Project Number: 1935-42000-075-05
Project Type: Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement

Start Date: Jun 01, 2012
End Date: Aug 31, 2013

Objective:
The objective is to develop toxin production probability models for S. aureus in ham and sausage products. The models will assist manufacturers of ham and sausage products in selection of product formulations and storage conditions to reduce the risk associated with S. aureus.

Approach:
Laboratory experiments on the toxin production in ham and sausage inoculated with S. aureus during storage at different temperatures are being conducted in the Cooperator's laboratory. The ARS scientist and the Cooperator will jointly analyze the data and develop probability models. Additional laboratory experiments with S. aureus-inoculated ham and sausage products will be conducted at ERRC to validate the developed models.