Reduction of Shiga toxin-producing in a beef abattoir.

The aim of this work was to reinforce actions tending to reduce Shiga toxin-producing (STEC) in beef products from an Argentinean commercial abattoir implementing Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) practices. An environmental map was built with 421 environmental samples from the slaughter, quartering, cool chamber and deboning sectors (February-May 2013). For determination, 125 carcass and 572 anatomical cut samples were used.

Evaluation of intervention measures at different stages of the production chain in Argentinian exporting abattoirs.

Antimicrobial treatments could help to decrease the transmission of microorganisms to beef carcasses and abattoir environments. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions in reducing Shiga toxin genes ( and ) presence in a commercial abattoir. Intervention measures included the application of electrolytically generated hypochlorous acid to steer pens (experiment 1), chlorinated water, electrolytically generated hypochlorous acid, and isoclor to steer pens (experiment 2), electrolytically generated hypochlorous acid to knocking pens (experiment 3), and aqueous ozone and electrolytically generated hypochlorous acid onto beef carcasses (experiment 4).

Evaluation of decontamination efficacy of commonly used antimicrobial interventions for beef carcasses against Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli.

In Argentina, Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) serogroups O157, O26, O103, O111, O145 and O121 are adulterant in ground beef. In other countries, the zero-tolerance approach to all STEC is implemented for chilled beef. Argentinean abattoirs are interested in implementing effective interventions against STEC on carcasses.

Isolation and characterization of non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli from beef carcasses, cuts and trimmings of abattoirs in Argentina.

Several foods contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are associated with human diseases. Some countries have established microbiological criteria for non-O157 STEC, thus, the absence of serogroups O26, O45, O103, O104, O111, O121, and O145 in sprouts from the European Union or ground beef and beef trimmings from the United States is mandatory. While in Argentina screening for O26, O103, O111, O145 and O121 in ground beef, ready-to-eat food, sausages and vegetables is mandatory, other countries have zero-tolerance for all STEC in chilled beef.