Validation of additional approaches and applications for using the continuous and manual sampling devices for raw beef trim

Authors: Arthur, Terrance; Wheeler, Tommy

Submitted to: Journal of Food Protection
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/30/2020
Publication Date: 4/1/2021
Citation: Arthur, T.M., Wheeler, T.L. 2021. Validation of additional approaches and applications for using the continuous and manual sampling devices for raw beef trim. Journal of Food Protection. 84(4):536-544. https://doi.org/10.4315/JFP-20-345.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4315/JFP-20-345

Interpretive Summary: We recently developed and validated new beef trim sampling methods for pathogen detection using the MicroTally cloth. The goal of this work was to determine efficacy of MicroTally-based sampling of raw beef trimmings in scenarios commonly encountered in the commercial beef processing industry, but not already validated. Matched samples from six commercial beef processing plants were used to compare MicroTally-based sampling (Continuous and Manual Sampling Devices [CSD and MSD]) to established methods (N60 Excision and/or N60 Plus). The results indicate that commercial implementation of MicroTally-based sampling with various deviations from the original validation conditions provided similar pathogen detection as established methods. These deviations included: Mounting the CSD cartridge to a half-width conveyor, mounting a CSD to a chute instead of a conveyor, using a CSD in conjunction with a “swinging arm trim diverter” for sampling in batch mode as opposed to continuous flow, MSD sampling of combo bins with a smaller surface area, and CSD sampling of trim after application of antimicrobial sprays at the end of the trim conveyor even if the samples were shipped overnight before analysis. These data support various alternative applications of MicroTally-based trim sampling for pathogen detection that have been encountered during commercial implementation.

Technical Abstract: In this work, the goal was to determine efficacy of MicroTally-based sampling in scenarios commonly encountered in the commercial beef processing industry, but outside of the parameters evaluated during the initial proof-of-concept work. The data were derived from 1,650 matched samples collected from 540 individual combo bins at six commercial beef processing plants comparing MicroTally-based sampling (Continuous and Manual Sampling Devices [CSD and MSD]) to N60 Excision and/or N60 Plus methods. Mounting a 61 cm CSD cartridge to a 30 cm wide conveyor provided sampling that is equivalent to N60 excision and N60+ methods. Mounting a CSD to a chute instead of a conveyor was equivalent to the N60 Plus sampling method. The CSD was shown to be effective for sampling when used in conjunction with a “swinging arm trim diverter” and receiving product in batch mode as opposed to continuous flow. MSD sampling of oval combo bins with trim surface area (' 0.93 m2, ' 1,439 in2) less than 1 m2 (1,600 in2) was shown to be equivalent to the N60 Plus sample collection method. PAA applied at the end of the trim conveyor did not negatively impact pathogen index target detection of the CSD even if the samples were shipped overnight before analysis. Pathogen index targets were demonstrated to be useful tools for validating methods designed to measure pathogen prevalence. The data presented herein support equivalency criteria of within 0.5 log CFU/sample for indicator organism counts. These data collectively support various alternative applications of MicroTally-based trim sampling and the application and interpretation of alternative methods for pathogen detection.