ARS | Publication request: FLUORESCENCE BASED REAL-TIME DETECTION OF FAECAL CONTAMINATION ON MEAT

Submitted to: Microbiological Methods Forum
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: June 21, 2002
Publication Date: June 21, 2002
Citation: CASEY, T.A., RASMUSSEN, M.A., PETRICH, J.W. FLUORESCENCE BASED REAL-TIME DETECTION OF FAECAL CONTAMINATION ON MEAT. AVAILABLE FROM: HTTP://WWW.CAMPDEN.CO.UK/PUBL/PUBFILES/MICFORUM.HTM MICROBIOLOGICAL METHODS FORUM [2002].

Technical Abstract: Our real-time method is well suited for detection of the fluorescent markers in feces that arise from chlorophyll digestion. These chlorophyll metabolites are commonly present in the GI tract of herbivorous animals, and these serve as very useful indicators for fecal and ingesta contamination on meat carcasses. As a result, a major source of microbial pathogens, like E. coli O157:H7 onto meat can be detected. This method permits "instantaneous" detection of contamination. Rapid detection, along with the low detection limit, high sensitivity, and selectivity for the chosen fluorescent markers, provide an extremely useful technology to the meat industry. Different combinations of excitation and detection wavelengths will extend the usefulness of this technology to other food safety applications and permit its use for other meats, fruits, vegetables, and perhaps for human santitation and hygiene.