Research – Validation of a Bacteriophage Hide Application to Reduce STEC in the Lairage Area of Commercial Beef Cattle Operations

Posted on December 4, 2023 by | Leave a comment

MDPI

Abstract

Finalyse, a T4 bacteriophage, is a pre-harvest intervention that utilizes a combination of bacteriophages to reduce incoming Escherichia coli O157:H7 prevalence by destroying the bacteria on the hides of harvest-ready cattle entering commercial abattoirs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of Finalyse, as a pre-harvest intervention, on the reduction in pathogens, specifically E. coli O157:H7, on the cattle hides and lairage environment to overall reduce incoming pathogen loads. Over 5 sampling events, a total of 300 composite hide samples were taken using 25 mL pre-hydrated Buffered Peptone Water (BPW) swabs, collected before and after the hide wash intervention, throughout the beginning, middle, and end of the production day (n = 10 swabs/sampling point/timepoint). A total of 171 boot swab samples were also simultaneously taken at the end of the production day by walking from the front to the back of the pen in a pre-determined ‘Z’ pattern to monitor the pen floor environment from 3 different locations in the lairage area. The prevalence of pathogens was analyzed using the BAX® System Real-Time PCR Assay. There were no significant reductions observed for Salmonella and/or any Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) on the hides after the bacteriophage application (p > 0.05). Escherichia coli O157:H7 and O111 hide prevalence was very low throughout the study; therefore, no further analysis was conducted. However, boot swab monitoring showed a significant reduction in E. coli O157:H7, O26, and O45 in the pen floor environment (p < 0.05). While using Finalyse as a pre-harvest intervention in the lairage areas of commercial beef processing facilities, this bacteriophage failed to reduce E. coli O157:H7 on the hides of beef cattle, as prevalence was low; however, some STECs were reduced in the lairage environment, where the bacteriophage was applied. Overall, an absolute conclusion was not formed on the effectiveness of Finalyse and its ability to reduce E. coli O157:H7 on the hides of beef cattle, as prevalence on the hides was low.

Leave a comment

Posted in Bacteriophage, E.coli O157, E.coli O157:H7, Food Microbiology Research, Food Technology, Phage, Research, STEC, STEC E.coli, Technology

Research – Occurrence of Mycotoxins in Foods: Unravelling the Knowledge Gaps on Their Persistence in Food Production Systems

Posted on December 4, 2023 by | Leave a comment

MDPI

Abstract

In this review, the intricate issue about the occurrence levels of mycotoxins in foods is discussed aiming to underline the main knowledge gaps on the persistence of these toxicants in the food production system. Mycotoxins have been a key challenge to the food industry, economic growth, and consumers’ health. Despite a breadth of studies over the past decades, the persistence of mycotoxins in foods remain an overlooked concern that urges exploration. Therefore, we aimed to concisely underline the matter and provide possible biochemical and metabolic details that can be relevant to the food sector and overall public health. We also stress the application of computational modeling, high-throughput omics, and high-resolution imaging approaches, which can provide insights into the structural and physicochemical characteristics and the metabolic activities which occur in a stored cereal grain’s embryo and endosperm and their relationship with storage fungi and mycotoxins on a cellular level. In addition, there is a need for extensive collaborative network and funding, which will play a key role in finding effective solutions against the persistence of mycotoxins at the genetic and molecular to metabolic levels in the food system.

Leave a comment

Posted in Food Microbiology Research, mold, Mold Toxin, Mould/Mold, Mycotoxin, Research

Research – How to deal with feed ingredients prone to Aflatoxin contamination

Posted on December 4, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Pet Food Industry

Find out which animal feed ingredients are more prone to aflatoxin contamination, when the risk of contamination is higher and strategies to mitigate its effects on animals.

Aflatoxins are naturally occurring mycotoxins produced by certain molds, primarily Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. These toxic compounds can contaminate animal feed, posing significant health risks to livestock and poultry. In this article, we will discuss which animal feed ingredients are more prone to aflatoxin contamination, when the risk of contamination is higher and strategies to mitigate its effects on animals.

Leave a comment

Posted in Animal Feed, Animal Feed Aflatoxin, Animal Feed Mould Toxin, Animal Feed Mould/Mold, Food Microbiology Research, Pet Food, Pet Food Aflatoxin, Pet Food Illness, Pet Food Recall, Pet Food Testing, Research

Research – Chemical Composition and Antimicrobial Activity against the Listeria monocytogenes of Essential Oils from Seven Salvia Species

Posted on December 4, 2023 by | Leave a comment

MDPI

Abstract

In recent years, essential oils (EOs) have received interest due to their antibacterial properties. Accordingly, the present study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the EOs obtained from seven species of Salvia on three strains of Listeria monocytogenes (two serotyped wild strains and one ATCC strain), a bacterium able to contaminate food products and cause foodborne disease in humans. The Salvia species analysed in the present study were cultivated at the Botanic Garden and Museum of the University of Pisa, and their air-dried aerial parts were subjected to hydrodistillation using a Clevenger apparatus. The obtained EOs were analysed via gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry for the evaluation of their chemical composition, and they were tested for their inhibitory and bactericidal activities by means of MIC and MBC. The tested Eos showed promising results, and the best outcomes were reached by S. chamaedryoides EO, showing an MIC of 1:256 and an MBC of 1:64. The predominant compounds of this EO were the sesquiterpenes caryophyllene oxide and β-caryophyllene, together with the monoterpenes bornyl acetate and borneol. These results suggest that these EOs may possibly be used in the food industry as preservatives of natural origins.

Leave a comment

Posted in Antibacterial, Antimicrobials, essential oils, Food Microbiology Research, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Research

Research – Effect of Different Pre-Growth Temperatures on the Survival Kinetics of Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes in Fresh-Cut Salad during Refrigerated Storage

Posted on December 3, 2023 by | Leave a comment

MDPI

Abstract

The effect of the pre-growth temperature of bacterial cultures on their subsequent survival kinetics in fresh-cut produce during refrigerated storage was investigated in this study. Three-strain cocktails of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica, cultured at different growth temperatures (4, 21, and 37 °C) were inoculated on fresh-cut mixed salad and on individual produce in the mixed salad. The inoculated samples were stored at 4 °C and 80 ± 2% relative humidity (RH) for up to 72 h and the growth, survival, or death kinetics were determined at regular intervals. The results indicate that depending upon the type of pathogen tested, the pre-growth temperature(s) and the type of produce showed a significant (p ≤ 0.05) effect on the survival kinetics. Among the tested produce, mixed salad showed the highest reduction in L. monocytogenes pre-grown at 37 °C (1.33 log CFU/g) followed by red cabbage (0.56 log CFU/g), iceberg lettuce (0.52 log CFU/g), and carrot (−0.62 log CFU/g), after 72 h, respectively. In the case of Salmonella, carrot showed the highest reduction (1.07 log CFU/g for 37 °C pre-grown culture) followed by mixed salad (0.78 log CFU/g for 37 °C pre-grown culture), cabbage (0.76 log CFU/g for 21 °C pre-grown culture), and lettuce (0.65 log CFU/g for 4 °C pre-grown culture), respectively. Among the tested ComBase predictive models, the Baranyi–Roberts model better fitted the experimental data. These findings indicate that the appropriate selection of pre-growth environmental conditions is critical to better understand the kinetics of foodborne pathogens.

Leave a comment

Posted in Food Microbiology Research, Food Pathogen, Listeria, Listeria monocytogenes, Pathogen, pathogenic, Research, Salmonella

Research -Prevalence of Salmonella in Eggs from Conventional and Cage-Free Egg Production Systems and the Role of Consumers in Reducing Household Contamination

Posted on December 3, 2023 by | Leave a comment

MDPI

Abstract

Salmonella is one of the leading causes of foodborne disease worldwide, usually related to contaminated poultry or poultry products, such as eggs. Since egg contamination with Salmonella depends on multiple factors that make it challenging to control, consumers’ knowledge about food safety and the proper handling of eggs is crucial. The aims of the study were (1) to determine the prevalence of Salmonella in eggs from conventional and alternative production systems, (2) to characterize the Salmonella isolates according to phenotypic-genotypic and antimicrobial-resistant traits, and (3) to understand how consumers manage the hazards related to egg contamination in the household. A total of 426 egg samples were analyzed (conventional systems = 240; alternative systems = 186). Culture-based and molecular microbiological methods were used to identify Salmonella and bioinformatics analysis of whole genome sequences was used to determine the serotype and antimicrobial-resistant genes. Salmonella enterica serotype Enteritidis was detected only in eggs from alternative systems (1.1%, 2/186). Isolates showed resistance to nalidixic acid (100%, 2/2), and the aac(6′)-Iaa gene and a mutation in the gyrA gene were identified in both isolates. Overall, consumers demonstrated knowledge regarding food safety; however, many still engage in practices that pose a risk of acquiring foodborne illnesses.

Leave a comment

Posted in Food Microbiology Research, Research, Salmonella, Salmonella in Chicken, Salmonella in Eggs

Research – Use of Human Intestinal Enteroids for Recovery of Infectious Human Norovirus from Berries and Lettuce

Posted on December 2, 2023 by | Leave a comment

MDPI

Abstract

Norovirus (NoV) is the leading cause of viral foodborne gastroenteritis globally. Currently, the gold standard for detecting NoV in clinical, food, and environmental samples is via molecular-based methods, primarily RT-PCR. Nevertheless, there is a great need for confirmatory assays that can determine the infectivity of viral particles recovered from contaminated matrices. The use of the human intestinal enteroids system (HIEs) has allowed for the expansion of norovirus replication, although it still suffers from limitations of strain preferences and the requirement of high titre stocks for infection. In this study, we wanted to explore the feasibility of using the HIEs to support the replication of NoV that had been recovered from representative food matrices that have been associated with foodborne illness. We first confirmed that HIEs can support the replication of several strains of NoV as measured by RT-qPCR. We subsequently chose two of those strains that reproducibly replicated, GII.4 and GII.6, to evaluate in a TCID50 assay and for future experiments. Infectious NoV could be recovered and quantified in the HIEs from lettuce, frozen raspberries, or frozen strawberries seeded with high titres of either of these strains. While many experimental challenges still remain to be overcome, the results of this study represent an important step toward the detection of infectious norovirus from representative produce items.

Leave a comment

Posted in Food Microbiology Research, Food Virus, Food Virus Death, Norovirus, Research

Research – The Impact of High Temperature on Microbial Communities in Pork and Duck Skin

Posted on December 2, 2023 by | Leave a comment

MDPI

Abstract

Pork skin and duck skin are highly favored by consumers in China, and high-temperature processing methods are widely employed in cooking and food preparation. However, the influence of high-temperature treatment on the microbial communities within pork skin and duck skin remains unclear. In this study, a high-temperature treatment method simulating the cooking process was utilized to treat samples of pork skin and duck skin at temperatures ranging from 60 °C to 120 °C. The findings revealed that high-temperature treatment significantly altered the microbial communities in both pork skin and duck skin. Heat exposure resulted in a decrease in microbial diversity and induced changes in the relative abundance of specific microbial groups. In pork skin, high-temperature treatment led to a reduction in bacterial diversity and a decline in the relative abundance of specific bacterial taxa. Similarly, the relative abundance of microbial communities in duck skin also decreased. Furthermore, potential pathogenic bacteria, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as aerobic, anaerobic, and facultative anaerobic bacteria, exhibited different responses to high-temperature treatment in pork skin and duck skin. These findings highlighted the substantial impact of high-temperature processing on the composition and structure of microbial communities in pork skin and duck skin, potentially influencing food safety and quality. This study contributed to an enhanced understanding of the microbial mechanisms underlying the alterations in microbial communities during high-temperature processing of pork skin and duck skin, with significant implications for ensuring food safety and developing effective cooking techniques.

Leave a comment

Posted in Food Microbiology Research, Food Pathogen, Pathogen, pathogenic, Research

Japan – 12 hit by food poisoning after tasting apples at east Japan orchard; STEC E. coli detected

Posted on December 1, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Mainichi

MITO — A total of 12 people became ill after tasting apples at an east Japan orchard, the Ibaraki Prefectural Government announced on Nov. 29.

The prefecture concluded it was a food poisoning case after the pathogenic O157 strain of the E. coli bacteria was detected in the victim’s excrement.

Leave a comment

Posted in food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Illness, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Testing, Foodborne Illness, foodborne outbreak, foodbourne outbreak, Illness, outbreak, STEC, STEC E.coli

Germany – Deer crackers with pork – STEC E.coli

Posted on December 1, 2023 by | Leave a comment

Lebensmittelwarnung

Product name:

Deer crackers with pork

Manufacturer (distributor):

Bauer Regional Meat Specialties GmbH Uthleber Str. 25 99734 Nordhausen

Reason for warning:

Detection of verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli bacteria (VTEC).

Packaging Unit: loose
Durability: 12/11/2023
Production date: November 3, 2023
Additional Information:

The goods were only sold within Thuringia in the Sömmerda district and in Erfurt (sales period November 20th, 2023 – November 30th, 2023) and in the Nordhausen district (sales period November 7th, 2023 – November 28th, 2023). 

The food business operator voluntarily recalls the goods.

Manufacturer’s homepage:

http://www.bauerfleisch.com

Leave a comment

Posted in food contamination, food handler, Food Hazard, Food Hygiene, Food Inspections, Food Micro Blog, Food Microbiology, Food Microbiology Blog, Food Microbiology Testing, Food Pathogen, Food Quality, food recall, Food Safety, Food Safety Alert, Food Safety Management, Food Safety Regulations, Food Testing, Lebensmittelwarnung, STEC, STEC E.coli, VTEC