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Survival and recovery of Listeria monocytogenes on ready-to-eat meats inoculated with a desiccated and nutritionally depleted dustlike vector.

Dust from construction was theorized to serve as a vector for L. monocytogenes transmission to ready-to-eat (RTE) meats after heat processing but before packaging. A five-strain Listeria monocytogenes culture including serotype 4b was continually stressed on a sand vector under four sets of nutritionally depleted and dry conditions to simulate postprocessing contamination by dustlike particulates. The stresses included that associated with sand stored at different temperatures (10 and 22 degrees C) and levels of humidity (40% relative humidity [RH], 88% RH, or complete desiccation). Irradiated RTE meats, including frankfurters, bologna, chopped ham, and deli-style roast beef, were inoculated with the L. monocytogenes-contaminated sand every 2 to 3 days over a period of 1 1/2 months. After inoculation, the RTE meats were vacuum packed and stored at 4 degrees C for 24 h. Populations of L. monocytogenes were enumerated by surface plating on nonselective and selective media to recover cells on the basis of the different stresses presented (osmotic or antibiotic). L. monocytogenes was demonstrated to be capable of surviving on the sand vector for > 151 days at 10 degrees C and 88% RH, 136 days at 10 degrees C and 0% RH, 73 days at 22 degrees C and 40% RH, and 82 days at 22 degrees C and 0% RH. These results show that under the most conservative scenario, the 73-day-old L. monocytogenes-contaminated sand was able to attach to and be recovered from the RTE meats. This study illustrated that dust contaminated with L. monocytogenes, once in contact with meat surfaces, can survive and grow, posing a health hazard to consumers.

Animals↗

Effects of preparation methods on the microbiological safety of home-dried meat jerky.

Historically, drying meats to produce jerky was conisidered to be a safe preservation process and the convenience and flavor of jerky has made it a popular food product for home food preservers. Recent outbreaks of foodborne illness related to both home-dried and commercially manufactured jerky have raised concerns about the safety of the product. Some traditional home recipes and drying processes were shown to be inadequate to destroy Escherichia coli O157, Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Listeria monocytogenes in both whole-muscle and ground-meat jerky. Several research studies have identified processes such as precooking meats before drying, usingacidic marinades, cooking meats after drying, or some combination of these treatments that can destroy pathogens of concern to produce microbiologically safe and palatable meat jerky at home.

Animals↗

Microbiological quality of rabbit meat.

World rabbit meat production is estimated to be over 1 million tons, and Spain is the third largest producer. Although rabbit meat is marketed and consumed worldwide, information on microbiological quality is very scarce. Here, we report indicator organisms, spoilage flora, sensory quality, and some physicochemical traits of 24 h postmortem chilled rabbit carcasses and prepackaged rabbit meat stored chilled in air for 0 to 3 days at the retail level. The mean total bacterial count (4.01 +/- 0.48 log CFU/g) for carcasses dressed at a small abattoir by a manual process was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that (4.96 +/- 0.90 log CFU/g) for carcasses dressed at a large abattoir in automated slaughter lines. Both groups of carcasses had mean pH values of 5.98. The dominant contaminants on carcasses from the small abattoir were Pseudomonas, lactic acid bacteria, and yeasts. These microorganisms and Brochothrix thermosphacta were dominant on carcasses from the large abattoir. On prepacked hind legs (pH 6.26 +/- 0.18) stored at -1 to +1 degree C (supermarket 1), mean aerobic mesophilic count was 5.87 +/- 1.03 log CFU/g, and the major microbial groups were Pseudomonas, yeasts, lactic acid bacteria, and B. thermosphacta. On prepacked whole carcasses (pH 6.37 +/- 0.18) displayed at -1 to +5 degrees C (supermarket 2), mean aerobic mesophilic count was 6.60 +/- 1.18 and the same microbial groups were dominant. Relative Escherichia coli incidence was supermarket 2 > large abattoir > supermarket 1 > small abattoir. Overall, low numbers of coliforms, Enterobacteriaceae, psychrotrophic clostridia, coagulase-positive staphylococci, and molds were found. Sensory scores, pH values, and L-lactic acid content differentiated fresh carcasses from retail samples. Data obtained suggest that the microflora of chilled rabbit meat are different from those found on the meat of other animals.

Abattoirs↗

Influence of different histories of the inoculum on lag phase and growth of Listeria monocytogenes in meat models.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of history of inoculum and preservatives on the lag phase and growth rate of Listeria monocytogenes strains in meat products packaged under modified atmosphere conditions. Inocula with different histories were added to meat models, and growth rate and lag phase of two strains of L. monocytogenes were measured at 5 and 10 degrees C. The meat model stored at 10 degrees C contained sodium lactate, but the model stored at 5 degrees C did not. The five different histories of the inocula included cold propagation, biofilm formation, and starvation. The lag phase ranged from 1 to 10 days and was affected by the history of the inoculum, whereas the growth rate was constant except for one combination of history of inoculum and strain, where growth did not start during the incubation period. In a second series of experiments, the growth rate and lag phase of the two Listeria strains and the effects of two different histories of inoculum were tested in meat models with pH 5.7 or 6.5 and increasing amounts of NaCl. The growth rate depended on salt concentration, bacterial strain, and pH, whereas lag phase duration depended on history of inoculum, salt concentration, and pH. The lag phase duration was highly dependent on the history of the inoculum, and higher amounts of preservative (NaCl) made these effects even more noticeable. The results of this study underline the importance of the effects of the history of the inoculum on lag phase duration and could be used to predict lag phase in industrial meat products.

Animals↗

Adherence to and invasion of human intestinal epithelial cells by Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli isolates from retail meat products.

The abilities of 34 Campylobacter jejuni and 9 Campylobacter coli isolates recovered from retail meats to adhere to and invade human intestinal epithelial T84 cells were examined and compared with those of a well-characterized human clinical strain, C. jejuni 81-176, to better assess the pathogenic potential of these meat isolates. The meat isolates exhibited a wide range of adherence and invasion abilities; a few of the isolates adhered to and invaded T84 cells almost as well as did C. jejuni 81-176. There was a significant correlation between the adherence ability and the invasion ability of the Campylobacter isolates. The presence of eight putative virulence genes in these Campylobacter isolates that are potentially responsible for adherence and invasion or that encode cytolethal distending toxin was determined using PCR. All Campylobacter isolates possessed flaA, cadF, pldA, cdtA, cdtB, and cdtC, and most (91%) also contained the ciaB gene. However, the virB11 gene, carried by virulence plasmid pVir, was absent in almost all the Campylobacter isolates. Our findings indicated that C. jejuni and C. coli present in retail meat were diverse in their ability to adhere to and invade human intestinal epithelial cells and that the putative virulence genes were widespread among the Campylobacter isolates. Thus, despite of the presence of the putative virulence genes, only some but not all Campylobacter strains isolated from retail meat can effectively invade human intestinal epithelial cells in vitro.

Animals↗

Interactions of nisin with glutathione in a model protein system and meat.

Loss of nisin activity in meat has been ascribed, in part, to the formation of a nisin-glutathione adduct. Activity is lost more quickly in raw meat than in cooked meat, and this has been taken as evidence that the reaction is enzyme mediated. Formation of the nisin-glutathione adduct has been confirmed but is shown not to be enzyme mediated. Retention of activity in cooked meat is shown to be due to the loss of free sulfhydryl groups during cooking as a result of the reaction of glutathione with proteins and not a result of the inactivation of endogenous enzymes. Microbial enzymes do not appear to play a role, as similar losses are seen in raw and cooked meat extracts, both of which contained undetectable levels of microorganisms.

Animals↗

Detection of central nervous system tissue on meat and carcass-splitting band saw blade surfaces using modified fluorescent glial fibrillary acidic protein enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay sampling and extraction procedures.

This study was conducted to determine optimal buffer pH, extraction procedure, and temperature for detecting central nervous system (CNS) tissue on meat surfaces and on carcass-splitting band saw blades using swab sampling. Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) is restricted to CNS tissue and has been used as a marker for CNS tissue presence in meat products. Sample preparation, extraction procedure, and extraction temperature of glial fibrillary acidic protein fluorescent enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (GFAP F-ELISA) were modified to detect CNS tissue on meat surfaces and on carcass-splitting band saw blades. Maximum GFAP recovery was observed with an extraction buffer pH of 7.4. Extracting samples at room temperature by vortexing for 30 s in 1 ml of extraction buffer (phosphate-buffered saline [pH 7.4] plus 0.05% sodium dodecyl sulfate) consistently provided detection of GFAP on meat surfaces contaminated with 500 microg of spinal cord suspension per 50 cm2 and on carcass-splitting band saw blades contaminated with 20 microg of spinal cord suspension per 50 cm2. Recovery of GFAP was not affected by storing samples overnight at 4 degrees C. The current studies demonstrate the effectiveness of modified sampling procedures and preparations, sample extraction buffer pH, and extraction temperatures. These modifications introduced to the original F-ELISA sampling protocol result in asensitive and repeatable assay for detection of CNS tissue on meat surfaces and on carcass-splitting band saw blades.

Animals↗

[Heterocyclic amines in cooked meat].

The age adjusted incidence of cancer has increased on average 1% annually since the beginning of this century, and cancer is now one of the most prevalent causes of death. Diet is suggested to be responsible for about 30-70% of all cancer cases. The heterocyclic amines (HCA) produced during processing of meats and fish at temperatures above 150 degrees C are candidate dietary causes. Amounts in food range from less than 1 ng/g in cooked meat or fish up to over 300 ng/g in well done flame grilled chicken breast meat. The most important parameters determining HCA amounts are cooking temperature and cooking time. 20 different HCAs are identified from cooked or grilled meats and fish. HCAs are causing cancer in various organs in mice, rats and cynomolgus monkeys. It is of interest to note that in rats, PhIP, the most abundant heterocyclic amine in cooked food, causes colon, prostate and mammary cancer, which are the most prevalent cancers in humans. Epidemiological studies show a correlation between intake of red meat and colon, mammary and prostate cancer. Based on the adverse effects of HCA, a reduced intake is recommended and practical advice on how this can be done is given.

Amines↗

N-acetyltransferase 1 genetic polymorphism, cigarette smoking, well-done meat intake, and breast cancer risk.

N-Acetyltransferase 1 (NAT1), encoded by the polymorphic NAT1 gene, has been shown to be one of the major enzymes in human breast tissue that activates aromatic and heterocyclic amines. Humans are mainly exposed to these carcinogens through cigarette smoking and consumption of well-done meat. To test the hypothesis that variations in the NAT1 gene are related to breast cancer risk, particularly among women who smoke or consume high levels of well-done meat, a nested case-control study was conducted in a prospective cohort study of 41,837 postmenopausal Iowa women. Information on cigarette smoking and other breast cancer risk factors was obtained at the baseline survey conducted in 1986. DNA samples and information on the consumption of well-done meat were obtained, in the case-control study, from breast cancer cases diagnosed from 1992 to 1994 and a random sample of cancer-free cohort members. Genomic DNA samples obtained from 154 cases and 330 controls were assayed for 11 NAT1 alleles (NAT1*3, *4, *5, *10, *11, *14, *15, *16, *17, *19, and *22). The NAT1*4 allele was the predominant allele observed in this study population, accounting for 73.2% (72.4% in cases versus 73.8% in controls) of the total alleles analyzed. Compared to controls, breast cancer cases had a slightly higher frequency of the NAT1*10 allele (18.8% in cases versus 17.3% in controls) and a substantially higher frequency of the NAT1*11 allele (3.6% versus 1.2%). In multivariate analyses, we found a 30% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.8-1.9] elevated risk of breast cancer associated with the NAT1*10 allele and a nearly 4-fold (95% CI = 1.5-10.5) elevated risk associated with the NAT1*11 allele. The positive association of breast cancer with the NAT1*11 allele was more evident among smokers [odds ratio (OR) = 13.2, 95% CI = 1.5-116.0] and those who consumed a high level of red meat (OR = 6.1, 95% CI = 1.1-33.2) or consistently consumed their red meat well done (OR = 5.6, 95% CI = 0.5-62.7). The association of the NAT1*10 allele with breast cancer was mainly confined to former smokers (OR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.2-9.5). These findings are consistent with a role for the NAT1 gene in the etiology of human breast cancer.

Aged↗

[Procedures in abattoirs and meat inspection. State of the discussion on the implementation of alternative systems].

Results of field studies which were performed in EU member states and which dealt with meat inspection procedures in fattening pigs were reviewed with respect to their contribution to alternative systems of meat inspection. The following was concluded: Inspection ante mortem (monitoring of circumstances at the farm of origin): Data which should be given to the notice of the authorities have not yet been satisfactorily defined and their informative value still is not yet clear The predictive character of information from the farm of origin regarding the health status of the animals (results of meat inspection) is not yet sound enough The technique of ante mortem inspection should be reconsidered also. Meat inspection (monitoring and assessment of lesions): In all studies the compared techniques (visual and official procedure) did not entirely find all lesions, which were supposed to be on the carcasses and organs. This was true in different percentages. The impact on consumer's health from the lesions monitored has to be discussed more thoroughly. The information presently available is not yet sound enough to generate a new practicable system of meat inspection. Further pilot studies are necessary.

Abattoirs↗

Red meat, family history, and increased risk of gastric cancer with microsatellite instability.

Microsatellite instability (MSI) occurs frequently in sporadic gastric cancer (GC) and may define a distinctive molecular pathway of carcinogenesis. We evaluated the role of dietary risk factors in GC according to MSI status. A large series of 382 GC cases and 561 controls were originally identified in a population-based case-control study carried out in the high-risk area around Florence, Italy; 126 GC patients were typed for MSI status. A MSI+ phenotype was detected in 43 of 126 cases (34.1%), whereas 83 cases were classified as MSI-. A multinomial logistic regression model was used to compare the two subgroups of GC classified according to MSI status in the same analysis, with all of the available population controls. A case-case approach was also used. The risk of MSI+ tumors was positively associated with high consumption of red meat and meat sauce and negatively associated with consumption of white meat. A positive association was also seen with total protein and nitrite intake, whereas no relation was found with micronutrient intake. Risk was especially high among subjects reporting both a positive GC family history and a high consumption of red meat (odds ratio, 25.7; 95% confidence interval, 6.4-102.8). For MSI- tumors, a significant protective effect was associated with frequent consumption of citrus and other fresh fruit, garlic, legumes, vegetables, and olive oil and with high intake of beta-carotene and other antioxidants and sugar, whereas positive associations were seen with protein and sodium intake. In summary, a specific dietary pattern emerged for MSI+ gastric tumors, suggesting that factors related to red meat consumption are involved in this pathway, particularly among individuals with a positive family history. In contrast, the risk of MSI- tumors was strongly reduced by the frequent consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables.

Aged↗

Epoxide hydrolase Tyr113His polymorphism is associated with elevated risk of colorectal polyps in the presence of smoking and high meat intake.

Microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH) metabolizes polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carcinogens found in cigarette smoke and cooked meat. Polymorphisms in exon 3 and exon 4 of the mEH gene have been found to alter mEH activity. We investigated the association between these polymorphisms and colorectal polyps within the Minnesota Cancer Prevention Research Unit case-control study. Cases were diagnosed with colonoscopically confirmed adenomas (n = 530) or hyperplastic polyps (n = 202); controls (n = 649) were polyp-free at colonoscopy. Smoking history and meat consumption were obtained from self-administered questionnaires before colonoscopy. mEH genotypes were determined by PCR/RFLP or oligonucleotide ligation assay. The overall risks associated with exon 3 or exon 4 polymorphisms for both adenomas and hyperplastic polyps were not statistically different from 1.0. Compared with exon 3 Tyr/Tyr, 0 pack-years, risk was highest among those with the exon 3 His/His genotype and >25 pack-years of smoking [adenoma, odds ratio (OR) = 4.9 (1.9-12.8); hyperplastic, OR = 7.7 (2.5-24.0)]. Risks were not elevated among exon 4 homozygous variants, even in the presence of heavy smoking. Fried, baked, or broiled meat intake of > or =two servings/week (high) compared with < or =one serving/week was associated with a 2-fold increase in risk of adenoma. The highest risks were seen for those with the exon 3 His/His genotype and high cooked meat intake [OR = 3.3 (1.4-7.9); reference group: Tyr/Tyr, < or = 1 serving/week). Although mEH polymorphisms are not associated with an increased risk of colorectal polyps overall, genotypes that produce a slow phenotype appear to be associated with an increased risk in the presence of smoking and high intakes of cooked meat.

Adult↗

Prevalence of Listeria spp and Listeria monocytogenes in meat and fermented fish in Malaysia.

Fermented fish and meat samples were purchased from supermarket and wet market for microbiological analysis of Listeria species and Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Listeria species were isolated from 17 (73.9%) of 23 samples of imported frozen beef, 10 (43.5%) of the 23 samples of local beef and 14 (56%) of the 25 samples of fermented fish from wet market. Listeria monocytogenes occurred in 15 (75%) of the frozen beef samples, 6 (30.4%) of the 23 samples of local meat and 3 (12%) of the 25 samples from fermented fish. Listeria species was not isolated from any of the 23 samples of imported frozen beef from supermarket and from the 5 samples of buffalo meat examined. This highlights the possibility of Listeria spp or L. monocytogenes to persist in meat and fermented fish in wet market and raises the problem of illness due to the handling and consumption of Listeria-contaminated meat or fermented fish are likely as evidence by the high contamination rates of samples sold at the wet market.

Fish Products↗

Effect of commercial transport in Spain on cattle welfare and meat quality.

The purpose of this work was to determine the effect of transport of cattle from the farm to the abattoir on the animal's welfare and post mortem meat quality (instrumental and sensorial). Thirty-nine commercial journeys were followed in Spain from July 2000 to July 2001 at varying distances from a local abattoir in the city of Zaragoza. Blood samples were taken at the farm and at sticking and meat pH24 was measured at 24 hours post-mortem. Samples from the M. longissimus dorsi thoracis were taken from 48 slaughter bulls and analysed in terms of instrumental and sensorial qualities. Cortisol, glucose, CPK, lactate and N:L ratio increased during transport compared to control values. Cortisol was higher after 1-2 h transport compared to journeys that were less than 1 h or more than 2 h long. In general the parameters indicated slightly more stressful conditions under winter conditions than in the summer. Meat tenderness measured by a Warner-Bratzler device demonstrated that there was no significant effect of either transport time or season. There was no significant change in pH24 or meat colour at 24 h with transport time. Transport time had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on overall liking and animals transported in summer had slightly more tender meat and higher overall liking.

Abattoirs↗

[Distribution of immunoglobulin isotypes and Salmonella antibodies in blood serum and meat juice of pigs].

Using the close linear regression between the logarithm of the dilution degree of a sample and the logarithm of the extinction measured in an ELISA both the relative concentrations of immunoglobulines of the isotypes IgG, IgM and IgA and of the LPS antibodies against S. Typhimurium of the different isotypes in blood sera and meat juice of 15 slaughtered pigs were detected and compared. Furthermore the total concentration of antibodies against LPS of S. Typhimurium according to the "meat juice ELISA" were compared. Distribution of immunoglobulines between serum and meat juice revealed individual differences between the animals as well as between the different immunoglobulin-isotypes. Within the same isotype the ratio of the concentrations of anti-LPS Salmonella Typhimurium antibodies between serum and meat juice was significantly closer than relating the whole of immunoglobulines of the referred isotype. In order to detect pig herds with a high level of Salmonella exposure a comparison of the 1:30 diluted meat juice samples with the 1:400 diluted blood sera is justified, however, for detailed epidemiological or scientific studies there is a need to consider the existing differences between the immunoglobuline-isotypes as well as between the specificity of antibodies and of total immunoglobulines. While the concentration of Salmonella antibodies of the isotypes IgG1, IgG2 and IgA showed a clear and statistically significant correlation between both one below the other and with the total amount of Salmonella antibodies, this connection could not be established for the total amount of immunoglobulines of different isotypes and the IgM-antibodies.

Animals↗

[An evaluation of the scope of the circulation of Salmonella among the workers of commercial poultry- and meat-packing enterprises based on serological study data in the PHA test].

Serum samples from 641 workers of large poultry and meat-packing plants were studied in the passive hemagglutination test with the use of Salmonella complex and serogroup diagnostica. A specific increase in the level of anti-Salmonella antibodies in 60.7% of poultry plant workers and in 9.8% of meat-packing plant workers was established. Among the workers of the poultry plants the most pronounced immune shifts were detected in persons having contacts with sick poultry and pathological material and among the employees of the meat-packing plant, in those who ate raw sausage meat. A high level of antibodies in the professional groups under study was observed as early as in the first year of work at the plant and persisted over the whole period of this work. Under the conditions of constant contamination of the workers of poultry and meat-packing plants with small doses of salmonellae specific immunity to this infection was seemingly induced, which inhibited the development of the manifest forms of infection, but did not prevent the formation of chronic carrier state.

Adult↗

Relationships between the turnover before slaughter, welfare and the occurrence of defective DFD type meat in cattle.

In this article we have presented genetic predispositions and the influence of numerous factors that occur during cattle fattening, transport and holding in slaughter plants, on their welfare and subsequently on the occurrence of defective meat, known in the literature as DFD (Dark, Firm, Dry) meat. Such meat is unwillingly bought by contemporary consumers because of its consistency and processing plants cannot intend it for production of durable processed meat due to its compliance to decay. To a great extent the occurrence of this meat defect is caused by people as a result of ignorance and incompliance of cattle welfare. It should also be remarked that there is a rising number of consumers interested in the place of origin of cattle and the way it was treated.

Abattoirs↗

Proteolytic and physicochemical mechanisms involved in meat texture development.

Development in meat texture is a complex process originating very likely from a softening of the structural elements, especially myofibrils. This process probably involves two sets of mechanisms: 1) an enzymatic mechanism involving at least two of the three proteolytic systems so far identified and present in this tissue, namely lysosomal (cathepsins) and calcium dependent (calpains) proteinases; 2) a physicochemical mechanism based on the important post mortem rise in muscle osmotic pressure which could be twice as high as in live animals. Despite the large progress in muscle enzymology, the nature of the proteinases responsible for the post mortem proteolysis associated with the development in meat texture is still not clearly established. In the present review, data obtained from two different approaches attempting to answer this question were analysed. The first one was based on the identification of a set of structural and biochemical changes associated with meat texture development and to examine which proteolytic system or proteinase would be able to reproduce them when incubated with either myofibrils or muscle fibres as substrate. The second tentatively relates the rate and the extent of the changes in meat texture to the proteolytic equipment of the tissue. The first approach led to the conclusion that changes in muscle proteins and structure can be only explained by considering a synergistic action of both lysosomal and calcium-dependent proteinases. From the second, it was concluded that the process of meat texture development did not depend on the proteinase levels but was related to their initial potential efficiency assessed by measurement of the enzyme/inhibitor ratio. With respect to the physicochemical mechanisms, the post mortem rise in muscle osmotic pressure was shown to be responsible for some biochemical changes occurring in myofibrils. This was further substantiated by the fact that the greatest osmotic pressure values were observed in muscles exhibiting highest tenderising rate. On the other hand we provide evidence suggesting that the substrate, namely myofibrils, might constitute an important limiting step of the efficiency of both types of mechanism. Taken together, the findings presented emphasize that improvement of our knowledge in this field will greatly depend on the development of basic research on these different topics notably: 1) the mechanisms by which proteinases activities are regulated in living and post mortem muscles; and 2) the myofibrillar structure, especially in slow-twitch or type I muscles.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗