Evaluation of microbial hazards during processing of Spanish prepared Flamenquín

Flamenquín is a traditional, prepared, frozen meat product from the south of Spain made with minced pork, chicken, and cooked ham. Since it is a prepared raw meat product some microbial hazards could be associated with the process of making it. Microbiological analyses have been performed throughout the various steps of processing over a 1-year period to evaluate microbial hazards in the commercial process. High levels of microorganisms were observed all through the processing of this product, the mincing and mixing steps being where major microbial contamination was observed. Pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were detected during processing. Raw materials and food handlers were the principal sources of microbial contamination. A modification of processing to include a heating step after mincing and mixing and an improvement in hygiene practices could eliminate the microbial hazards. Both modifications should be noted for the implementation of a hazard analysis of critical control points (HACCP) program in commercial flamenquín processing.