Local Butcher Shops Research Articles

Isolation and identification of Clostridium perfringens and its toxins from mutton in Lahore City, Punjab, Pakistan.

The present study was aimed to detect C. perfringens and identify its toxins in mutton samples collected from Lahore City in the Punjab Province of Pakistan. A total of 40 samples of minced and non‑minced mutton were collected from local butcher and retail shops representing four areas of the city. The samples were subjected to ELISA for the detection of C. perfringens alpha, beta and epsilon toxins. The samples were simultaneously processed for bacterial isolation. The isolates were confirmed both by biochemical testing and a multiplex PCR targeting alpha, beta and epsilon toxin genes of C. perfringens. While 10% (4/40) of the samples were positive for C. perfringens alpha toxins, 17.5% (7/40) of the samples were positive for the alpha toxin gene. The present study indicated that the samples collected from the local butcher shops were contaminated with C. perfringens and its toxins. Interestingly, no such contamination was detected in any of the samples collected from retail meat shops. In conclusion, improper hygienic conditions at butcher shops could lead to the contamination of mutton with C. perfringens and its toxins.

Serotyping, RAPD PCR, Antibiotic Susceptibility Profiling of Listeria spp. Isolated from Raw Chicken Meat

The present study was aimed at finding the prevalence, serotyping, RAPD and Setyping of Listeria monocytogenes in raw chicken meat purchased from different retail outlets and local butcher shops across the Nagpur city. Cultural examination of 100 raw poultry meat samples, revealed the prevalence of Listeria spp. (35 %). L. grayi was predominant (15 %) among the isolates followed by L. monocytogenes (12 %), L. welshimeri (5 %), L. innocua (2 %) and L. seeligeri (1%) respectively. Among the majority of strains of L. monocytogenes, virulence marker genes hlyA and iap, all together or in combination were detected. Serotyping PCR study revealed that all L. monocytogenes isolates to be serotype 4b, which is the major serotype involved in the human listeriosis. RAPD PCR analysis of L. monocytogenes isolates revealed two types of banding patterns. All 35 strains of Listeria showed in-vitro susceptibility to antibiotics like vancomycin (93.88 %) ceftriaxone + Tazobactum (92.71%) and moderate sensitivity to enrofloxacin (38.78 %), ceftriaxone (34.90%) and ampicillin (34.69 %). Whereas, all the isolates were least sensitive to erythromycine (6.49%) and sulphasomidine (4.08 %). All the Listeriae isolates were refractory to penicillin. The present findings indicate the presence of multiple drug resistance among L. monocytogenes and other Listeria spp. isolated from raw poultry meat samples. Potentially pathogenic L. monocytogenes isolates recovered from raw poultry meat samples also signifies the zoonotic potential of listeriosis in the local area of Nagpur. High prevalence of L. monocytogenes and other Listeria spp. in raw poultry meat and their sensitivity to the antibiotics tested, clearly indicates that vancomycin and ceftriaxone +tazobactam should be used as a drug of choice for treatment of listeriosis. Keywords: Serotyping PCR, RAPD, Antibiotic Sensitivity test, ceftriaxone, sulphasomidine, tazobactam

Predicting Animal Welfare Labels from Pork Fat Using Raman Spectroscopy and Chemometrics

The awareness of the origin of meat that people consume is rapidly increasing today and with that increases the demand for fast and accurate methods for its distinction. In this work, we present for the first time the application of Raman spectroscopy using a portable spectrometer for the classification of pork. Breeding conditions were distinguished from spectral differences of adipose tissues. The pork samples were obtained from Dutch vendors, from supermarkets with quality marks of 1 and 3 stars, and from a local butcher shop. In total, 60 fat samples were examined using a fiber-optic-coupled Raman spectrometer. Recorded spectra were preprocessed before being subjected to multivariate statistical analysis. An initial data exploration using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed a separation of adipose tissue samples between the lower supermarket quality grade and the samples from the local butcher. Moreover, predictive modeling using Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) resulted in 96.67% classification accuracy for all three sources, demonstrating the suitability of the presented method for intraspecies meat classification and the potential on-site use.

Trichinellosis in Serbia has become a rare event - one outbreak with pulmonary complications.

An outbreak of trichinellosis occurred in Stari Banovci, a settlement in the municipality of Stara Pazova, Srem, Republic of Serbia, in March-April 2019. A total of 28 persons were exposed and trichinellosis was confirmed in 24 of them. This outbreak involved members of eight families, their relatives and friends. The infection, due to Trichinella spiralis (Owen, 1835), was associated with consumption of pork sausages procured in a local butcher's shop. The trace-back study revealed that the meat originated from swine that was raised on a small farm belonging to the owner of the shop, who did not have permission from the Veterinary Directorate for slaughtering animals and who put on the market sausages prepared from uninspected meat. Trichinellosis was accompanied by typical clinical symptoms. However, the unusual occurrence of high percentage of pulmonary complications was noticed. The description of this outbreak indicates that medical practitioners should initiate treatment immediately in cases of high suspicion of trichinellosis, even if the serology is negative, to prevent the complications of the disease. In spite of significant achievements in the control of Trichinella infection among domestic pigs and humans in the last 10 years, it is obvious that such cases of breeding animals under inappropriate conditions, slaughtering them without approval and placing uninspected pork on the market represent a source of sporadic outbreaks in Serbia.

Review: Contesting Modernity: Informalism in Venezuela, 1955–1975, edited by Mari Carmen Ramírez and Tahía Rivero, and El Techo de la Ballena: Retro-Modernity in Venezuela, by María C. Gaztambide

Review: <i>Contesting Modernity: Informalism in Venezuela, 1955–1975</i>, edited by Mari Carmen Ramírez and Tahía Rivero, and <i>El Techo de la Ballena: Retro-Modernity in Venezuela</i>, by María C. Gaztambide

Molecular characterization of extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from cows in Mosul city, Iraq

Cows are considered as reservoir hosts for many pathogenic bacteria that are resistant to broad-spectrum beta lactamase(ESBL). Presence of ESBL resistant K. pneumoniae in nasal of cows and beef meat constitutes a risk for public health due to transfer of antibiotic resistance gene from cows to environment, humans and farm animals. Therefore, the current study was concluded the detection of molecular characteristics of ESBL producing Klebsiella pneumoniae that was isolated from both cow's nostrils and from local beef samples. Fifty nasal swabs were collected from farms cows in Mosul city, and 50 samples of beef from local butcher shops for the period from February to August 2020. Bacterial isolation and identification tests were conducted for ESBL resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae using MacConkey agar medium with-1 μg/ml cefotaxime. PCR was carried out to confirm the results using special primers (SSKP 1 F and SSKP 1 R) for Klebsiella (the target gene 16srRNA). Then, a molecular examination was performed using the precursors CTX-M, TEM and SHV. Through bacterial isolation, 36 (72%) and 28 (56%) isolates were belonging to ESBL resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae from nasal samples and beef meat respectively. The CTX-M, TEM and SHV genes formed (100, 89.2, 85.7) % and (100, 72.2, 71.4) % for each the meat and nasal samples respectively. This study showed that cows play a major role in transferring ESBL producing Klebsiella pneumoniae from cows to humans as a result of environmental handling or consumption contaminated meat.

V07-04 RESIDENT TRAINING FOR ROBOTIC RENAL SURGERY WITH A PORCINE MODEL

You have accessJournal of UrologyRenal Oncology I1 Apr 2018V07-04 RESIDENT TRAINING FOR ROBOTIC RENAL SURGERY WITH A PORCINE MODEL Niraj Badhiwala, Kefu Du, Steven Monda, Venkatesh Ramakrishna, Angelia DeClue, and Robert Figenshau Niraj BadhiwalaNiraj Badhiwala More articles by this author , Kefu DuKefu Du More articles by this author , Steven MondaSteven Monda More articles by this author , Venkatesh RamakrishnaVenkatesh Ramakrishna More articles by this author , Angelia DeClueAngelia DeClue More articles by this author , and Robert FigenshauRobert Figenshau More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2018.02.1763AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Robotic surgery is critical for modern urologists. Despite the reduced difficulty of robotic surgery compared to traditional laparoscopy, a learning curve still exists. Due to increased demands on surgeon productivity and outcomes, residency robotics training is increasingly relying on simulations. We present a cost-effective model for realistic training for robotic partial nephrectomy. METHODS Using our surgical education center with a training Da Vinci Si robot, we set up a training platform with a porcine kidney obtained from a local butcher shop. Expired and unsterile instruments and equipment were used to reduce cost. A quarter-size circular area of the kidney is marked as the area of the “tumor”, and robotic partial nephrectomy is performed by the trainee in a standardized stepwise manner. Video recordings are obtained and uploaded for review by the trainees to provide constructive feedback to each other. These workshops are repeated several times through the academic year for the residents to practice and improve performance in the operating room. RESULTS Two residents participate in each training session. Average time for completion of each training session is less than 90 minutes. Average cost per session is under $20. Sliding-clip renorrhaphy was achieved without difficulty with tissue integrity. No significant difference in realism was noted between frozen and fresh specimen. CONCLUSIONS Porcine kidney for robotic partial nephrectomy is an inexpensive, realistic, and easily adoptable tool for resident training. Similar porcine models can be used for training for other surgical procedures. © 2018FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 199Issue 4SApril 2018Page: e742 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2018MetricsAuthor Information Niraj Badhiwala More articles by this author Kefu Du More articles by this author Steven Monda More articles by this author Venkatesh Ramakrishna More articles by this author Angelia DeClue More articles by this author Robert Figenshau More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...

Characterization of Extended Spectrum Β-Lactamase Producing Enterobacteria and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Raw Pork and Cooked Pork Products in South China.

In this study, we assessed the co-colonization with extended spectrum β-lactamase producing Enterobacteria (ESBL-E) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in raw pork and cooked pork products in south China. In total, 240 raw pork and 240 cooked pork samples collected from supermarkets (n = 20) and local butcher shops (n = 20) in the city of Guangzhou (China) were investigated. Raw pork and cooked pork was more frequent colonization with ESBL-E (7.5% in raw pork and 0.4% in cooked pork products) than with MRSA (4.2% in raw pork). Two of samples were contaminated with both tested types of multidrug-resistant bacteria. High antibiotic-resistance rate with wide spectrums of both ESBL-E and MRSA isolated were observed. In ESBL-E isolates, TEM (n = 15), CTX-M-1 (n = 3), CTX-M-9 (n = 1), and SHV (n = 1) genes were detected. TEM and SHV genes were associated with CTX-M-1 in 2 isolates, respectively. The CTX-M-9 gene of 1 isolate from cooked pork samples was found to be transferred to Escherichia coli J53 by conjugation. Detected MLST-types of MRSA were livestock-associated ST7 (n = 5) and ST9 (n = 4), as well as hospital-acquired ST239 (n = 1), suggesting contamination from human source(s) during meat processing. These findings confirmed a contamination of raw pork and cooked pork with ESBL-E and MRSA and emphasized the necessity of enforcing hygienic practices and specific detection of MRSA and ESBL-producing bacteria in meat processing and storage.

A prolonged outbreak of Salmonella Infantis associated with pork products in central Germany, April-October 2013.

One of the largest and longest Salmonella outbreaks in Germany within the last 10 years occurred in central Germany in 2013. To identify vehicles of infection, we analysed surveillance data, conducted a case-control study and food traceback. We identified 267 cases infected with Salmonella Infantis with symptom onset between 16 April and 26 October 2013 in four neighbouring federal states. Results of our study indicated that cases were more likely to have eaten raw minced pork from local butcher's shops [odds ratio (OR) 2·5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·1-5·8] and have taken gastric acid-reducing or -neutralizing medication (OR 3·8, 95% CI 1·3-13) than controls. The outbreak was traced back to contaminated raw pork products found in different butcher's shops supplied by one slaughterhouse, to pigs at one farm and to an animal feed producer. Characterization of isolates of human, food, animal, feed, and environmental origin by phage-typing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis confirmed the chain of infection. Insufficient hygiene standards in the slaughterhouse were the most probable cause of the ongoing transmission. We recommend that persons taking gastric acid suppressants should refrain from consuming raw pork products. Improving and maintaining adequate hygiene standards and process controls during slaughter is important to prevent future outbreaks.

Utilisation of Bovine Bone Pellet as a Matrix-Matched Reference Material for Calcified Tissues in LA-ICP-MS Application

One of the most challenging aspects of interpreting quantitative information of biological samples from laser inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) is a lack of appropriate matrix-matched internal standards that is needed for calibrations. There are standards available; however, most certified reference standard materials are suboptimal, due to the high variability and complexity of biological materials, especially for calcified tissues. In the present study, we described an approach in which bovine bone pellets are used as reliable matrixmatched standards for quantitative analysis of bone samples. Bovine tibial bones, sourced from a local butcher shop, were treated with or without autoclave sterilization. The samples were lyophilized over a 24 hour period, after which the elemental distributions in autoclaved, non-autoclaved bone pellets and naïve bone fragments were investigated using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and LA-ICP-MS methods, in addition to homogeneity analysis of non-autoclaved bone pellets. The results demonstrated that non-autoclaved and autoclaved bone pellets shared similar average elemental concentrations after correcting for background signal; natural bone fragments, on the other hand, showed large sample variations. Factors such as low cost and ease of manufacture, “home-made” non-autoclaved bone pellets are the preferred option and these were subjected to further investigations. The homogeneity analysis revealed that non-autoclaved bone pellets had a higher degree of homogeneity, with minimal standard deviations and a uniform particle size of less than 100 μm. These results show that non-autoclaved bovine bone pellets are reliable and easy-to-make alternative to matrix-matched reference material with which to analyse calcified tissues by LA-ICP-MS.

A method to estimate the fractional fat volume within a ROI of a breast biopsy for WAXS applications: animal tissue evaluation.

To develop a method to estimate the mean fractional volume of fat (ν¯fat) within a region of interest (ROI) of a tissue sample for wide-angle x-ray scatter (WAXS) applications. A scatter signal from the ROI was obtained and use of ν¯fat in a WAXS fat subtraction model provided a way to estimate the differential linear scattering coefficient μs of the remaining fatless tissue. The efficacy of the method was tested using animal tissue from a local butcher shop. Formalin fixed samples, 5 mm in diameter 4 mm thick, were prepared. The two main tissue types were fat and meat (fibrous). Pure as well as composite samples consisting of a mixture of the two tissue types were analyzed. For the latter samples, νfat for the tissue columns of interest were extracted from corresponding pixels in CCD digital x-ray images using a calibration curve. The means ν¯fat were then calculated for use in a WAXS fat subtraction model. For the WAXS measurements, the samples were interrogated with a 2.7 mm diameter 50 kV beam and the 6° scattered photons were detected with a CdTe detector subtending a solid angle of 7.75 × 10(-5) sr. Using the scatter spectrum, an estimate of the incident spectrum, and a scatter model, μs was determined for the tissue in the ROI. For the composite samples, a WAXS fat subtraction model was used to estimate the μs of the fibrous tissue in the ROI. This signal was compared to μs of fibrous tissue obtained using a pure fibrous sample. For chicken and beef composites, ν¯fat=0.33±0.05 and 0.32 ± 0.05, respectively. The subtractions of these fat components from the WAXS composite signals provided estimates of μs for chicken and beef fibrous tissue. The differences between the estimates and μs of fibrous obtained with a pure sample were calculated as a function of the momentum transfer x. A t-test showed that the mean of the differences did not vary from zero in a statistically significant way thereby validating the methods. The methodology to estimate ν¯fat in a ROI of a tissue sample via CCD x-ray imaging was quantitatively accurate. The WAXS fat subtraction model allowed μs of fibrous tissue to be obtained from a ROI which had some fat. The fat estimation method coupled with the WAXS models can be used to compare μs coefficients of fibroglandular and cancerous breast tissue.

Toxinotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility of enterotoxigenic Clostridium perfringens isolates from mutton, beef and chicken meat.

A total of 300 meat samples comprising mutton, beef, and chicken meat (n = 100) collected from either local butcher shops or large meat outlets situated at various areas of Lahore City located in Punjab province of Pakistan were tested for the isolation of Clostridium perfringens. Prevalence of the organism was highest in the chicken (6%) followed by mutton (5%) and beef (1%). Contamination level was high (10/150) in the samples collected from local butcher shops in comparison to the samples collected from large meat outlets (2/150). All of the raw meat samples were negative for the presence of alpha, beta and epsilon toxins of C. perfringens as detected through ELISA. Out of a total number of 12 isolates only half were capable of producing enterotoxins when cultured in trypticase glucose yeast (TGY) broth. Toxinotyping of the isolates showed that 3 were of type A while one each of the remaining three belonged to type B, C, and D. Antibiotic susceptibility testing of the toxin producing isolates revealed that C. perfringens were susceptible to chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and ceftriaxone. All of the other drugs were relatively less effective with a least activity of amoxicillin against the isolates.

Isolation and characterization of multidrug-resistant bacteria from minced meat in Austria

IntroductionResistant bacteria are a well-known public health problem. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence and genetic characteristics of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producing enterobacteria, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) in mixed minced meat from pork and beef. MethodsOne hundred samples of mixed minced meat were collected from supermarkets (n = 70) and local butcher shops (n = 30) in the city of Graz (Austria). After enrichment and inoculation on selective media, bacteria were identified with MALDI-TOF MS or Vitek2 systems, tested for antibiotic resistance and further characterized with PCR and sequencing. ResultsIn 20 of the 100 meat samples 24 ESBL positive Escherichia coli isolates were found. The most common ESBL among the isolates was CTX-M-1. Other detected bla genes contained CTX-M-14, CTX-M-32, SHV-12 and TEM-52 types. Nine samples were tested positive for MRSA and spa-typed. Detected spa-types were hospital-acquired t3928, as well as livestock-associated t011, t034 and t2241. No VRE were found. ConclusionA contamination of meat with ESBL-producing E. coli and MRSA was confirmed in this study. The large diversity of ESBL producing E. coli could indicate a growing dissemination of ESBL genes in E. coli found in meat products from porcine and bovine origin.

Molecular Screening of Virulence Genes from Salmonella enterica Isolated from Commercial Food Stuffs

associated with the Salmonella enterica isolated from commercial food stuffs by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A total of 134 samples of commercial food stuffs constituting of raw meats of poultry, pork, beef, raw eggs, dairy and bakery products were purchased from the departmental stores, supermarkets and local butcher shops of Salem, Erode and Coimbatore districts of Tamil Nadu, India. Samples were aseptically processed for the isolation of S. enterica through broth enrichment methods. PCR was performed with various virulence genes specific primers of S. enterica. Microbiological investigations resulted in Salmonella isolates in 35 (26.11%) samples. In PCR, invasive gene (invA; 244bp), Salmonella enterotoxin gene (stn; 617bp), plasmid encoded fimbriae (pefA; 700bp), Salmonella Enteritidis fimbriae (sefC; 1103bp) and Salmonella plasmid virulence C gene (spvC; 571bp) were detected in 100%, 100%, 51.42%, 25.71% and 42.85% isolates respectively. Present study suggested that invA and stn virulence genes are much conserved in S. enterica isolated from commercial food stuffs and could be used independently as a gene marker for the rapid detection of the virulent strains of S. enterica. The prevalence of spvC gene is restricted into the isolates of a few definite sources. The result emphasized the risk of transferring these zoonotic organisms to human via food chain is impending danger for the mankind.

Novo modelo animal para treinamento de rinoplastia

INTRODUÇÃO: A rinoplastia apresenta um conjunto único de desafios para o cirurgião plástico. Destreza cirúrgica exige longa curva de aprendizado, que pode trazer resultados, por vezes, problemáticos, especialmente para o iniciante em um procedimento tão complexo. Entender as bases anatômicas e as propriedades mecânicas dos componentes nasais é fundamental para obter resultados satisfatórios na rinoplastia. Para melhorar o treinamento do cirurgião iniciante em rinoplastia, grande variedade de modelos tem sido descrita, como nariz de porco ou coelho, cartilagem do esterno de frango, modelos de silicone e, até mesmo, modelo virtual tridimensional do nariz humano gerado por computador. Neste artigo é proposto o uso da cabeça de ovelha como modelo para reprodução dos passos técnicos da rinosseptoplastia, constituindo uma ferramenta para educação e pesquisa cirúrgica. MÉTODO: Várias cabeças de ovelha foram dissecadas de forma reprodutível e as cartilagens nasais foram modeladas em diferentes formas, tal como descrito na literatura para modelo humano. Suturas foram colocadas nas cartilagens para simular os passos da rinoplastia estruturada. RESULTADOS: O modelo de caprinos reproduziu estruturas similares, incluindo as cruras medial e lateral e os ângulos domais, além de proporcionar orientação cefálica apropriada. A cartilagem septal é abundante para simulação de enxertos e vários ossos estão disponíveis para fratura e raspagem. CONCLUSÕES: Com um número estimado de mais de um bilhão de ovelhas domésticas no mundo, esse modelo tem o potencial de melhorar os resultados na rinoplastia, proporcionando maior oportunidade de treinamento em um procedimento que requer precisão, conhecimento e arte.

Porcine Cartilage Model for Simulation of Nasal Tip Aesthetics and Mechanics

The aesthetics of the human nose is highly dependent on the complex structure of the lower lateral cartilages (LLC). Understanding optimum shape and mechanical properties of the LLC is pivotal to achieving satisfactory results in nasal tip rhinoplasty. The authors introduce an ex vivo animal model to replicate the shape and mechanics of human nasal LLC as a tool for research and surgical education. Seven fresh pig heads were obtained from a local butcher shop. Nasal cartilage was harvested in a replicable manner and fashioned into appropriate shapes and dimensions based on the authors' human cadaver studies. Sutures were placed to approximate the cartilage pairs into appropriate human anatomical position. The porcine cartilage model replicated analogous structures, including the medial crura and the lateral crura, with appropriate cephalic orientation and domal angles. The anterior-posterior dimensions of the medial crura, intermediate crura, and lateral crura were 4 mm, 6 mm, and 10 mm, respectively. Cartilage thickness was approximately 1 mm throughout the specimen. Cephalic orientation of the lateral crura was sculpted to 45°. The average angle of divergence was 54° and varied according to the physiological shape of the porcine nasal vault (range, 43-74°). Average interdomal distance was 13.3 mm (range, 9-18 mm), and average domal width was 6.2 mm (range, 5-7 mm). This novel porcine model mimics human LLC and is inexpensive, easy to construct, and highly replicable. This model can be used as a valuable educational resource for training novice surgeons in the principles of nasal tip rhinoplasty. Additionally, our construct has broad applications in studying LLC geometry and mechanics.

Detection and Characterization of Hepatitis E Virus from Pig Livers Sold in Local Butcher Shops in Southeastern Germany – A Possible Source of Infection for Humans?

Introduction: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has been identified as an emerging cause of infectious hepatitis over the last years in developed countries. In contrast to travel associated hepatitis E, zoonotic sources of infection are suspected for autochthonous cases in Europe. Since pigs are known reservoirs of HEV, we tested pig livers sold in local butcher shops in Southeastern Germany for the presence of Hepatitis E virus.

Anesthesiologist's Manual of Surgical Procedures, 4th Edition.

Anesthesiologist's Manual of Surgical Procedures, 4th Edition.

Can the high levels of human verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli O157 infection in rural areas of NE Scotland be explained by consumption of contaminated meat?

To determine if contamination levels of Escherichia coli O157 and generic E. coli in retail-minced meat products are greater in rural shops compared with urban shops in Grampian, NE Scotland. We also investigated whether meat from supermarkets and meat from local butcher shops had a similar bacteriological quality. Minced beef and minced lamb were tested from November 2004 to August 2006. Escheichia coli O157 was found at low levels in four samples out of 530 tested samples (0.75%). Generic E. coli were present in 11% of the samples tested, of which 67% came from supermarkets. We observed no significant difference in the prevalence of generic E. coli between rural and urban areas. Low levels of contamination with E. coli O157 and generic E. coli in retail meat suggest that meat is not a major route of infection in NE Scotland. The study does not suggest that the high incidence of E. coli O157 human infection in the rural areas of Grampian is because of meat consumption--this provides further evidence of contact with animals or water being the routes of infection. Hence, risk mitigation should be focussed more on environmental pathways of infection.

Meat color in retail displays with fluorescent illumination

AbstractThe color of beef longissimus dorsi muscle of a homogeneous group of fifteen males of Pirenaica breed in terms of the CIELAB color space was studied using the actual illuminating conditions existing in a representative fraction of retail displays operating in 51 local butcher's shops and supermarkets. All retail displays mounted fluorescent lamps and up to nine fluorescent models with different chromatic characteristics were found. Meat color was analyzed at four different times: immediately after cutting and after 1 day, 5 days, and 7 days of exposure to air. At each measurement day computed a*, b*, C* and hab color coordinates gave significantly higher values than the corresponding D65 values. All fluorescent models enhanced the red color of meat but none of them masked or enhanced meat color differences between samples or between measurement days. Significant differences in color coordinates were found between retail displays that mounted identical fluorescent models, proving the important role of uncontrolled environmental factors like daylight or scattered light from the walls and ceiling. With respect to computed color coordinates, the intrinsic natural variations in the color of meat samples were more important than variations in the illuminating conditions. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 30, 304–311, 2005; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.20123