Completed Research

This study identified a non-pathogenic bacterium that has heat resistance properties similar to Listeria and Salmonella in meat and poultry. Research developed protocols for the use of a non-pathogenic surrogate organisms in processing facilities to validate thermal processing.

This research showed that combinations of pre- and post-packaging processing were effective in reducing levels of Listeria monocytogenes. Research also demonstrated that some pre-packaging antimicrobials were more effective than others, with most not effective on uncured turkey products.

This study evaluated the efficacy of antimycotics (sorbate, propionate and benzoate) to control the growth of L. monocytogenes in uncured turkey and cured bologna. The addition of 0.1% combined antimycotic agents effectively delayed or prevented growth of L. monocytogenes in cured processed meat.

The research determined that surface treatment using monocaprylin with acetic acid was effective in reducing Listeria monocytogenes on frankfurters. As an ingredient added to the product, monocaprylin was only moderately effective.

This research confirmed the role of super-shedders cattle in the transmission of E. coli O157:H7 to other cattle in a feedlot environment. Removing a super-shedder from a pen resulted in a decrease in shedding and/or pen prevalence; however the effect was not statistically significant. The addition of a super-shedder to a naïve pen did lead to a statistically significant increase in shedding and prevalence.

This study validated that controlled phase carbon dioxide was an effective method for reducing E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella and aerobic spoilage bacteria on beef trim and ground beef. This method had little or no impact on quality or sensory attributes.

This white paper determined the generally accepted time and temperature requirements for inactivation of the H5N1 virus in meat and poultry products. It reviewed non-thermal methods for inactivation of the H5N1 virus and their effectiveness and practicality in meat and poultry matrices. Finally, data gaps regarding inactivation of these viruses were identified.

This research evaluated the extent to which levulinate, a 5-carbon organic acid, inhibited growth of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat meat products as compared to, and in combination with, lactate and diacetate.

This study evaluated the survival of Listeria monocytogenes in brine solutions containing chlorine dioxide.