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Innovative Application of Antimicrobial Compounds During Hide Removal as a Means to Reduce Carcass Contamination by Pathogenic Microorganisms

Objective

The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the effectiveness of selected antimicrobial
agents in reducing pathogenic microorganisms on hides and (2) verify the efficacy of selected
antimicrobial agents in a commercial facility.

More information

Findings: Texas A&M University
This project was designed to evaluate interventions to reduce bacterial counts on the hide prior to opening to minimize carcass contamination. In Trial I, beef hide sections were designated as shaved or non-shaved samples, inoculated with a fecal slurry, and sampled with a sterile sponge following a water wash. Antimicrobial agents then were applied before sections were again sampled to determine APCs, coliform, and E. coli counts. Within shaved samples, 1% CPC and hydrogen peroxide produced among the greatest reductions for APCs, and 1% CPC, 2% L-lactic acid, and hydrogen peroxide produced among the greatest reductions for coliforms.
In Trial II, beef carcasses with hides on were inoculated in the shaved brisket area with a nonpathogenic marker bacterium containing a green fluorescing protein (GFP), and then were sampled following a water wash. Antimicrobial agents then were applied before hides were again sampled to determine GFP counts. All three treatments resulted in approximately a 2 log10 CFU/100 cm2 reduction. In Trial III, beef carcasses with hides on were sampled initially and shaved, and antimicrobials were applied before sampling again for APC, coliform, and E. coli counts. For APCs, 1% CPC produced the greatest reduction on the hide surface. Selective application of these antimicrobials to shaved hide areas can reduce bacterial counts before opening.

<P> For complete projects details, view the <a href="http://www.beefresearch.org/CMDocs/BeefResearch/Innovative%20Applicatio…; target="_blank">Project Summary. </a>

Investigators
Savell, Jeffrey
Institution
Texas A&M University
Start date
2004
End date
2005
Project number
BC-2004-13
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