Intra- and inter-batch variability in raw pork challenge test studies and their consequences on model predictions: An intricate interplay between L. monocytogenes, the microbiome, and packaging atmosphere.

The purpose of this study was to conduct challenge studies in raw pork by strictly following all aspects of the 2014 EURL technical guidance document for conducting shelf-life studies on Listeria monocytogenes. Growth potential was assessed on three batches of self-cut pork chops and one batch of in-house prepared pure minced pork without any additives in air and MAP (70 % O/30% CO) packaging. Pork chops did not support the growth of the pathogen throughout the shelf-life, given the specific conditions used in this study, with growth potential values of 0.

Decrease of Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 counts during dry-aging of beef but potential growth of Listeria monocytogenes under certain dry-aging conditions.

Dry-aging of beef comprises the storage of carcasses and (sub)primal cuts at a low temperature and relative humidity for a prolonged period, aiming to increase the sensory quality of meat. Limited data are available on the survival and potential growth of pathogens on the surface of beef during dry-aging. Therefore, this study evaluates the changes in Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes counts during dry-aging.

Exploring the microbiological quality and safety of dry-aged beef: A cross-sectional study of loin surfaces during ripening and dry-aged beef steaks from commercial meat companies in Belgium.

A cross-sectional survey was undertaken in Belgian beef producing companies to study the current practices and the microbiological load of dry-aged loins (during production) and trimmed steaks (final product). In each company, the temperature and relative humidity of the ripening chamber were measured, and two loins (each in a different stage of the ripening process) were sampled. From the surface of each loin, a lean meat and adipose tissue sample was analysed separately, and different groups of bacteria, yeasts and moulds were enumerated.

Influence of aging time, temperature and relative humidity on the sensory quality of dry-aged Belgian Blue beef.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of aging period (0, 3, 6 or 9 weeks), aging temperature (2 versus 6 °C at 75% relative humidity, experiment 1) and relative humidity (70 versus 90% at 2 °C, experiment 2) on the sensory traits, oxidative stability and proteolysis of Belgian Blue beef. For each experiment, eight loins (M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum) from four animals (left and right side) were assigned to one of the two treatments (n = 4).

Genetic Types in the Pork Processing Plant Environment: From Occasional Introduction to Plausible Persistence in Harborage Sites.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence and genetic diversity in three Belgian pork cutting plants. We specifically aim to identify harborage sites and niche locations where this pathogen might occur. A total of 868 samples were taken from a large diversity of food and non-food contact surfaces after cleaning and disinfection (C&D) and during processing.