Retail Meat Research Articles

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of meat hygiene among slaughterhouse workers and retail meat sellers in Bangladesh

Inadequate handling of raw meat leading to cross-contamination, often stemming from insufficient knowledge and practices among meat handlers, poses a significant global health challenge, especially in developing nations where food-borne diseases are prevalent. Effective understanding and implementation of preventive measures by meat handlers are essential in reducing the incidence of food-borne illnesses and the contamination of raw meat. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding meat hygiene among retail meat sellers and slaughterhouse personnel in the Bogura district of Bangladesh. A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted, encompassing 408 meat handlers selected through a multistage sampling approach. Data on their knowledge, attitudes, and practices of meat hygiene were collected using a structured questionnaire, and then analyzed. The participants had a mean age of 34.63 years with a standard deviation of 13.44. The majority of participants demonstrated good knowledge (70.70 %) and positive attitudes (53 %). However, no significant differences were observed in good (49.80 %) or poor (50.20 %) practices regarding meat hygiene. Interestingly, significant associations were observed between knowledge and age (p = 0.022), location (p < 0.001), and borderline significance in training (p = 0.051). Similarly, a statistically significant association was found between the practice of meat hygiene and age (p = 0.041), level of education (p = 0.008), and training (p = 0.004). Furthermore, a significant association existed between knowledge and practices of meat hygiene (p < 0.001). Older meat handlers with training exhibited better knowledge and practices of meat hygiene compared to their younger counterparts. This study underscores the importance of public health education, policy development, and regular training and retraining programs for meat handlers to ensure safe meat handling practices and overall hygiene.

Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase: Tackling Antibiotic Resistance and Overcoming Treatment Challenges

Antibiotics, also known as antibacterials, kill or inhibit bacterial growth but are ineffective against viruses, fungi, or parasites, often leading to misuse. They are categorized by molecular structure, mode of action, and spectrum of activity. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when pathogens no longer respond to antimicrobial drugs, arising naturally or through acquisition. Resistance mechanisms include enzymatic (most common), genetic and physical. Bacteria produce various β-lactamases, such as Extended Spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs), AmpC enzymes, and carbapenemase to exert resistance to Beta-Lactam (βL) class of antibiotics. ESBL families include TEM, SHV, and CTX-M, with E. coli being the most prevalent host. Any Gram-Negative Bacteria (GNB) can be an ESBL producer, but most common ones are the Enterobacteriaceae including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca and Proteus mirabilis. ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) resist penicillin, aztreonam, and cephalosporins except cephamycins and carbapenems, posing a significant public health risk. Genetic resistance mechanisms involve random mutations and horizontal gene transfer through either of the following processes namely conjugation, transformation, transduction. Physical mechanisms include efflux pump production and decreased porin channels. In some microbiological laboratories, ESBL production are often not determined, rather resistance based on MIC values to third generation Cephalosporins are considered as resistance due to ESBL production. Antibiotic use in agriculture and medicine has increased Multi-drug resistant (MDR) ESBL-producing E. coli and evidenced in retail meat and among meat shop employees. Community-acquired ESBL-E infections are a growing concern, with hospital transmission primarily occurring among patients sharing rooms with ESBL carriers. Empirical and definitive therapies for ESBL-E infections must be adjusted based on Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing (AST). The MERINO trial identified urinary tract infections as the most common source of ESBL-E bacteremia, with E. coli being predominant. For critically ill patients with non-urinary tract infections, Meropenem or Imipenem-cilastatin are recommended. For uncomplicated UTIs, Nitrofurantoin, Cotrimoxazole, and Piperacillin-Tazobactam (Pip-Taz) are effective, while Cotrimoxazole, Fluoroquinolones, and Ceftolozane-tazobactam are suitable for complicated UTIs. New β-lactamase inhibitors like avibactam, vaborbactam, and relebactam are promising for treatment. Misuse of antibiotics, such as inappropriate dosing and duration, contributes to AMR, a growing global challenge. Deaths from AMR, estimated at 1.27 million in 2019, could reach 10 million by 2050. ESBLs drive the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, accelerating resistance development. Inadequate therapy exacerbates infections, leading to prolonged hospital stays, complications, and increased mortality. Balancing new drug development with resistance emergence is crucial to combat AMR.

Antibiotic resistant bacteria in goat meat and hygienic practices among retail stores in Nashville, Tennessee

This study explores into the levels of coliform contamination, prevalence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and the hygienic practices in goat meat retail stores. Goat meat from 10 retail stores was analyzed for E. coli, Salmonella, and S. aureus using serological and PCR methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Data on hygienic practices were collected through a structured observational questionnaire. Pearson’s correlation analysis was also employed to establish the relationship between hygienic practices and coliform loads. The average coliform loads on goat meat ranged between 0.88–5.04 log10 cfu/g. Our results revealed that 52% of examined goat meat was deemed unacceptable (&amp;gt;3.30 log10 CFU/g). The overall level of good meat handling practices among meat handlers in our study was 45.75%. Further, the study establishes a significant correlation between the level of food safety practices and coliform load. Hence, stores with higher hygienic practice scores exhibited lower coliform loads. The prevalence of S. aureus (44%) in goat meat was significantly higher (p &amp;lt; 0.05) as compared to E. coli (29%), and Salmonella spp. (20%). E. coli isolates displayed the highest resistance to penicillin (31.2%), Salmonella spp. to oxytetracycline (13.9%), and S. aureus to ampicillin (29.0%). Resistance was observed across selected antibiotic classes, particularly in beta-lactams and tetracyclines, with penicillin (78.5%) and oxytetracycline (64.5%) exhibiting notable resistance. Cephalosporin resistance was noted, with 48.4 and 33.3% of isolates showing resistance to cephalothin and cefpodoxime, respectively. Bacterial isolates also demonstrated resistance to phenicol antibiotics, including chloramphenicol (9.7%) and florfenicol (16.1%), respectively. Approximately 44.1% of bacterial isolates displayed multidrug resistance and MAR index ranged from 0.25 to 0.75. The study’s findings reveal heightened levels of coliform contamination, the presence of pathogenic and multidrug-resistant bacteria in goat meat, and suboptimal meat handling practices in retail stores. The significance of improving food safety practices in retail settings is emphasized to ensure the safety of goat meat, a matter of increasing importance due to its growing demand globally.

Detection of indicator genes in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from meat samples

Aims: The presence of Staphylococcus aureus, particularly methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), on retail meat products is becoming more and more of a concern. The aim of the present study is to examine the recovered strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from different retail beef in Najaf/ Iraq. Methodology and results: The phenotypically by conventional identification. Genotypical examination was made also by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the genes some diagnostic genes for the enterotoxins sea, seb, sed. More than 200 strains of Staphylococcus aureus, from different butchers meat shops. MRSA strains were characterized by streaking on different selective media and biochemically identified as Staphylococcus aureus MRSA. The results showed that the appearance of sea genes in 51% of the isolates. Seb gene was in 18.90% of the isolates while 5.40 % of the isolates displayed sed gene. Also, Resistance towards six different antimicrobial agents was assessed and revealed that the tested strains of Staphylococcus aureus showed different level of resistance for Streptomycin 100%, Cotrimoxazole 100% , Cephalothin 45.90%and Tetracycline 32.3%. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: the majority of molecular isolate types have been connected to human infections globally, demonstrating that these S. aureus strains in Iraq have a potential for serious pathogenicity. The presence of the genes (sea, sed, and seb) in the MERSA isolates from meat in this study is alarming and raising public health concerns.

Detection of Indicator Genes in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Isolated from Meat Samples

Aims: The presence of Staphylococcus aureus, particularly methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), on retail meat products is becoming more and more of a concern. The aim of the present study is to examine the recovered strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from different retail beef in Najaf/ Iraq. Methodology and results: The phenotypically by conventional identification. Genotypical examination was made also by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the genes some diagnostic genes for the enterotoxins sea, seb, sed. More than 200 strains of Staphylococcus aureus, from different butchers meat shops. MRSA strains were characterized by streaking on different selective media and biochemically identified as Staphylococcus aureus MRSA. The results showed that the appearance of sea genes in 51% of the isolates. Seb gene was in 18.90% of the isolates while 5.40 % of the isolates displayed sed gene. Also, Resistance towards six different antimicrobial agents was assessed and revealed that the tested strains of Staphylococcus aureus showed different level of resistance for Streptomycin 100%, Cotrimoxazole 100% , Cephalothin 45.90%and Tetracycline 32.3%. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: the majority of molecular isolate types have been connected to human infections globally, demonstrating that these S. aureus strains in Iraq have a potential for serious pathogenicity. The presence of the genes (sea, sed, and seb) in the MERSA isolates from meat in this study is alarming and raising public health concerns.

Phylogenetics and Mobilization of Genomic Traits of Cephalosporin-Resistant Escherichia coli Originated from Retail Meat.

Contaminations with cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli across the food chain may pose a significant threat to public health because those antimicrobials are critically important in human medicine. The impact of the presented data is especially significant concerning Poland's role as one of the leading food producers in the EU. This work aimed to characterize the genomic contents of cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli (n = 36) isolated from retail meat to expand the official AMR monitoring reported by EFSA. The ESBL mechanism was predominant (via blaCTX-M-1 and blaSHV-12), with the AmpC-type represented by the blaCMY-2 variant. The strains harbored multiple resistance genes, mainly conferring resistance to aminoglycosides, sulfonamides, trimethoprim, tetracyclines. In some isolates, virulence factors-including intimin (eae) and its receptor (tir) were detected, indicating significant pathogenic potential. Resistance genes showed a link with IncI1 and IncB/O/K/Z plasmids. Cephalosporinases were particularly linked to ISEc9/ISEc1 (blaCTX-M-1 and blaCMY-2). The association of virulence with mobile elements was less common-mostly with IncF plasmids. The analysis of E. coli isolated from retail meat indicates accumulation of ARGs and their association with various mobile genetic elements, thus increasing the potential for the transmission of resistance across the food chain.

Surveillance of AMR in Escherichia ⁠coli on Raw Fresh Beef and Pork Meat in Retail Sale in Northern Ireland in 2023

• Mandatory anonymised reporting (without product details) under EU regulation 2020/1729 (https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Feur-lex.europa.eu%2Flegal-content%2FEN%2FTXT%2F%3Furi%3Duriserv%3AOJ.L_.2020.387.01.0008.01.ENG=05%7C02%7C%7C728e0578d2584889e4b308dcac7237a7%7C8a1c50f901b74c8aa6fa90eb906f18e9%7C0%7C0%7C638574853788123226%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C=KmvOFBnQh8Nlkib8E6S2hsMSMyJrJeQA%2FosdNhJvZtM%3D=0) for the monitoring and reporting of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in zoonotic and commensal bacteria has been submitted to the EU for antimicrobial resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) isolated from fresh pork and beef purchased for retail sale in NI from September to December 2023. • In this survey 96 pork and 98 beef fresh retail meat samples were tested for AMR E. coli according to EU guidelines. • No isolates were resistant to last line antibiotics, including colistin and carbapenems. • The prevalence of AMR E. coli was low (3%) from 194 raw fresh beef and pork samples. • The risk of acquiring AMR related infections through the handling and consumption of retail contaminated meats is very low, provided that good hygiene and cooking practices are followed when handling raw meats.

Research note: characteristics of blaNDM and mcr-1 co-producing Escherichia coli from retail chicken meat

Carbapenems and colistin are vital antimicrobials used to treat Enterobacteriaceae-caused infections. The present study aimed to characterize the coexistence mechanism of carbapenem and colistin resistance in an Escherichia coli isolated from retail chicken meat. A total of 4 E. coli isolates co-harboring carbapenem resistance gene blaNDM (2 E. coli isolates with blaNDM-5 and 2 with blaNDM-9) and colistin resistance gene mcr-1. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing exhibited that all the 4 E. coli strains had multidrug resistance profile and consistent with the resistance genes they carried. MLST showed that 3 E. coli isolates belonged to a pathogenic E. coli lineage ST354, which is closely associated with human infections and pose a serious threat to public health. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) showed that 4 mcr-1-positive plasmids with sizes of 60.4 kb-67.4 kb all belonged to the IncI2 type. A total of 5 blaNDM-harboring plasmids ranged from 99.0 kb∼138.3 kb, among which 4 plasmids belonged to unknow type and only pCS5L-NDM belonged to IncFIA/IncFIB group of hybrid plasmids, a novel carrier for blaNDM. Comparative analysis exhibited that the mcr-1 or blaNDM-carrying plasmids of E. coli strains from chicken meat showed high identity with that from Enterobacteriaceae of human origin, which indicated the risk of mcr-1 or blaNDM dissemination from retail meat to human. The simultaneous occurrence of mcr-1 and blaNDM in E. coli emphasizes the significant of antimicrobial resistance surveillance in retail meat.

Molecular detection of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) in broiler meat from retail meat shop

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is a major bacterial pathogen responsible for the most widespread form of colibacillosis, resulting in substantial economic losses within the poultry sector and posing a potential public health risk. From July to September 2021, our study investigated the antibiotic resistance pattern of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and the presence of virulence-associated genes (iucD, iutA, iss, and ompT) linked to APEC using 105 broiler meat samples comprising liver, thigh, and breast muscle, in Chitwan, Nepal. E. coli was isolated and identified by culturing samples on MacConkey's agar, Eosin-methylene blue (EMB) agar and performing different biochemical tests. Antibiotic resistance patterns of E. coli were determined by the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Following the isolation of E. coli, the molecular detection of APEC was performed using conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Out of the 105 samples analyzed, 61 (58.1 %) tested positive for E. coli. In antibiotic susceptibility test (AST), gentamicin and tetracycline exhibited the highest resistance rates, with 90.2 % and 67.2 %, respectively and 29.5 % of the E. coli isolates displayed multidrug-drug resistance. Out of 61 confirmed E. coli isolates, iutA was detected in 47 (77.0 %) samples, iucD in 46 (75.4 %), iss in 53 (86.8 %), and ompT in 39 (63.9 %) samples. This study reports the occurrence of MDR E. coli in meat samples, together with virulence genes associated with APEC which poses a public health threat. Continuous surveillance is vital for monitoring APEC transmission within poultry farms, coupled with efforts to raise awareness of food safety among consumers of broiler meat.

Analyzing the Factors Affecting Sales Opportunities for Processed Meat Packaging in Thailand

Objective: The objective of this study is to analyze the retail market potential of processed meat products in Thailand and establish a structural equation model. Entrepreneurial SMEs registered commercially in Thailand. Theoretical Framework: This research applies a packaging design concept that can meet the needs of modern consumers. The new packaging must have the following characteristics: 1)It must create a positive feeling while consumers use it. 2) Must have low production costs. 3)Must be able to arouse consumer interest. 4)has a beautiful layout Method: This research is applied research consisting of 5 steps: 1) Data collection step. 2) Design process 3)Trial use process 4) Evaluation process 5) Steps for analyzing and presenting factors that affect. This research uses the following statistics: 1) Mean 2) Standard Deviation: SD 3) Exploratory Factor Analysis: EFA 4) Confirmatory Factor Analysis: CFA 5) Multiple Regression. This research analyzed data using the SPSS program and the Amos program. Results and Discussion: The results of this research show the importance of 4 factors that influence the increase in consumer satisfaction: Factor 1 design guidelines, Factor 2 access to products, Factor 3 identity, Factor 4 understanding of the future of the retail market with the likely direction of the market. All four factors are important to the opportunity to sell processed meat products in the Thai retail market. Research Implications: The research results reveal the influence of 4 factors that together influence the level of consumer satisfaction. By knowing the interrelationship of these 4 factors, which is considered a fact arising from this research. Therefore, small entrepreneurs in Thailand can apply all four factors to designing their own processed meat packaging. And there is an opportunity to increase the sales volume even more in the future. Originality/Value: The results of this research contribute to knowing the factors that influence the level of consumer satisfaction with processed meat products available in the retail market of Thailand. This fact helps reduce the inequality in competition between small and large operators in the processed meat retail market of Thailand. Therefore, it is an important part that helps increase the competitive potential of small entrepreneurs in the future.

Why do people purchase plant-based meat products from retail stores? Examining consumer preferences, motivations and drivers

Plant-based meats (PBMs) are being projected as novel and sustainable alternative protein sources amid rising ecological and health issues associated with traditional meat production and consumption. Notably, the plant-based meat retail market is at its nascence stage, and there remains a dire need to comprehend the meat-eater's perceived green values, attitudes, and intentions towards PBM for its commercial success. To discern the complex psychological mechanism of meat eaters' perceptions toward PBM, the current study aims to extend and integrate the theory of consumption values (TCV) and the theory of value-attitude-behavior (VAB) in the PBM context. Partial least square-based structural equation modelling was used to analyze cross-sectional data collected from a sample comprising 458 meat eaters approached through the mall intercept technique. Consumers' green perceived values (GPV) emerged as a vital background factor in influencing consumers' involvement and attitude towards PBMs. Also, consumers' involvement showed a significant partial mediating effect between their GPV and attitude towards PBM. Further, consumers' attitudes towards PBM displayed a relatively substantial positive impact on addition intention compared to replacement intention. This study provides retailers with a nuanced understanding of the value proposition of PBMs through the lens of green consumption values, which may facilitate the value-based positioning of PBM products. Further, it may help policymakers project PBMs as a novel alternative to traditional meat, which can potentially address consumers' ecological (e.g., carbon emissions, excessive land and water usage) and health concerns associated with conventional meat production and consumption.

Pediatric urinary tract infections caused by poultry-associated Escherichia coli.

Escherichia coli is the leading cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in children and adults. The gastrointestinal tract is the primary reservoir of uropathogenic E. coli, which can be acquired from a variety of environmental exposures, including retail meat. In the current study, we used a novel statistical-genomic approach to estimate the proportion of pediatric UTIs caused by foodborne zoonotic E. coli strains. E. coli urine isolates were collected from DC residents aged 2 months to 17 years from the Children's National Medical Center Laboratory, 2013-2014. During the same period, E. coli isolates were collected from retail poultry products purchased from 15 sites throughout DC. A total of 52 urine and 56 poultry isolates underwent whole-genome sequencing, core genome phylogenetic analysis, and host-origin prediction by a Bayesian latent class model that incorporated data on the presence of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) among E. coli isolates from multiple vertebrate hosts. A total of 56 multilocus sequence types were identified among the isolates. Five sequence types-ST10, ST38, ST69, ST117, and ST131-were observed among both urine and poultry isolates. Using the Bayesian latent class model, we estimated that 19% (10/52) of the clinical E. coli isolates in our population were foodborne zoonotic strains. These data suggest that a substantial portion of pediatric UTIs in the Washington DC region may be caused by E. coli strains originating in food animals and likely transmitted via contaminated poultry meat.IMPORTANCEEscherichia coli UTIs are a heavy public health burden and can have long-term negative health consequences for pediatric patients. E. coli has an extremely broad host range, including humans, chickens, turkeys, pigs, and cattle. E. coli derived from food animals is a frequent contaminant of retail meat products, but little is known about the risk these strains pose to pediatric populations. Quantifying the proportion of pediatric UTIs caused by food-animal-derived E. coli, characterizing the highest-risk strains, and identifying their primary reservoir species could inform novel intervention strategies to reduce UTI burden in this vulnerable population. Our results suggest that retail poultry meat may be an important vehicle for pediatric exposure to zoonotic E. coli strains capable of causing UTIs. Vaccinating poultry against the highest-risk strains could potentially reduce poultry colonization, poultry meat contamination, and downstream pediatric infections.

Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of antimicrobial resistance of non-typhoidal Salmonella from retail meat in California

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global emerging problem for food safety and public health. Retail meat is one of the vehicles that may transmit antimicrobial resistant bacteria to humans. Here we assessed the phenotypic and genotypic resistance of non-typhoidal Salmonella from retail meat collected in California in 2019 by the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) Retail Food Surveillance program. A total of 849 fresh meat samples were collected from randomly selected grocery stores in Northern and Southern California from January to December 2019. The overall prevalence of Salmonella was 15.31 %, with a significantly higher occurrence in Southern (28.38%) than in Northern (5.22 %) California. The prevalence of Salmonella in chicken (24.01 %) was higher (p < 0.001) compared to ground turkey (5.42 %) and pork (3.08 %) samples. No Salmonella were recovered from ground beef samples. The prevalence of Salmonella in meat with reduced antibiotic claim (20.35 %) was higher (p < 0.001) than that with conventional production (11.96 %). Salmonella isolates were classified into 25 serotypes with S. Kentucky (47.73 %), S. typhimurium (11.36 %), and S. Alachua (7.58 %) as predominant serotypes. Thirty-two out of 132 (24.24 %) Salmonella isolates were susceptible to all tested antimicrobial drugs, while 75.76 % were resistant to one or more drugs, 62.88 % to two or more drugs, and 9.85 % to three or more drugs. Antimicrobials that Salmonella exhibited high resistance to were tetracycline (82/132, 62.12 %) and streptomycin (79/132, 59.85 %). No significant difference was observed between reduced antibiotic claim and conventional production in the occurrence of single and multidrug resistance. A total of 23 resistant genes, a D87Y mutation of gyrA, and 23 plasmid replicons were identified from resistant Salmonella isolates. Genotypic and phenotypic results were well correlated with an overall sensitivity of 96.85 %. S. infantis was the most resistant serotype which also harbored the IncFIB (pN55391) plasmid replicon and gyrA (87) mutation. Data from Northern and Southern California in this study helps us to understand the AMR trends in Salmonella from retail meat sold in the highly populous and demographically diverse state of California.

Genetic relatedness, antibiotic resistance, and virulence of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolated from health care and food sources in Wuhan, China

To investigate genetic relatedness and antibiotic resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae from retail meat samples, clinical source samples, and hospital environmental samples in Wuhan, China. Hypermucoviscosity and biofilm formation of K. pneumoniae were assessed by string test and crystal violet staining. MICs of 18 antimicrobials were determined by broth microdilution. PCR detected 14 antibiotic resistance genes. Genetic relatedness and clonal dissemination were analyzed by PFGE. Among 5,730 samples, 46 were tested positive for K pneumoniae, with higher rates observed in meat (23.4%) than in clinical samples (0.6%) and hospital environmental samples (8.0%). Meat-derived isolates showed high resistance to tetracycline (36.4%, 4/11), sulfonamide (27.3%, 3/11), and gentamicin (27.3%, 3/11), whereas clinical isolates exhibited significant resistance to ampicillin-sulbactam (32.3%, 10/31). Multidrug resistance was observed in 17.4% (8/46) of the isolates, particularly in hospital environmental samples (3/4). Biofilm production was observed in 88.1% (37/42) of K pneumoniae. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis revealed patient-to-patient K pneumoniae transmission, transmission between patients and hospital environment, as well as cross-contamination between markets. The findings underscore the importance of comprehensive surveillance, infection control, and judicious antibiotic use in mitigating the impact of K pneumoniae on public health, especially in the food chain and health care settings.

A one health approach for monitoring antimicrobial resistance: developing a national freshwater pilot effort.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a world-wide public health threat that is projected to lead to 10 million annual deaths globally by 2050. The AMR public health issue has led to the development of action plans to combat AMR, including improved antimicrobial stewardship, development of new antimicrobials, and advanced monitoring. The National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) led by the United States (U.S) Food and Drug Administration along with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and U.S. Department of Agriculture has monitored antimicrobial resistant bacteria in retail meats, humans, and food animals since the mid 1990's. NARMS is currently exploring an integrated One Health monitoring model recognizing that human, animal, plant, and environmental systems are linked to public health. Since 2020, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has led an interagency NARMS environmental working group (EWG) to implement a surface water AMR monitoring program (SWAM) at watershed and national scales. The NARMS EWG divided the development of the environmental monitoring effort into five areas: (i) defining objectives and questions, (ii) designing study/sampling design, (iii) selecting AMR indicators, (iv) establishing analytical methods, and (v) developing data management/analytics/metadata plans. For each of these areas, the consensus among the scientific community and literature was reviewed and carefully considered prior to the development of this environmental monitoring program. The data produced from the SWAM effort will help develop robust surface water monitoring programs with the goal of assessing public health risks associated with AMR pathogens in surface water (e.g., recreational water exposures), provide a comprehensive picture of how resistant strains are related spatially and temporally within a watershed, and help assess how anthropogenic drivers and intervention strategies impact the transmission of AMR within human, animal, and environmental systems.

Abundance of Colistin-Resistance Genes in Retail Meats in Vietnam.

The degree of contamination of retail meat with colistin-resistant bacteria and its potential contribution to dissemination within communities remains to be determined. Thus, we aimed to elucidate the contamination status of colistin-resistance genes, indicative of colistin-resistant bacteria, in retail meats in Vietnam. In total, 46 chicken and 49 pork meats from stores in Vietnam and Japan were examined. Multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction with TaqMan probes was performed for detecting mcr-1, mcr-3, and Escherichia coli 16S rRNA. Colistin-resistant bacteria in meats were isolated using selective media. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of colistin were determined using the broth microdilution method. The results showed that 70.7% of chicken meats in Vietnam were contaminated with both mcr-1 and mcr-3. Meanwhile, mcr-1 and mcr-3 were detected in 15.9% and 40.9% of pork meat, respectively. Only mcr-3 was detected in 40% of chicken in Japan. In addition, mcr-1-harboring E. coli and mcr-3-harboring Aeromonas were isolated from chicken meats in Vietnam. Some of these isolates showed colistin resistance. These results showed that most retail meats were highly contaminated with colistin-resistance genes. Notably, our results suggest that mcr-3 is more prevalent in the contaminated samples compared with mcr-1.

AMP, ADP, and ATP Concentrations Differentially Affected by Meat Processing, Manufacturing, and Nonmeat Ingredients

Given its presence in a wide spectrum of soils relevant to food process hygiene, the biological metabolite adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is used as a target for surface hygiene assessments in food processing facilities. Yet, ample evidence demonstrates that ATP is depleted into adenosine di- (ADP) and monophosphate (AMP) homologs resulting in a loss of sensitivity for ATP-based hygiene assays. Yet, there are few studies that denote the degree of these shifts under routine processing conditions such as those encountered during various meat processing steps that may likely alter redox potential and adenosine profiles (e.g., tissue/cellular disruption, application of reducing additives, fermentation, or thermal treatment steps). In this study, meat samples were collected from homogenized beef tissue treated with nonmeat ingredients (sodium chloride, sodium nitrite, sodium erythorbate, natural smoke condensate, and sodium acid pyrophosphate) during manufacture at predetermined steps, and from retail meat products purchased from local markets. Concentrations of ATP, ADP, AMP, and AXP (sum concentration of all homologs) in a lab setting and in situ meat processing venues were determined and compared. Greater differences in AXP were seen during manufacture, where ADP generally comprised ∼90% as a mole fraction of AXP across all treatments, with the exception of the final cook step where AMP predominated. ATP concentrations averaged 2 log values lower than ADP and AMP. Adenosine profiles in retail samples followed similar trends with minimal ATP concentrations with ADP predominant in uncooked samples and AMP predominant in cooked samples. Resultingly, meat processing steps during product manufacture will alter AXP-reliant test sensitivities which should be considered when such technologies are utilized for hygiene verification in meat processing.

Food safety knowledge, attitude and practices of meat handlers in Khulna City, Bangladesh

The research was conducted to identify the present status of the food safety knowledge, attitude and practices of meat handlers in retail meat shops of Khulna City, Bangladesh. The research was performed through face-to-face interviews of randomly selected 65 meat handlers in six areas of Khulna City. Socio-demographic information of all respondents was collected. The illiteracy rate was 15.38%, while the majority (42.9%) of the respondents had secondary education. The highest proportion (43.07%) of meat handlers was low experienced in meat handling. Among the respondents, 58.46% were sellers, while no respondents had any training on butchery and food safety. All respondents worked at least three days a week and meat handling was the main occupation for all respondents. Most of the respondents (50.76%) had low media contact. The highest proportion (74.3%) of the respondents had medium (scores of 11 to 20) food safety knowledge. About 62.9% of the respondents had moderately favorable food safety attitude (scores of 28 to 54), while 60.0% of the respondents had medium food safety practices (scores of 15 to 28). The mean score of the food safety knowledge, attitude and practices was 18.65±3.81, 50.71±9.49 and 27.20±3.22, respectively. This study shows that there is an identified gap in knowledge and correct practices among meat handlers and that there is a need to raise awareness about food safety through education programs regarding food safety and safe food handling practices. These findings can help public health professionals in developing initiatives to improve food safety knowledge and practices of meat handlers and prevent foodborne diseases (FBDs). The government should pay special attention for improving knowledge and ensuring proper food safety practices to avoid the transmission of FBDs in Khulna City.

Recent update on enterococcal resistance to the last-resort antimicrobials among livestock animals and retail meats

Recent update on enterococcal resistance to the last-resort antimicrobials among livestock animals and retail meats

Persistence of vaccine origin Salmonella Typhimurium through the poultry production continuum, and development of a rapid typing scheme for their differentiation from wild type field isolates

Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is one of the top Salmonella serovars annually linked to poultry production and corresponding human illnesses. Because of this, vaccination of commercial poultry against Salmonella Typhimurium has been a focal point in recent years. There are several commercially available Salmonella Typhimurium vaccines available for use in poultry production. Among these are modified live vaccines, including Poulvac ST (Zoetis), Megan Egg (AviPro), and Megan Vac 1 (AviPro). In this study, analyses of 27 field isolates of Salmonella Typhimurium from poultry sources indicated evidence for the persistence of some vaccine-origin strains through the commercial production cycle. Further analyses of 26,812 database isolates indicated vaccine-origin isolates are persisting frequently through processing, are present on retail meat products, and are even occasionally found in human patients. A novel polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was created and validated which enables simultaneous identification of Salmonella enterica sp., the Salmonella Typhimurium serovar, and differentiation of wild type Salmonella Typhimurium from live attenuated vaccines involving mutations in the cya/crp or aroA genes. The PCR was developed considering whole genome differences between the vaccines and wild type field isolates and was validated using different field isolates and recovered vaccine strains. This method enables poultry producers to rapidly determine if recovered field isolates have a vaccine origin.