Abstract

A model to predict the population density of verotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC) throughout the elaboration and storage of fermented raw-meat sausages (FRMS) was developed. Probabilistic and kinetic measurement data sets collected from publicly available resources were completed with new measurements when required and used to quantify the dependence of VTEC growth and inactivation on the temperature, pH, water activity (aw), and concentration of lactic acid. Predictions were compared with observations in VTEC-contaminated FRMS manufactured in a pilot plant. Slight differences in the reduction of VTEC were predicted according to the fermentation temperature, 24 or 34 degrees C, with greater inactivation at the highest temperature. The greatest reduction was observed during storage at high temperatures. A population decrease greater than 6 decimal logarithmic units was observed after 66 days of storage at 25 degrees C, while a reduction of only ca. 1 logarithmic unit was detected at 12 degrees C. The performance of our model and other modeling approaches was evaluated throughout the processing of dry and semidry FRMS. The greatest inactivation of VTEC was predicted in dry FRMS with long drying periods, while the smallest reduction was predicted in semidry FMRS with short drying periods. The model is implemented in a computing tool, E. coli SafeFerment (EcSF), freely available from http://www. ifr. ac. uk/safety/EcoliSafeFerment. EcSF integrates growth, probability of growth, and thermal and nonthermal inactivation models to predict the VTEC concentration throughout FRMS manufacturing and storage under constant or fluctuating environmental conditions.

Published in

Applied and Environmental Microbiology
2014, Volume: 80, number: 9, pages: 2715-2727
Publisher: AMER SOC MICROBIOLOGY

SLU Authors

• Lindqvist, Roland

  • Department of Molecular Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • National Food Agency

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG3 Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
SDG2 End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture


UKÄ Subject classification

Microbiology
Food Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.03791-13

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/66401