Microbiological Testing of Raw, Boxed Beef in the Context of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point at a High-Line-Speed Abattoir

2000 ◽  
Vol 63 (12) ◽  
pp. 1681-1686 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. W. F. JERICHO ◽  
G. C. KOZUB ◽  
V. P. J. GANNON ◽  
C. M. TAYLOR

The efficacy of cold storage of raw, bagged, boxed beef was assessed microbiologically at a high-line-speed abattoir (270 carcasses per h). At the time of this study, plant management was in the process of creating a hazard analysis critical control point plan for all processes. Aerobic bacteria, coliforms, and type 1 Escherichia coli were enumerated (5 by 5-cm excision samples, hydrophobic grid membrane filter technology) before and after cold storage of this final product produced at six fabrication tables. In addition, the temperature-function integration technique (TFIT) was used to calculate the potential number of generations of E. coli during the first 24 or 48 h of storage of the boxed beef. Based on the temperature histories (total of 60 boxes, resulting from 12 product cuts, five boxes from each of two fabrication tables on each of 6 sampling days, and six types of fabrication tables), TFIT did not predict any growth of E. coli (with or without lag) for the test period. This was verified by E. coli mean log10 values of 0.65 to 0.42 cm2 (P > 0.05) determined by culture before and after the cooling process, respectively. Counts of aerobic bacteria and coliforms were significantly reduced (P < 0.001 and P < 0.05, respectively) during the initial period of the cooling process. There were significant microbiological differences (P < 0.05) between table-cut units.

1999 ◽  
Vol 62 (7) ◽  
pp. 778-785 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. ARTHUR SENKEL ◽  
ROBIN A. HENDERSON ◽  
BEVERLY JOLBITADO ◽  
JIANGHONG MENG

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the practices of Maryland cider producers and determine whether implementing hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) would reduce the microbial contamination of cider. Cider producers (n = 11) were surveyed to determine existing manufacturing practices and sanitation. A training program was then conducted to inform operators of safety issues, including contamination with Escherichia coli O157:H7, and teach HACCP concepts and principles, sanitation procedures, and good manufacturing practice (GMP). Although all operators used a control strategy from one of the model HACCP plans provided, only one developed a written HACCP plan. None developed specific GMP, sanitation standard operating procedures, or sanitation monitoring records. Six operators changed or added production controls, including the exclusion of windfall apples, sanitizing apples chemically and by hot dip, and cider treatment with UV light or pasteurization. Facility inspections indicated improved sanitation and hazard control but identified ongoing problems. Microbiological evaluation of bottled cider before and after training, in-line apples, pomace, cider, and inoculated apples was conducted. E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, or Staphylococcus aureus were not found in samples of in-line apple, pomace, and cider, or bottled cider. Generic E. coli was not isolated on in-coming apples but was found in 4 of 32 (13%) in-line samples and 3 of 17 (18%) bottled fresh cider samples, suggesting that E. coli was introduced during in-plant processing. To produce pathogen-free cider, operators must strictly conform to GMP and sanitation procedures in addition to HACCP controls. Controls aimed at preventing or eliminating pathogens on source apples are critical but alone may not be sufficient for product safety.


2000 ◽  
Vol 63 (11) ◽  
pp. 1523-1528 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. W. F. JERICHO ◽  
J. HO ◽  
G. C. KOZUB

The operation of the high-line speed cattle abattoir studied follows a plant-created hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) plan that is recognized by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Measurement of bioaerosols is not a part of this plan. In this study CFUs in air of selected abattoir processes were enumerated after impinging air onto tryptic soy agar plates with a slit air sampler for 10 to 20 min. The total viable count (TVC) per liter of air was calculated for each sample following incubation at 30°C for 24 h. Monthly samples were collected on the hide removal floor and the carcass dressing floor from March 1998 to April 1999. Mud tag, dirt, and wetness of incoming hides were scored subjectively on the hide removal floor. The other processes were sampled in 3 separate months. The TVC at two locations on the hide removal floor (center of hide removal floor [CHF] and top of hide puller [THP]) had a strong association to each other (r = 0.84; P < 0.001). The mean TVC at the CHF and THP was 10.0 and 11.5, respectively, and the TVC for individual samples ranged from 2 to 42 at these locations. The TVC means for all the other processes ranged from 0.01 to 0.7. Tag and TVC on the hide removal floor had a different seasonal distribution with TVC being highest in the warm months (April to October 1998) and lowest for November to April 1999. No significant relations between TVC and the dirt and wetness variables were evident for the CHF and THP locations on the hide removal floor. It was concluded that the control of aerosols in the hide removal floor should be treated as a critical control point in the HACCP plan.


1997 ◽  
Vol 60 (12) ◽  
pp. 1509-1514 ◽  
Author(s):  
KLAUS W. F. JERICHO ◽  
GERALD C. KOZUB ◽  
VICTOR P. J. GANNON ◽  
ELIZABETH J. GOLSTEYN THOMAS ◽  
ROBIN K. KING ◽  
...  

Methods are described which were used to verify the microbiological adequacy of the processes of production and chilling of carcasses at a high-line-speed abattoir. Ten excision samples (5 by 5 by 0.2 cm) were taken from each of 16 to 20 carcasses for each evaluation of these processes. Twelve monthly evaluations were made for the slaughter of steers, heifers, and cows and additional evaluations for each of the slaughter of cows and the chill process of carcasses. The ranges of the estimated mean log10 most probable number of growth units per square centimeter (LMPN, for 236 carcasses) and Escherichia coli per square centimeter (LEC, for 240 carcasses) enumerated by hydrophobic-grid membrane filter technology for the 12 monthly evaluations of the slaughter floor were 1.11 to 1.62 (LMPN) for single samples and 0.20 to 0.65 (LEC) for pooled samples. Based on a published advisory scale for the slaughter floor the aerobic bacterial counts reflect a cleanliness level of ”excellent” to “good.” For single evaluations of cow carcasses at the end of slaughter and of chilled carcasses the mean LMPN was 1.78 (“good”) and 1.40 respectively. From pooled samples of each of the 236 steer, heifer, and cow carcasses the pathogen E. coli O157:H7 was identified by polymerase chain reaction on one carcass whereas Listeria monocytogenes was identified on 14 carcasses. Verocytoxigenic E. coli (6 isolates) and L. monocytogenes were not isolated from the same carcasses. These low isolation rates dictate a large sample size and therefore these pathogens are excluded from use to routinely verify the workings of hazard analyses and critical control point (HACCP) systems for beef slaughter processes in Alberta. Alternatively the use of aerobic bacterial counts to directly measure cleanliness or of E. coli counts to indirectly measure fecal contamination appears to be more practical than the use of specific pathogen counts for regulatory agencies to verify the workings of quality control programs, including HACCP systems.


1998 ◽  
Vol 61 (10) ◽  
pp. 1347-1351 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. W. F. JERICHO ◽  
G. O'LANEY ◽  
G. C. KOZUB

To enhance food safety and keeping quality, beef carcasses are cooled immediately after leaving the slaughter floor. Within hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) systems, this cooling process needs to be monitored by the industry and verified by regulatory agencies. This study assessed the usefulness of the temperature-function integration technique (TFIT) for the verification of the hygienic adequacy of two cooling processes for beef carcasses at one abattoir. The cooling process passes carcasses through a spray cooler for at least 17 h and a holding cooler for at least 7 h. The TFIT is faster and cheaper than culture methods. For spray cooler 1, the Escherichia coli generations predicted by TFIT for carcass surfaces (pelvic and shank sites) were compared to estimated E. coli counts from 120 surface excision samples (rump, brisket, and sacrum; 5 by 5 by 0.2 cm) before and after cooling. Counts of aerobic bacteria, coliforms, and E. coli were decreased after spray cooler 1 (P ≤ 0.001). The number of E. coli generations (with lag) at the pelvic site calculated by TFIT averaged 0.85 ± 0.19 and 0.15 ± 0.04 after emerging from spray coolers 1 and 2, respectively. The TFIT (with lag) was considered convenient and appropriate for the inspection Service to verify HACCP systems for carcass cooling processes.


2006 ◽  
Vol 69 (8) ◽  
pp. 1978-1982 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. E. MANN ◽  
M. M. BRASHEARS

In order to provide beef processors with valuable data to validate critical limits set for temperature during grinding, a study was conducted to determine Escherichia coli O157:H7 growth at various temperatures in raw ground beef. Fresh ground beef samples were inoculated with a cocktail mixture of streptomycin-resistant E. coli O157:H7 to facilitate recovery in the presence of background flora. Samples were held at 4.4, 7.2, and 10°C, and at room temperature (22.2 to 23.3°C) to mimic typical processing and holding temperatures observed in meat processing environments. E. coli O157:H7 counts were determined by direct plating onto tryptic soy agar with streptomycin (1,000 μg/ml), at 2-h intervals over 12 h for samples held at room temperature. Samples held under refrigeration temperatures were sampled at 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 72 h. Less than one log of E. coli O157:H7 growth was observed at 48 h for samples held at 10°C. Samples held at 4.4 and 7.2°C showed less than one log of E. coli O157:H7 growth at 72 h. Samples held at room temperature showed no significant increase in E. coli O157:H7 counts for the first 6 h, but increased significantly afterwards. These results illustrate that meat processors can utilize a variety of time and temperature combinations as critical limits in their hazard analysis critical control point plans to minimize E. coli O157:H7 growth during the production and storage of ground beef.


2004 ◽  
Vol 67 (8) ◽  
pp. 1624-1629 ◽  
Author(s):  
TERESA RIVAS PALÁ ◽  
ANA SEVILLA

An assessment and follow-up of the microbial contamination of an Iberian pork cutting room is presented. Samples were taken from carcasses (n = 76), meat pieces (three types, n = 71), meat for dry-cured sausages (3 types, n = 66), and surfaces of equipment (n = 158). Aerobic plate counts (APC) at 37°C on meat pieces (primal cuts) were lower than on carcasses (3.62 log CFU/10 cm2 against 4.63 log CFU/10 cm2), probably owing to the removal of the skin. However, more than 80% of the meat pieces showed presence of Escherichia coli. For the three types of meat intended for dry-cured sausages, higher counts (P < 0.001) were found for meat type 3—an important cut obtained from the vertebral column—at 2.62 log CFU/g for E. coli; the particular surface used in the handling of meat type 3 also showed high counts (P <0.001) for E. coli. Consequently, attention should be paid to the hazard analysis critical control point plan at this stage. Salmonella was isolated from 3.94% of the carcass surfaces (perianal zone), 4.46% of meat pieces, and 13.58% of meat for dry-cured sausages. Moreover, the percentages for isolation of Salmonella from carcasses of Iberian pigs (extensive rearing) in our study were lower than those generally reported in the literature for “white pigs” (intensive rearing). Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 31.82% of meat samples for dry-cured sausages, in 16.90% of meat pieces, and in 15.50% of the equipment after 4 h of work. Of the coagulase-positive strains isolated, 47.61% were producers of enterotoxin.


2001 ◽  
Vol 67 (12) ◽  
pp. 5431-5436 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cuiwei Zhao ◽  
Beilei Ge ◽  
Juan De Villena ◽  
Robert Sudler ◽  
Emily Yeh ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT A total of 825 samples of retail raw meats (chicken, turkey, pork, and beef) were examined for the presence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella serovars, and 719 of these samples were also tested for Campylobacter spp. The samples were randomly obtained from 59 stores of four supermarket chains during 107 sampling visits in the Greater Washington, D.C., area from June 1999 to July 2000. The majority (70.7%) of chicken samples (n = 184) were contaminated withCampylobacter, and a large percentage of the stores visited (91%) had Campylobacter-contaminated chickens. Approximately 14% of the 172 turkey samples yieldedCampylobacter, whereas fewer pork (1.7%) and beef (0.5%) samples were positive for this pathogen. A total of 722Campylobacter isolates were obtained from 159 meat samples; 53.6% of these isolates were Campylobacter jejuni, 41.3% were Campylobacter coli, and 5.1% were other species. Of the 212 chicken samples, 82 (38.7%) yielded E. coli, while 19.0% of the beef samples, 16.3% of the pork samples, and 11.9% of the turkey samples were positive for E. coli. However, only 25 (3.0%) of the retail meat samples tested were positive for Salmonella. Significant differences in the bacterial contamination rates were observed for the four supermarket chains. This study revealed that retail raw meats are often contaminated with food-borne pathogens; however, there are marked differences in the prevalence of such pathogens in different meats. Raw retail meats are potential vehicles for transmitting food-borne diseases, and our findings stress the need for increased implementation of hazard analysis of critical control point (HACCP) and consumer food safety education efforts.


2011 ◽  
pp. 95-102 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra Jaksic ◽  
Igor Stojanov ◽  
Milica Zivkov-Balos ◽  
Zoran Masic ◽  
Zeljko Mihaljev ◽  
...  

Mycotoxins, as secondary metabolic products of molds, are common contaminants of raw feed materials and compound feeds. Depending on the agro-meteorological and storage conditions, molds can contaminate grains and produce mycotoxins in the field, before and after harvest and during storage. Way of preventing animal mycotoxicoses and transfer of mycotoxins to humans through food chain is regular inspection on mycotoxicological feed safety. This paper presents the results of examination of aflatoxin, ochratoxin and zearalenone in 89 samples tested under laboratory conditions during a one year period. The analyses of types of samples, contamination, and their origin demonstrated the need for preventive control of mycotoxin content, primarily in grains. The results of testing the content of aflatoxin in milk indicate the existence of risks to human health. In order to protect humans and animals from mycotoxicological contamination, we propose the use of the system hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP), which has been proved to be an effective strategy in food safety control. The basic principles of HACCP approach in the production of feed and foodstuffs, as well as the compliance and harmonization of legislations with those in the European Union, in the field of mycotoxicological tests, are the best prevention against mycotoxin effects on health and economy. Implementation of HACCP system currently presents one of the basic preconditions for the export of our products and their placement on the European market.


2008 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 356-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
JAZMIN D. VOJDANI ◽  
LARRY R. BEUCHAT ◽  
ROBERT V. TAUXE

Outbreaks of illness associated with consumption of fruit juice have been a growing public health problem since the early 1990s. In response to epidemiologic investigations of outbreaks in which juice was implicated, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration implemented process control measures to regulate the production of fruit juice. The final juice regulation, which became effective in 2002, 2003, and 2004, depending on the size of the business, requires that juice operations comply with a hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) plan. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) receives reports of food-associated outbreaks of illness. We reviewed fruit juice–associated outbreaks of illness reported to the CDC's Foodborne Outbreak Reporting System. From 1995 through 2005, 21 juice-associated outbreaks were reported to CDC; 10 implicated apple juice or cider, 8 were linked to orange juice, and 3 involved other types of fruit juice. These outbreaks caused 1,366 illnesses, with a median of 21 cases per outbreak (range, 2 to 398 cases). Among the 13 outbreaks of known etiology, 5 were caused by Salmonella, 5by Escherichia coli O157:H7, 2 by Cryptosporidium, and one by Shiga toxin–producing E. coli O111 and Cryptosporidium. Fewer juice-associated outbreaks have been reported since the juice HACCP regulation was implemented. Some juice operations that are exempt from processing requirements or do not comply with the regulation continue to be implicated in outbreaks of illness.


2010 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 8
Author(s):  
Widyana Lakshmi Puspita ◽  
Yenni Prawiningdyah ◽  
Fatma Zuhrotun Nisa

Background: One way to improve the quality of food provision in hospitals is by implementing hazard analysis critical control point (HACCP) in food processing.Objective: The study aimed to identify the effect of HACCP implementation to the decrease of microbiological hazards of foods for children in particular at Nutrition Installation of Dr. Soedarso Hospital of Pontianak.Methods: The study was a quasi experiment that use multiple time series design with intervention and cassation of intervention (ABA time series chain). Samples of the study were animal based food for children, cooking utensils used preparation, processing, and distribution of the food, the food providers and food processing containers. Samples were taken 3 times before and after the implementation of HACCP, each within a week duration.Result: Average germ rate in foods and cooking utensils before implementation of HACCP was relatively high. After the implementation of HACCP there was a decrease. The result of statistical analysis showed that there were effects of HACCP implementation to the reduction of microbiological hazards in foods and cooking utensils (p<0.05). Average score of knowledge on sanitation hygiene of food and practice of sanitation hygiene of foods after HACCP implementation increased. There was an increase of average score of knowledge on food sanitation hygiene and practice of food sanitation hygiene of HACCP implementation (p<0.05). Average score of sanitation hygiene of food processing container after HACCP implementation increased.Conclusion: The implementation of HACCP could reduce microbiological hazards (germ rate) of animal based special foods for children.


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