Raw Sausages Research Articles

Suppression of Listeria monocytogenes by the Native Micro-Flora in Teewurst Sausage.

Modern consumers are interested in the use of non-chemical methods to control pathogens when heat sterilization is not an option. Such is the case with teewurst sausage, a raw spreadable sausage and a popular German commodity. Although Listeria was not found in teewurst, the optimal microbial growing conditions of teewurst coupled with the ubiquity of L. monocytogenes in nature, makes the possibility of contamination of products very possible. This pilot study was conducted to examine teewurst’s native micro-flora’s ability to suppress the outgrowth of L. monocytogenes at 10 °C using standard plate counts and PCR-DGGE. Traditional plating methods showed L. monocytogenes growth significantly decreased when in competition with the teewurst’s native micro-flora (p < 0.05). The native micro-flora of the teewurst suppressed the overall growth of L. monocytogenes by an average of two logs, under these conditions. Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis (DGGE) amplicons with unique banding patterns were extracted from DGGE gel for identification. Brochothrix thermosphacta and Lactobacillus curvatus were identified as a part of the teewurst’s native micro-flora. Although the native micro-flora did not decrease L. monocytogenes to below limits of detection, it was enough of a decrease to warrant further investigation.

Hepatitis E virus seroprevalence and risk factors for individuals in working contact with animals

BackgroundIn industrial countries genotypes 3 and 4 of HEV are detected in swine, wild boar, deer and rabbits, and they are associated with autochthonous infections suggesting the existence of zoonotic HEV infections, compatible with the putative involvement of undercooked pork and big game products as a source of infection. ObjectivesTo evaluate the prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies in different population groups in contact with animals and to investigate risk factors for HEV infection. Study designSerum samples were collected from 859 healthy French subjects, including pig farm workers, forestry workers and individuals without working contact with animals (control group). In addition, 58 swine veterinarians were included in the study. Subjects were interviewed using a structured questionnaire, and anti-HEV antibodies were investigated using a sensitive and specific sandwich ELISA. ResultsAnti-Hepatitis E virus (HEV) antibodies were detected in 26% of control population, and in 36% and 44% of forestry and pig farm workers, respectively. In addition, an increase in seroprevalence from the north to the south of France was observed (30.2% versus 40.7%). Consumption of pork liver sausage (AOR 4.4, p<10−4), occupational contact with animals (AOR 1.58, p=0.038 for forestry workers and AOR 2.51, p<10−4 for pig farm workers), and living in southern France (AOR 1.47, p=0.02), were independent risk factors. Wearing working gloves and boots might reduce HEV infection. ConclusionsOccupational exposure to animals and consuming raw or undercooked pork liver sausage or pork liver play a significant role in HEV transmission in industrial countries.

The microbial safety of ready-to-eat raw and cooked sausages in Poland: Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. occurrence

The aim of the work was to evaluate the microbial safety of ready-to-eat meat products, which included pork sausages subjected to heat treatment, such as cooking and smoking, by producers (n = 1123) and raw sausages such as raw smoked pork sausages, mettwurst, tatar (n = 200). Analyzes were carried out for 3 years (2009, 2010, 2011). Samples were collected by veterinary inspectors under the official supervision (68%) and by individual producers (32%) according to HACCP plan. The occurrence of Listeria monocytogenes was noted in 5.3% of the samples (in 1.8% and 26.1% of cooked and raw sausages, respectively). Seasonal changes in the prevalence of L. monocytogenes occurred. Higher number of samples in which the bacteria was present was noted in spring and summer. Salmonella spp. was absent in 25 g of all 200 samples of raw sausages. The limit of 100 cfu/g of L. monocytogenes was not exceeded in any of tested (n = 75) samples of ready-to-eat sausages placed on the market at the end of their shelf life. It could be concluded that the microbial quality of ready-to-eat sausages on the Polish market is constantly improving and the veterinary inspections play an important role in the process.

Calcium inhibits promotion by hot dog of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced mucin-depleted foci in rat colon

Epidemiology suggests that processed meat is associated with colorectal cancer risk, but few experimental studies support this association. We have shown that a model of cured meat made in a pilot workshop promotes preneoplastic lesions, mucin-depleted foci (MDF) in the colon of rats. This study had two aims: to check if real store-bought processed meats also promote MDF, and to test if calcium carbonate, which suppresses heme-induced promotion, can suppress promotion by processed meat. A 14-day study was done to test the effect of nine purchased cured meats on fecal and urinary biomarkers associated with heme-induced carcinogenesis promotion. Fecal water from rats given hot dog or fermented raw dry sausage was particularly cytotoxic. These two cured meats were thus given to rats pretreated with 1,2-dimethylhydrazine, to evaluate their effect on colorectal carcinogenesis. After a 100-days feeding period, fecal apparent total N-nitroso compounds (ATNC) were assayed and colons were scored for MDF. Hot dog diet increased fecal ATNC and the number of MDF per colon compared with the no-meat control diet (3.0 ± 1.7 vs. 1.2 ± 1.4, p < 0.05). In a third study, addition of calcium carbonate (150 µmol/g) to the hot dog diet decreased the number of MDF/colon and fecal ATNC compared with the hot dog diet without calcium carbonate (1.2 ± 1.1 vs. 2.3 ± 1.4, respectively, p < 0.05). This is the first experimental evidence that a widely consumed processed meat promotes colon carcinogenesis in rats. It also shows that dietary prevention of this detrimental effect is possible.

Effects of pH, Sodium Chloride, and Curing Salt on the Infectivity of Toxoplasma gondii Tissue Cysts

Toxoplasma gondii is one of the most common zoonotic parasites in the world. The parasite causes no or mild symptoms in immunocompetent humans. However, a high potential hazard exists for seronegative pregnant women and immunocompromised patients. The consumption of meat containing tissue cysts or oocyst-contaminated vegetables and fruits or the handling of cat feces poses a high risk of infection with T. gondii. It is known that raw minced meat, raw fresh sausages, and locally produced raw meat products are possible causes of T. gondii infection. The infectivity of T. gondii tissue cysts in meat products depends, among other factors, on the pH and the salt concentration. Therefore, the impact of these two factors on the tissue cysts was examined. For this purpose, dissected musculature and brain from experimentally infected mice (donor mice) were placed in a cell culture medium (RPMI 1640). The medium was adjusted to different pH values (pH 5, 6, and 7) with lactic acid and to different salt concentrations (2.0, 2.5, and 3.0%) with sodium chloride (NaCl) or nitrite-enriched curing salt (NCS) for the various tests. After storage at 4°C for different time periods, the materials were fed to bioassay mice. Later, the brains were examined for presence of T. gondii to assess the infectivity. The data show that T. gondii tissue cysts have a high pH tolerance. Cysts were infectious in the muscle for up to 26 days (pH 5). In contrast to their tolerance to pH, cysts were very sensitive to salt. Muscle cysts survived at an NaCl concentration of up to 2.0% only, and for no longer than 8 days. At NaCl concentrations of 2.5 and 3.0%, the cysts lost their infectivity after 1 day. When NCS instead of NaCl was used under the same conditions, T. gondii muscle cysts retained infectivity for only 4 days at 2.0%. Consequently, NCS (NaCl plus 0.5% nitrite) has a stronger effect on T. gondii cysts than does common table salt. Sausages produced with low NaCl concentration and short contact times pose a potential risk for susceptible individuals.

Physico-chemical and microbiological properties of raw fermented sausages are not influenced by color differences of turkey breast meat

It has been suggested that the color of turkey breast meat influences both physico-chemical and microbiological properties of raw fermented sausages. In this study, raw fermented sausages were produced with turkey breast meat in 3 different colors (pale, normal, or dark), which were obtained from 2 fast-growing-genetic-line toms at 2 slaughterhouses. Prior to the sausage production, the breast muscles were sorted into color groups according to the lightness values determined at 24 h postmortem. This meat was subsequently processed to raw fermented sausages using 1.5 or 2.5% curing salt (CS). The pale meat had higher lightness, electrical conductivity, and drip loss, whereas the dark meat showed a darker color only. The physico-chemical (pH, water activity), visual (lightness, redness), and microbial (total plate count) properties of the sausages were not influenced by the color of the turkey breast meat. The sausage made with 2.5% CS had lower aw and higher ash and hardness values than the sausages produced with 1.5% CS. In conclusion, processing of differently colored turkey meat to raw fermented sausages does not influence the quality characteristics of the products. Based on these findings, there is no reason for the sausage producer to separate turkey breast muscles by color before producing raw fermented sausages.

DuPont BAX® System PCR Assay for Genus Listeria 24E

The DuPontTM BAX® System PCR assay for Genus Listeria 24E using 24 LEB was assessed to detect Listeria spp. from food and stainless steel surfaces. The assay protocol used in these studies includes test kit lysis reagents that differ from those used in previous BAX System PCR assays (and are similar to those in the BAX System reverse-transcriptase PCR test kit for Listeria spp.) and a new proprietary enrichment medium optimized for use with this test kit. The genomic target for PCR in the Genus Listeria 24E assay is the same as that used in the previously-validated BAX System PCR assay for Genus Listeria (AOAC-RI Performance Tested MethodSM 030502), but the redesign of the test kit and new medium allow for faster target cell growth, a more quantitative lysis of enriched cells and a faster time to result. Five foods—liver paté, hot dogs, raw fermented sausage, sliced deli turkey, and sliced deli ham—and one environmental surface type, stainless steel, were simultaneously analyzed with the BAX System Q7 instrument and the Health Canada MFHPB-30 method for detecting Listeria spp. One food type, hot dogs, was artificially inoculated with L. innocua and Enterococcus faecalis. The environmental surfaces were co-inoculated with both L. monocytogenes and E. faecalis; all the other matrixes were inoculated with a single strain of L. monocytogenes. No significant differences were found in method performance when the test method was compared with the reference method.

MicroSEQ®Listeria spp. Detection Kit

Abstract The Applied Biosystems Performance Tested MethodSM for detecting Listeria species in food and environmental samples was compared to the Health Canada reference method (MFHPB-30) for the analysis of five ready-to-eat (RTE) meats (deli turkey, hot dogs, liver paté, deli ham, and raw fermented sausage) and a stainless steel surface. The MicroSEQ method includes the MicroSEQ®Listeria spp. Detection Kit and the option of two different sample preparation kits, either the automated high-throughput PrepSEQ™ Nucleic Acid Extraction Kit or the manual low- to mid-throughput PrepSEQ™ Rapid Spin Sample Preparation Kit. For each sample matrix, 20 replicates were analyzed at two inoculum levels: for RTE meats a low-level inoculum at 0.2–2 CFU/25 g and a high-level inoculum at 2–5 CFU/25 g; and for environmental surfaces, a low-level inoculum at 0.2–2 CFU/5 cm2 sampling area and a high-level inoculum at 2–5 CFU/5 cm2 sampling area. Five control replicates were also analyzed at 0 CFU/25 g (uninoculated) for food or 0 CFU/5 cm2 sampling area for environmental surface. Both sample preparation methods returned identical results. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of positive samples detected by the MicroSEQ Listeria species method and the MFHPB-30 reference method for three RTE meats and for the one stainless steel environmental surface tested. For deli turkey, there was a statistically significant difference in the number of positive results detected by the MicroSEQ method and the Health Canada MFHPB-30 reference method for the low inoculation level, with the MicroSEQ method detecting more positives. For hot dogs, statistical equivalence was not applicable since hot dogs were spiked with 10x Listeria innocua as competitive background, and the MicroSEQ method detects all known Listeria. Because the MicroSEQ method uses real-time PCR to detect pathogens, it provides faster time-to-results with equivalent detection compared to culture methods. The MicroSEQ method detects Listeria species within 2 to 3 h following 24 to 28 h enrichment compared to culture methods that take at least 5 days for presumptive positive results.

IQ-Check Listeria monocytogenes II

Abstract A comparative evaluation study of the Bio-Rad® iQ-Check™Listeria monocytogenes II Kit (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA) was conducted at Q Laboratories, Inc., Cincinnati, OH. iQ-Check is a rapid method based on real-time PCR amplification and detection of L. monocytogenes in food and environmental samples. The iQ-Check method was compared to the Health Canada MFHPB-30 reference method for the analysis of five ready-to-eat meats—deli turkey, hot dogs, liver paté, raw fermented sausage, and deli ham—and one stainless steel surface. Each food matrix was analyzed at two contamination levels: a low level at 0.2–2 CFU/25 g and a high level at 2–5 CFU/25 g. The environmental surfaces were analyzed at a low level of 0.2–2 CFU/5 cm2 sampling area and a high level of 2–5 CFU/5 cm2 sampling area. There were 20 replicates per contamination level and five control replicates at 0 CFU/25 g or 0 CFU/5 cm2 sampling area (uninoculated). All samples detected by iQ-Check were subsequently confirmed by reference method protocol. There was no significant difference in the number of positive samples detected by the iQ-Check Listeria monocytogenes II Kit in comparison to the Health Canada MFHPB-30 method for all matrixes tested.

MicroSEQ®Listeria monocytogenes Detection Kit

Abstract The Applied Biosystems Performance Tested MethodSM for detecting Listeria monocytogenes in food and environmental samples was compared to the Health Canada reference method (MFHPB-30) for the analysis of five ready-to-eat (RTE) meats (deli turkey, hot dogs, liver paté, deli ham, and raw fermented sausage) and a stainless steel environmental surface. The MicroSEQ® method includes the MicroSEQListeria monocytogenes Detection Kit and the option of two different sample preparation kits, either the automated high-throughput PrepSEQ™ Nucleic Acid Extraction Kit or the manual low- to mid-throughput PrepSEQ Rapid Spin Sample Preparation Kit. For each sample matrix, 20 replicates were analyzed at two inoculum levels: for RTE meats, a low-level inoculum at 0.2–2 CFU/25 g and a high-level inoculum at 2–5 CFU/25 g; and for environmental surfaces, a low-level inoculum at 0.2–2 CFU/5 cm2 sampling area and a high-level inoculum at 2–5 CFU/5 cm2 sampling area. Five control replicates were also analyzed at 0 CFU/25 g (uninoculated) for food or 0 CFU/5 cm2 sampling area for environmental surface. Both sample preparation methods returned identical results. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of positive samples detected by the MicroSEQ Listeria monocytogenes method and the MFHPB-30 reference method for four of the five RTE meats and the one stainless steel surface tested. For deli turkey, there was a statistically significant difference in the number of positive results detected by the MicroSEQ method and the Health Canada MFHPB-30 reference method for the low inoculation level, with the MicroSEQ method detecting more positives. Because the MicroSEQ method uses real-time PCR to detect pathogens, it provides faster time-to-results compared to culture methods while at the same time demonstrating equivalent detection. The MicroSEQ method detects L. monocytogenes within 2 to 3 h following 24 to 28 h enrichment compared to culture methods that take at least 5 days for presumptive positive results.

IQ-Check Listeria spp. Real-Time PCR Test Kit

Abstract A comparative evaluation study of the Bio-Rad® iQ-Check™Listeria species Kit (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA) was conducted at Q Laboratories, Inc., Cincinnati, OH. iQ-Check is a rapid method based on real-time PCR amplification and detection of all species of Listeria, including L. grayi, in food and environmental samples. The iQ-Check method was compared to the Health Canada MFHPB-30 reference method for the analysis of five ready-to-eat meats—deli turkey, hot dogs, liver paté, raw fermented sausage, and deli ham—and one stainless steel surface. Each food matrix was analyzed at two contamination levels: a low level at 0.2–2 CFU/25 g and a high level at 2–5 CFU/25 g. The environmental surfaces were analyzed at a low level of 0.2–2 CFU/5 cm2 sampling area and a high level of 2–5 CFU/5 cm2 sampling area. There were 20 replicates per contamination level and five control replicates at 0 CFU/25 g or 0 CFU/5 cm2 sampling area (uninoculated). All samples that were detected by iQ-Check were subsequently confirmed by reference method protocol. There was no significant difference in the number of positive samples detected by the iQ-Check Listeria spp. Kit in comparison to the Health Canada MFHPB-30 method for all matrixes tested.

Changes in biogenic amine levels during storage of Mexican-style soft and Spanish-style dry-ripened sausages with different aw values under modified atmosphere

Two raw sausages were prepared: a soft and a dry-ripened one, both by local traditional and industrial manufacturing practices. Sausages were packaged under a CO2/N2 atmosphere at different targeted activity water (aw) values: 0.96 and 0.92 (soft sausages) and 0.88 and 0.82 (dry-ripened sausages). Sausages were then stored at 5°C for 42days or at 12°C for 240days (soft and a dry-ripened sausages, respectively). The time-related changes in dominant microbiota, pH and biogenic amine contents during storage were determined. Tyramine was the most abundant biogenic amine in all the sausages. Biogenic amine levels were higher in dry-ripened sausages than in soft sausages at packaging. However, during refrigerated storage soft sausages were fermented and the levels of biogenic amines increased (P<0.05). At the end of storage, traditional soft sausages with 0.96 aw presented comparable levels of biogenic amines to traditional dry-ripened sausages.

Development and validation of a duplex real-time PCR method for the simultaneous detection of celery and white mustard in food

The developed duplex real-time PCR method allows the simultaneous detection of traces of potentially allergenic white mustard (Sinapis alba) and celery roots (Apium graveolens var. rapaceum), celery stalks (A. g. var. dulce) and leaf celery (A. g. var. secalinum). The duplex assay does not show any cross-reactivity with 64 different biological species, including various members of the Brassicaceae and Apiaceae family. In raw model sausages spiked with white mustard and celery roots, the LOD was found to be 0.001% white mustard and 0.005% celery. In model sausages brewed at 75–78°C for 15min the LOD was found to be 0.005% white mustard and 0.005% celery. The duplex real-time PCR assay was applied to check if commercial food products are labelled in compliance with the legal regulations.

VIDAS®Listeria monocytogenes II (LMO2)

This AOAC GovVal study compared the VIDAS Listeria monocytogenes II (LMO2) to the Health Products and Food Branch MFHPB-30 reference method for detection of L. monocytogenes in ready-to-eat (RTE) meats. The VIDAS LMO2 test is an automated enzyme-linked fluorescent immunoassay for the detection of L. monocytogenes in foods. The LMO2 test, following the enrichment procedure from the MFLP-33 method, also included use of the chromogenic media, chromID Ottaviani Agosti Agar (OAA) and chromID Lmono for confirmation of LMO2 presumptive results. In previous AOAC validation studies comparing the VIDAS LMO2 method to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Bacteriological Analytical Manual and U.S. Department of Agriculture-Food Safety and Inspection Service reference methods, LMO2 was approved as AOAC Official Method 2004.02 for the detection of L. monocytogenes in dairy products, vegetables, seafood, raw meats and poultry, and processed meats and poultry. The GovVal comparative study included 20 replicate test portions, each at two contamination levels for each matrix, where fractionally positive results (5-15 positive results/20 replicate portions tested) were obtained by at least one method at one level. Five uncontaminated controls were included. Chi-square analysis of the comparative data in this study indicates no statistical differences between the VIDAS LMO2 and the MFHPB-30 standard methods at the 5% level of significance. Confirmation of presumptive LMO2 results with the chromogenic OAA and Lmono media was shown to be equivalent to the appropriate reference method agars. The data demonstrate that the VIDAS LMO2 method is an acceptable alternative method to the MFHPB-30 standard culture method for the detection of L. monocytogenes in RTE meats, including liver paté, hot dogs, raw fermented sausage, sliced deli turkey, and sliced deli ham.

3M™ Tecra™ Listeria Visual Immunoassay: AOAC Official MethodsSM 995.22 and 2002.09

A validation study of the 3M Tecra Listeria Visual Immunoassay (VIA; 3M Food Safety, St. Paul, MN) was conducted at Q Laboratories, Inc., Cincinnati, OH. The 3M Tecra Listeria VIA method was compared to the Health Canada MFHPB-30 reference method for the analysis of five ready-to-eat (RTE) meats: deli turkey, hot dogs, liver pate, raw fermented sausage, and deli ham, and on a stainless steel environmental surface. Twenty replicates of each of the five food matrixes were analyzed at a low and a high inoculum level. The low-level test portions were inoculated with 0.2-2 CFU/25 g, and the high-level test portions with 2-5 CFU/25 g. In addition, 20 replicates of one environmental surface were analyzed at a low and a high inoculum level. The low-level sampling area was inoculated with 0.2-2 CFU/5 cm2, and the high-level area with 2-5 CFU/5 cm2. Five control replicates were also analyzed at 0 CFU/25 g (uninoculated) for the foods and at 0 CFU/5 cm2 for the environmental sampling area. There was no significant difference in the number of positives detected by the 3M Tecra Listeria VIA and the Health Canada MFHPB-30 reference method for four of the RTE meats and the stainless steel environmental surface analyzed in this study. For the raw, fermented sausage, there was a significant difference in the number of positives detected for the high inoculum level by the 3M Tecra Listeria VIA and the Health Canada MFHPB-30 reference method, with the 3M Tecra Listeria VIA method detecting more positives.

Nutritional value and fatty acid composition of some traditional Argentinean meat sausages

The aim of this study was to determine the nutritional composition (moisture, protein, carbohydrates, and total fat) of some meat products produced in the northeastern Argentina, analyzing fatty acids composition, polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio PUFA/SFA ratio (polyunsaturated/ saturated fatty acids), n-6/n-3 ratio, and CLA (conjugated linoleic acid) content. Thirty traditional meat products produced by different processes were used. The samples were classified into 4 different categories as follows: salamín (dry cured and fermented sausage), chorizos (raw sausage), chorizo ahumado (cooked and smoked sausage), and morcilla (cooked sausage). From the results obtained it can be said that the total carbohydrate contents of the salamín studied were slightly lower; fat content of raw chorizo was significantly lower, and protein content of chorizo ahumado was significantly higher than those comparison from databases from other regions of Argentina, USA, and Spain. Except for chorizo, which has a value lower than 0.4, the PUFA/SFA-stearic ratio of the other products were a little higher than those reported by other researchers. CLA (Conjugated linoleic acid) contents between 0.03% and 0.19% were detected. The results obtained indicate that salamín produced in northeastern Argentina, Chaco state, shows high protein and PUFA (Polyunsaturated fatty acids) contents, and low atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes, which makes it a more healthful product than those of similar composition produced in other countries.

Caracterización de Propiedades Químicas y Fisicoquímicas de Chorizos Comercializados en la Zona Centro de México

Forty sausages (chorizos) of four types; two traditional (rural markets and local butchers) and two industrial (wholesale large-city markets and supermarkets) were analyzed for determining the quality of the elaboration process and of the commercialization that could affect sausage quality. Chorizos are raw sausage elaborated in most places in Mexico either by small producers or by food industries. The pH, water activity values, moisture, fat, protein, common salt and collagen contents and the fatty acid profile were determined. Additionally, morphological parameters, color and texture were assessed to complete the characterization. As expected, variations in the properties of chorizo depended on the type and origin.

Influence of Various Cooking Methods on the Concentrations of Volatile N‐Nitrosamines and Biogenic Amines in Dry‐Cured Sausages

N-nitrosamines, biogenic amines, and residual nitrites are harmful substances and are often present in cured meats. The effects of different cooking methods (boiling, pan-frying, deep-frying, and microwave) were investigated on their contents in dry-cured sausage. The various N-nitrosamines were isolated by a steam distillation method and analyzed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The biogenic amines were determined after extraction with perchloric acid as dansyl derivatives by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The results showed that initial dry-cured raw sausage contained 5.31 μg/kg of total N-nitrosamines. Cooking by deep-frying or pan-frying resulted in products having the highest (P < 0.05) contents, compared with boiling or microwave treatments, which were not different from the raw. Although frying increased the content of N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA), and N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR), it decreased the contents of histamine and cadaverine. Boiling and microwave treatments decreased the total biogenic amines significantly (P < 0.05). Residual nitrite was significantly reduced by cooking treatments. The results suggest that boiling and microwave treatments were more suitable methods for cured meat.

Prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella isolated from a variety of raw meat sausages in Gaborone (Botswana) retail stores.

The objective of the study was to provide baseline data on the prevalence and antimicrobial susceptibility of Salmonella in different types of raw meat sausages directly accessible to the consumers in Gaborone, Botswana. A total of 300 raw sausages comprising 79 beef, 78 pork, 72 chicken, and 71 mutton samples were concurrently analyzed for the presence of Salmonella using a conventional culture method and a validated PCR method. The PCR assay results were in full concordance with those of the conventional culture method for the detection of Salmonella. Sixty-five (21.7%) of 300 samples were positive for Salmonella by both the conventional culture method and PCR assay. Even though more chicken samples contained Salmonella than did any other sausage type, the difference in the presence of Salmonella among the four sausages types was not significant. Eleven serotypes were identified, and Salmonella enterica subsp. salamae II was most prevalent in all the sausage types. Beef sausages generally had higher mesophilic bacterial counts than did the other three sausage types. However, higher microbial counts were not reflective of the presence of salmonellae. Susceptibility of the Salmonella enterica serotypes to 20 antimicrobial agents was determined, and Salmonella Muenchen was resistant to the widest array of agents and was mostly isolated from chicken sausages. Regardless of the meat of origin, all 65 Salmonella isolates were resistant to at least four antimicrobial agents: amikacin, gentamicin, cefuroxime, and tombramycin. This resistance profile group was the most common in all four sausage types, comprising 90% of all Salmonella isolates from beef, 71% from pork, 63% from mutton, and 35% from chicken. These results suggest that raw sausages pose a risk of transmitting multidrug-resistant Salmonella isolates to consumers.

Occurrence of L. monocytogenes in ready-to-eat poultry products available on the German market

Listeria monocytogenes, an important foodborne pathogen, is of great concern especially for the ready-to-eat (RTE) food industry. The purpose of the study was to determine the number of L. monocytogenes in 300 RTE poultry products at their shelf-life expiry date. The samples were examined following the ISO 11290-2:2005 protocol. Overall, 6% and 3% of the analyzed products were positive for Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes, respectively. The occurrence of L. monocytogenes was significantly (p<0.05) higher in raw RTE poultry products than in heat treated RTE poultry products. The contamination level of L. monocytogenes was <10cfu/g in 94%, between 10 and 100cfu/g in 3% and >100cfu/g in 1% of the samples. L. monocytogenes were isolated from products of various lots from 3 out of 7 manufacturers. All 18 L. monocytogenes belonged to serotype 1/2a and among the isolates only two PFGE patterns were obtained, indicating a common contamination source. This is the first study that surveyed the number of L. monocytogenes in RTE poultry products at the end of their shelf-life. The high frequency of L. monocytogenes found in frankfurters and raw spreadable sausages underlines the need for food manufacturers to regularly control L. monocytogenes in the food processing environment. Consumers should nevertheless be cautious when handling these products. Since poultry products are becoming more and more popular for consumers, regular monitoring is necessary to track the occurrence of the pathogen in RTE poultry products.