Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate effectiveness of commercially available biocides in CO2+ process agents in lab scale & full-scale process.
Methods: Initial tests were done in an industrial scale CO2+ platform (1000 lb meat mixer) to validate uniform distribution of biocides. Tests were done with fluorescent dye and buffered acidic solution. Samples were taken from multiple locations & analyzed mixing consistency. Commercially available biocides were tested in 3 groups which represent the industrial application of CO2 chilling technology. The biocides were tested against E. coli on ground beef & beef trim and against Salmonella on turkey & chicken trim. Initial screening work was done at Air Liquide and validation studies were conducted at USDA. Selected few antimicrobial agents were tested at commercial scale (1000 lb meat/batch) CO2+ platform.
Results: Commercial scale tests confirmed the ability of this process to uniformly distribute small amounts of antimicrobial agents in meat. The results confirmed by dye test, and pH reduction in meat (from pH ~ 5.8 to < 4 depending on dosage of antimicrobial agent). In general, commercial scale tests (non-inoculated, 1000 lb batch) proved that it is possible to reduce aerobic plate count up to 3 logs CFU/g , and greater than 50% reduction of Salmonella. Inoculated lab tests, result showed reduction of ≤ 3.00±xx log CFU/g for both Salmonella & E. coli.
Significance: The benefit of this process to the processor is to provide a last point of intervention where harmful bacteria can be reduced.