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Microbiological examination of pre-storage and post-storage intervention beef
1Food Studies Group, Department of Hotel and Catering Management, University of Ulster at Jordanstown, County Antrim, BT37 0QB, UK.
Meat Science
|November 9, 2011
Summary
Intervention processing of beef resulted in bacterial populations similar to traditional methods. Despite processing differences, pathogen-containing genera remained prevalent in the final product.
Area of Science:
- Food microbiology
- Meat science
- Food safety
Background:
- Intervention processing for beef utilizes novel techniques distinct from traditional carcass dressing.
- Understanding the microbiological implications of these new methods is crucial for ensuring food safety.
- Previous research has not fully characterized the bacterial flora of intervention-processed beef.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the microbiological profile of intervention-processed beef with conventionally processed beef.
- To assess the bacterial load and genus diversity in intervention beef before and after storage.
- To identify potential food safety concerns associated with intervention processing.
Main Methods:
- Microbiological analysis of bacterial flora in intervention beef samples.
- Enumeration of bacterial counts (log(10) per gram) under various conditions.
- Assessment of bacterial genus diversity in pre- and post-storage samples.
- Comparison of microbial data with that of chill-stored carcass beef.
Main Results:
- Intervention beef exhibited bacterial populations similar in magnitude to chill-stored carcass beef.
- Mean log(10) bacterial counts ranged from 3.62-5.37 per gram in freshly processed samples.
- Bacterial genus diversity was high and maintained throughout frozen storage.
- Pathogen-containing genera were found in significant proportions in the final product.
Conclusions:
- Intervention processing does not significantly reduce overall bacterial load compared to traditional methods.
- The microbial profile, including the presence of pathogens, remains a concern in intervention-processed beef.
- Further investigation is needed to understand the reasons for microbial similarity and ensure safety.
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