Decontamination of airborne bacteria in meat processing plants

Authors: Patel, Jitu; Nou, Xiangwu

Submitted to: Food Processing Automation Conference Proceedings
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/29/2008
Publication Date: 6/28/2008
Citation: Patel, J.R., Nou, X. 2008. Decontamination of airborne bacteria in meat processing plants [abstract]. Food Processing Automation Conference Proceedings. Paper No. 4.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The effectiveness of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating AirOcare equipment on the reduction of airborne bacteria in a meat processing environment was determined. Bacterial strains found in ground beef were used to artificially contaminate the air using a 6-jet Collison nebulizer. Airborne bacterial populations in the meat processing room was monitored every 24 h at multiple locations using a Staplex 6 stage air sampler. Approximately 3 log10 reduction of aerial lactic acid bacterial population was observed after 24 hours of treatment (P<0.05) compared to 2 log10 reduction in control treatment. Further exposure with ROS for up to 96 h reduced lactic acid bacteria in air; however, the difference in their survival was not significant from control treatment. Gram-negative bacterial populations as well as yeast and mold counts were determined by sampling on MacConkey agar and Sabourard Dextrose agar, respectively. While ROS treatment reduced these bacterial populations, the difference was not significant. These findings reveal that reactive oxygen species treatment using AirOcare unit significantly reduces lactic acid bacteria in meat processing environment.