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ARS Home » Plains Area » Clay Center, Nebraska » U.S. Meat Animal Research Center » Meat Safety and Quality » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #337624
Research Project: Mitigation Approaches for Foodborne Pathogens in Cattle and Swine for Use During Production and Processing

Location: Meat Safety and Quality

Title: Effectiveness of Sanitizer D7(TM) against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella biofilms

Author
item Wang, Rong
item Kalchayanand, Norasak - Nor
item Harhay, Dayna
item ZHOU, YOU - University Of Nebraska

Submitted to: International Association for Food Protection Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/19/2017
Publication Date: 3/23/2017
Citation: Wang, R., Kalchayanand, N., Brichta-Harhay, D.M., Zhou, Y. 2017. Effectiveness of Sanitizer D7(TM) against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella biofilms. [Abstract]. International Association for Food Protection Proceedings. P2-46. Available at: https://iafp.confex.com/iafp/2017/webprogram/authork.html.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Introduction: Biofilm formation by E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica at meat processing plants poses a serious risk of meat product contamination. Available studies have shown that many common sanitizers were unable to completely eradicate biofilms by these foodborne pathogens due to the 3-dimensional biofilm structure and the bacterial polymeric extracellular substances (EPS). D7TM is a sanitizer product consisting of quaternary ammonium compound, hydrogen peroxide, and an optional accelerator, diacetin. This product has been tested on Listeria and Pseudomonas biofilms and showed promising results. However, the effectiveness of D7 against E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella biofilms under meat processing conditions has not been evaluated. Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of D7 in inactivating and removing E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella biofilms. Methods: E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella biofilms on food contact surfaces were treated with 10%, 20%, or 100% D7 for 10 min, 1 hr, or 6 hours to measure log reduction of biofilm cells. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was applied to evaluate the effect of D7 treatment on biofilm removal and bacterial morphology. Results: Treatment with 10%, 20% or 100% D7 reduced biofilm cells to non-detectable level, even with 10 min exposure time. SEM analysis of water-treated control samples exhibited 3-D biofilm structure with strong EPS matrix connecting bacteria with contact surface. Treatment with 20% D7 for 10 min significantly reduced biofilm mass and weakened EPS connection. Majority of the bacteria exhibited altered morphology with compromised membrane integrity. Treatment with 100% D7 for 10 min dissolved EPS matrix and no intact biofilm structure was observed, instead, scattered clusters of bacterial aggregates were detected, indicating the loss of cell viability and biofilm removal. Significance: D7 is highly effective, even at significantly diluted concentrations, against E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella biofilms. † USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Mention of trade names or commercial products in this publication is solely for the purpose of providing specific information and does not imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.