Absence of high-level vancomycin resistance in enterococci isolated from meat-processing facilities.

Enterococci isolated from packaging areas of meat-processing facilities that produce ready-to-eat meat products were examined for high-level vancomycin resistance. A total of 406 enterococci isolates from the plants' packaging areas were examined for vancomycin resistance. High-level vancomycin resistance was not demonstrated in any enterococci isolated from 12 meat-processing plants.

A comparison of Escherichia coli levels at four sampling sites on turkey carcasses.

The objective of this study was to investigate the levels of Escherichia coli on different sites of turkey carcasses by sponge sampling using a 50 cm2 template. The breast, thigh, back, and cavity sites were sampled to determine which sites would be suitable for quantifying E. coli levels for the purpose of assessing control of the slaughtering and chilling processes.