ASAS Centennial Paper: Developments and future outlook for postslaughter food safety

Area of Science:

• Food Science
• Microbiology
• Food Safety

Background:

• Meat consumption is historically significant for human survival and enjoyment.
• Increased societal affluence correlates with higher meat consumption.
• Historical evidence shows ancient cultures consumed processed meat products like ground meat and sausages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a historical overview of microbiology, meat science, and safety.
• To highlight key industrial and regulatory developments.
• To outline current and future food safety issues and challenges in the meat industry.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of scientific literature.
• Analysis of industrial and regulatory milestones.
• Synthesis of current and projected food safety concerns.

Main Results:

• Meat consumption has evolved significantly over millennia.
• Microbial meat safety has emerged as a critical contemporary issue.
• Anticipated persistent challenges in ensuring meat safety.

Conclusions:

• Understanding historical trends is crucial for addressing modern meat safety.
• Continued vigilance and innovation are necessary for future food safety.
• The intersection of microbiology, meat science, and regulation is key to safe meat production.