installed dug wells were, respectively, 41 and 21 cfu/100 ml in the wet season, and respectively 2 and <1 cfu/100 ml in the dry season. In the wet season, 24 and 31%, respectively, of the GO-installed and NGO-installed dug wells were in the high-risk category. All of the dug wells had higher disease burden in the wet season compared to the dry season. The findings suggest that drinking water from the dug wells is likely to pose health risks to the rural communities.

Combined Effects of Lactic Acid and Nisin Solution in Reducing Levels of Microbiological Contamination in Red Meat Carcasses

2002 ◽  
Vol 65 (11) ◽  
pp. 1780-1783 ◽  
Author(s):  
YASMINA BARBOZA de MARTINEZ ◽  
KENNA FERRER ◽  
ENRIQUE MARQUEZ SALAS
Keyword(s):  
Lactic Acid ◽  
Microbial Contamination ◽  
Bacterial Load ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Microbiological Contamination ◽  
Bacterial Populations ◽  
Total Coliforms ◽  
E Coli ◽  
Beef Carcasses ◽  
Plate Counts

Changes in bacterial counts on beef carcasses at specific points during slaughter and fabrication were determined, and the effectiveness of nisin, lactic acid, and a combination of the lactic acid and nisin in reducing levels of microbiological contamination was assessed. Swab samples were obtained from the surfaces of randomly selected beef carcasses. Carcasses were swabbed from the neck, brisket, and renal site after skinning, splitting, and washing. Treatments involving lactic acid (1.5%), nisin (500 IU/ml), or a mixture of nisin and lactic acid were applied after the neck area was washed. A control group was not sprayed. Results indicated that the highest prevalence of aerobic plate counts (APCs), total coliforms, and Escherichia coli was found in the neck site after splitting, and the lowest level of microbial contamination was found after skinning. Washing with water did not significantly reduce the bacterial load. The largest reduction in APCs, total coliforms, and E. coli occurred on carcasses treated with a mixture of nisin and lactic acid. A mixture of nisin and lactic acid can be applied to beef carcasses through spray washing and can reduce bacterial populations by 2 log units.

scholarly journals Helminthofauna of Three Wild Achatina Species from a Rural Community of South Eastern Nigeria: A Potential Public Health Problem

2021 ◽  
pp. 20-27
Author(s):  
Michael O. Elom ◽  
Ifeoma A. Okpara-Elom
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Public Health Education ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Land Snails ◽  
Snail Species ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Wet Season ◽  
Standard Procedures ◽  
Almost All

A total of 405 land snails were collected by hand picking from the study area between November 2018 and August 2019. The snails were morphologically identified using standard procedures. Shannon Weiner index was used to determine the distribution of the snail species during sampling. Light and teasing methods were used to isolate some of the parasites from the snails. The snails were dissected and different parts of the viscera were examined for parasites, using standard parasitological techniques. The isolated parasites were identified using parasitological guides. Achatina achatina was the most abundant snail species while A. marginata was the least abundant. Greater numbers of snails were collected in the wet season than in the dry season, with no observed complete dominance of any of the species. In the dry season, A. fulica was infected by almost all the parasites, with an overall highest prevalence of 32.69%. More snails were infected in wet season in comparison with the dry season, with higher prevalence of (46.91%vs 32.69%). There was co-infection of the snails with at least two of the parasite species. In both wet and dry seasons, A. marginata had an overall least infection prevalence of 11.77% and 4.55% respectively while A. Fulica was infected most with prevalence of (46.91%vs 32.69%). Proper cooking of snails, proper washing of vegetables, public health education and provision of good toilet facilities are recommended for control of snail-borne parasites especially the zoonotic ones.

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