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The following objectives outline a general framework for experimentation to address the problem of food-borne pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms: <OL> <LI> Determine problem areas for microbiological control in the processing environment of individual processing plants. <LI> Determine how current and emerging processing technologies and antimicrobial treatments can be applied in the processing environment to cause a decrease in microbial populations on poultry.<LI> Determine the cost effectiveness of applying current and emerging technologies on a plant-by-plant basis; given that all processing environments are different. <LI> Effectively disseminate the results of scientific investigations to food producers, consumers, and governmental agencies through peer-reviewed publications, meetings, and press articles. </ol>
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Poultry and food-borne microorganisms cause illness and food spoilage problems. This leads to loss of revenue and consumer confidence in the poultry industry. This project will examine the processes and technologies to decrease the incidence of poultry and food-borne microorganisms.
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APPROACH: Objective 1 : Visits will be made to processing plants throughout Texas and other parts of the country, if possible. The knowledge of the investigator, along with existing processing plant records will give an initial indication of possible problem areas. Microbiological testing before and after the area will indicate the effectiveness of the process at that point. <P>
Objective 2 : Using the knowledge of the investigator, we will look for areas that differing processing technologies may be applied within a certain plant, or if antimicrobial treatments are feasible before, at, or after the problem area. Microbiological testing after implementation will determine if the addition of technology or treatment had the desired effect.<P>Objective 3 : Based on financial records of the plant, and by knowing the costs of technologies and treatments, a cost effectiveness or feasibility plan can be established for specific plants, based on their individual needs. <P>Objective 4 : Travel to scientific meetings and writing articles for peer-reviewed publications, Extension publications, and popular press articles will disseminate knowledge from the experiments.