A novel approach of removing externally attached debris from animal carcass to ensure meat safety and byproduct quality

Authors: Sarker, Majher; Liu, Cheng Kung

Submitted to: Journal of American Leather Chemists Association
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/7/2021
Publication Date: 3/1/2022
Citation: Sarker, M.I., Liu, C. 2022. A novel approach of removing externally attached debris from animal carcass to ensure meat safety and byproduct quality. Journal of American Leather Chemists Association. 117:96-103.

Interpretive Summary: The attached external debris including mud/manure balls on haired surface of the cattle create a huge problem for the meat industries. These debris become firmly attached to the hair as the animals are forced to live in a congested area of the farm house throughout their lives. External debris harbor harmful bacteria which can be transferred from hide/skin to the meat during meat processing, also debris like adobe type manure/mud balls can create holes on hides during leather processing degrading the value of this byproduct significantly. ARS-Scientists at Wyndmoor, PA developed a formulation which has been proven efficient to remove those external debris easily in a short period. In this inventive technology, the developed formulation is sprayed on the cattle surface and then after 5 min the debris are brushed off from the hide. This technology facilitates the cleaning process of the animal carcass prior to removal of the hide which will reduce the chance of cross-contamination of harmful micro-organisms from hide to underlying meat. Also, the formulation treatment protects the hide’s quality from being punctured during processing.

Technical Abstract: In this study, a formulation and technique are developed to be used for cattle carcass decontamination prior to removal of hide/skin in a commercially preferred time frame to ensure meat safety and byproduct quality. This formulation offers deep cleaning on carcass surface by removing debris including manure/mud balls which are firmly attached to the hair of animal hide harboring pathogens such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli. Survival of such pathogens can facilitate cross-contamination of the underlying meat and meat processing equipment in the meat packing plant posing a challenge to the meat industry as well as public-health. Also, the attached adobe type mud/manure balls have potential to create holes on the hide during leather processing which degrades the quality of byproduct. Formulation is sprayed on the cattle carcass and then firmly attached debris are brushed off from the surface. The formulation was found as efficient as it cleaned the hide surface completely both at 5 and 8 min treatments. The highest level of aerobic, Escherichia coli and Salmonella populations were reduced by 8.71, 3.63 and 3.19 Log CFU/50 in2, respectively when compared to water wash. The efficacy level of the formulation can be optimized by adjusting its concentration and treatment time. Post-leather analysis showed no detrimental impact on byproduct caused by the formulation.