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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 #338449
Research Project: Mitigation Approaches for Foodborne Pathogens in Cattle and Swine for Use During Production and Processing

Location: Meat Safety and Quality

Title: Tracking contamination through ground beef production and identifying points of recontamination using a novel green fluorescent protein (GFP) expressing, E. coli O103, non-pathogenic surrogate

Author
item Bosilevac, Joseph - Mick
item LUEDTKE, BRANDON - University Of Nebraska
item Wang, Rong
item OGUNRINOLA, YEMI - Vantage Foods, Chilliwack Service Centre

Submitted to: International Association for Food Protection Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/19/2017
Publication Date: 3/23/2017
Citation: Bosilevac, J.M., Luedtke, B., Wang, R., Ogunrinola, Y. 2017. Tracking contamination through ground beef production and identifying points of recontamination using a novel green fluorescent protein (GFP) expressing, E. coli O103, non-pathogenic surrogate. [Abstract]. International Association for Food Protection Proceedings. P1-136. Available at: https://iafp.confex.com/iafp/2017/webprogram/authork.html.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Introduction: Commonly, ground beef processors conduct studies to model contaminant flow through their production systems using surrogate organisms. Typical surrogate organisms may not behave as Escherichia coli O157:H7 during grinding and are not easy to detect at very low levels. Purpose: Develop and validate a trackable E. coli O157:H7 surrogate, then model contamination passing through commercial grinding equipment using the surrogate. Methods: The adherence, injury resistance, and recovery from low temperatures were determined for a non-virulent E. coli serogroup O103 constitutively expressing GFP (GFP-O103). Three 1,000lb (454Kg) combo-bins of beef trim were inoculated with 106 CFUs GFP-O103. Each inoculated combo-bin and four non-inoculated bins were sequentially used to produce 4lb (1.8Kg) ground beef loaves for monitoring GFP-O103 presence (n=90 tested per repetition). Additionally, a single repetition of loaves prepared using 2,000lb (907Kg) combo-bins and initial inoculum of 104 CFUs was tested (n=178). After each repetition, surface and residual meat samples were collected from processing equipment. Results: The GFP-O103 was determined to be an ideal surrogate for E. coli O157:H7 and had a 1-5CFU/375g of ground beef limit of detection. The grinding studies found contamination initially reached 0% prevalence in 10 sequential samples after a mean additional 2,480lb (1,125Kg) of non-inoculated material, however further sporadic positives indicated contamination persisted. Regression analysis estimated that a total of 9,300lb (4,200Kg) non-inoculated material was required to attain a non-detectable level in our situation. Potential recontamination points were identified on belts and augers where residual meat containing the GFP-O103 persisted through the end of production. Significance: Disposition and recall decisions are based on data citing one 2,000lb (907Kg) combo-bin before and after an affected combo will clear contamination. Our results emphasize that each facility should perform their own studies due to unique line configurations and process complexities. The GFP-O103 is available for this use.