Implementation of hazard analysis critical control point in the meat and poultry industry

Abstract

Meat and poultry industries today are facing new challenges, with more complex ingredients, processes, and packaging. Consequently, controls are becoming more important as more complex processes are developed. Widespread adoption of Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) by the meat and poultry industry should enhance consumer confidence in its products and reduce the currently existing barriers in international trade. The purpose of this review is to present several comprehensive flow diagrams of meat and poultry products and apply HACCP principles in order to ensure food safety.     

Trends in microbial control techniques for poultry products

Fresh poultry meat and poultry products are highly perishable foods and high potential sources of human infection due to the presence of several foodborne pathogens. Focusing on the microbial control of poultry products, the food industry generally implements numerous preventive measures based on the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) food safety management system certification together with technological steps, such as refrigeration coupled to modified atmosphere packaging that are able to control identified potential microbial hazards during food processing. However, in recent years, to meet the demand of consumers for minimally processed, high-quality, and additive-free foods, technologies are emerging associated with nonthermal microbial inactivation, such as high hydrostatic pressure, irradiation, and natural alternatives, such as biopreservation or the incorporation of natural preservatives in packaging materials. These technologies are discussed throughout this article, emphasizing their pros and cons regarding the control of poultry microbiota and their effects on poultry sensory properties. The discussion for each of the preservation techniques mentioned will be provided with as much detail as the data and studies provided in the literature for poultry meat and products allow. These new approaches, on their own, have proved to be effective against a wide range of microorganisms in poultry meat. However, since some of these emergent technologies still do not have full consumer's acceptability and, taking into consideration the hurdle technology concept for poultry processing, it is suggested that they will be used as combined treatments or, more frequently, in combination with modified atmosphere packaging.     

Current and emerging molecular diagnostic technologies applicable to bacterial food safety

There is an increasing need for rapid test methods to certify the quality and safety of food products. Current tests applied for the microbiological assessment of food products are based on standard approved culture-based isolation methods and can take several days to yield results. Nucleic acid diagnostic (NAD) tests for the identification of bacterial foodborne pathogens employing in vitro amplification technologies are capable of sensitive and specific detection of single or multiple pathogens in foods in a shorter timeframe than traditional methods. New developments in molecular biosensors have the potential to provide at-line bioanalysis, whereas microarray-based technologies may in the future be the NAD platforms of choice for multiple pathogen detection and identification. This article reviews current and emerging NAD platforms for foodborne bacterial pathogens that have the potential to impact food safety.     

Combining reformulation,active packaging and non-thermal post-packaging decontamination technologies to increase the microbiological quality and safety of cooked ready-to-eat meat products

BackgroundCooked ready-to-eat (RTE) meat products are subjected to contamination of spoilage microorganisms such as lactic acid bacteria and pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes. These microorganisms contaminate cooked RTE meat products after the cooking step and may further grow during shelf-life potentially leading to spoilage or foodborne diseases, respectively. In the current context of salt, fat and chemical preservatives reduction in meat products formulations, a combined strategy that considers the development of more robust formulations, active packaging and the use of non-thermal post-packaging decontamination strategies seems required to ensure shelf-stable and safe RTE cooked food products.Scope and approachThe main objective of this review was to discuss the aspects related to reformulation, active packaging and the application of non-thermal decontamination technologies at the post-packaging step of cooked RTE meat products, their advantages, limitations and main challenges for their implementation.Key findings and conclusionsIn general, post-packaging decontamination technologies aim to reduce or inactivate pathogens and spoilage microorganisms present on the surface of ready-to-eat meat products. Low-temperature plasma, high-pressure processing (HPP), pulsed electric fields, pulsed ultraviolet light and ultrasound are promising alternatives in this segment. However, the choice of the most appropriate approach for post-packaging decontamination of cooked ready-to-eat meat products depends on the type of product and the technological objectives. Meat products formulation and packaging material properties should be considered while defining a post-packaging decontamination approach. Although they are advantageous, non-thermal technologies may present certain limitations such as the increase of oxidative reactions over the shelf-life.     

Balanced diets in food systems: Emerging trends and challenges for human health

ABSTRACT

Processed foods, generally known as modified raw foods produced by innovative processing technologies alters the food constituents such natural enzymes, fatty acids, micronutrients, macronutrients and vitamins. In contrast to fresh and unprocessed foods, processed foods are guaranteed to be safer, imperishable, long lasting and consist high level of nutrients bioactivity. Currently, the evolution in food processing technologies is necessary to face food security and safety, nutrition demand, its availability and also other global challenges in the food system. In this scenario, this review consists of information on two food processing technologies, which effects on processed foods before and after processing and the impact of food products on human health. It is also very well established that understanding the type and structure of foods to be processed can assist food processing industries towards advancement of novel food products. In connection with this fact, the present article also discusses the emerging trends and possible modifications in food processing technologies with the combination of conventional and modern techniques to get the suitable nutritional and safety qualities in food.     

Current and future interventions for improving poultry health and poultry food safety and security: A comprehensive review

Poultry is thriving across the globe. Chicken meat is the most preferred poultry worldwide, and its popularity is increasing. However, poultry also threatens human hygiene, especially as a fomite of infectious diseases caused by the major foodborne pathogens (Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Listeria). Preventing pathogenic bacterial biofilm is crucial in the chicken industry due to increasing food safety hazards caused by recurring contamination and the rapid degradation of meat, as well as the increased resistance of bacteria to cleaning and disinfection procedures commonly used in chicken processing plants. To address this, various innovative and promising strategies to combat bacterial resistance and biofilm are emerging to improve food safety and quality and extend shelf-life. In particular, natural compounds are attractive because of their potential antimicrobial activities. Natural compounds can also boost the immune system and improve poultry health and performance. In addition to phytochemicals, bacteriophages, nanoparticles, coatings, enzymes, and probiotics represent unique and environmentally friendly strategies in the poultry processing industry to prevent foodborne pathogens from reaching the consumer. Lactoferrin, bacteriocin, antimicrobial peptides, cell-free supernatants, and biosurfactants are also of considerable interest for their prospective application as natural antimicrobials for improving the safety of raw poultry meat. This review aims to describe the feasibility of these proposed strategies and provide an overview of recent published evidences to control microorganisms in the poultry industry, considering the human health, food safety, and economic aspects of poultry production.     

Strategies and novel technologies to control Campylobacter in the poultry chain: A review

Campylobacteriosis is one of the most common bacterial infections worldwide causing economic costs. The high prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in poultry meat is a result of several contamination and cross‐contamination sources through the production chain. Moreover, survival mechanisms, such as biofilm formation, viable but nonculturable state, and antimicrobial resistance, enable its persistence during food processing. Therefore, mitigation strategies are necessary in order to avoid and/or inactivate Campylobacter at farm, abattoir, industry, and retail level. In this review, a number of potential strategies and novel technologies that could reduce the prevalence of Campylobacter in poultry meat have been identified and evaluated to provide a useful overview. At farm level for instance, biosecurity, bacteriocins, probiotics, feed and water additives, bacteriophages, and vaccination could potentially reduce colonization in chicken flocks. However, current technologies used in the chicken slaughter and processing industry may be less effective against this foodborne pathogen. Novel technologies and strategies such as cold plasma, ultraviolet light, high‐intensity light pulses, pulsed electric fields, antimicrobials, and modified atmosphere packaging are discussed in this review for reducing Campylobacter contamination. Although these measures have achieved promising results, most have not been integrated within processing operations due to a lack of knowledge or an unwillingness to implement these into existing processing systems. Furthermore, a combination of existing and novel strategies might be required to decrease the prevalence of this pathogen in poultry meat and enhance food safety. Therefore, further research will be essential to assess the effectiveness of all these strategies.     

Potential efficacy of processing technologies for mitigating crustacean allergenicity

ABSTRACT

Crustacean allergy has become a growing food safety concern at a global scale. In the past decades, various food processing approaches have been employed to develop food products with reduced allergenic potential. Thermal treatment can dramatically influence the allergenicity of crustaceans by either reducing or enhancing their allergenic potential. Maillard reaction, enzymatic and acid treatments have shown to be promising in mitigating crustacean allergenicity. Recently, novel processing technologies, namely high-pressure processing, high-intensity ultrasound, irradiation, pulsed ultraviolet light and hurdle technology have attracted special attention from the researchers and the food industry professionals owing to their benefits over the conventional methods. In this context, this review paper provides an updated overview of the current knowledge on how different food processing methods induce structural changes of crustacean allergens and, subsequently, influence their allergenic potential. Data on prevalence and clinical relevance of crustacean allergy are presented, as well as, the molecular characterization of crustacean allergens and the main analytical methods for their detection in processed foods.     

Phages and engineered lysins as an effective tool to combat Gram-negative foodborne pathogens

One of the biggest challenges faced by food producers is ensuring microbiological safety. Despite strict criteria for food products, foodborne diseases are a global problem and pose a real risk to consumers. Therefore, it is necessary to identify new and more effective methods for eliminating pathogens from food and the food processing environment. According to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the most common foodborne diseases are caused by Campylobacter, Salmonella, Yersinia, Escherichia coli, and Listeria. Out of the five listed, four are Gram-negative bacteria. Our review focuses on the use of bacteriophages, which are ubiquitous bacterial viruses, and bacteriophage endolysins to eliminate Gram-negative pathogens. Endolysins cleave specific bonds within the peptidoglycan (PG) of the bacterial cell, causing the cell to burst. Single phages or phage cocktails, which are, in some instances, commercially available products, eliminate pathogenic bacteria in livestock and various food matrices. Endolysins have matured as the most advanced class of antibacterial agents in the clinical sector, but their use in food protection is highly unexplored. Advanced molecular engineering techniques, different formulations, protein encapsulation, and the addition of outer membrane (OM) permeabilization agents enhance the activity of lysins against Gram-negative pathogens. This creates space for groundbreaking research on the use of lysins in the food sector.     

Application of emerging technologies to control Salmonella in foods: A review

Salmonella is one of the major causes of foodborne illnesses in United States and many other parts of the world. The ubiquitous nature of the organisms and innumerous serotypes present in various foods make it challenging for researchers to strive for its elimination. In the past decade, various novel technologies have emerged with great potential to inactivate Salmonella and other foodborne pathogens. This review paper aims to compile research works reported in the recent past with emphasis on the use of emerging technologies such as, ozone, ultraviolet light, ultrasound, electrolyzed oxidized water, high pressure carbon dioxide, and bacteriophage. Other novel technologies like high pressure processing, pulsed electric field processing and irradiation were not covered considering their vastness of literature and availability of published reviews. Many of these emerging technologies have already reached commercial adoption in specific applications and many others are very promising. Development of suitable equipment, especially to make continuous processing feasible for a variety of foods and standardizing the process parameters for easy regulatory approval will pave the way for improved food quality and safety.     

Non-dairy probiotic food products: An emerging group of functional foods

ABSTRACT

The functional food sector has shown tremendous growth in recent years with the application of probiotic bacteria as “food additives”. The utilization of probiotic bacteria in food presents many challenges related to their growth, survival, viability, stability and functionality in food processing, storage and consumption as well as changes of sensory characteristics of probiotic foods. Although dairy foods are currently the most common food carrier to deliver probiotics, an increasing number of non-dairy food matrices exhibit potential for delivery of probiotics. This review provides more recent insight into the emergence of non-dairy probiotics products, the interactions between probiotics and different food matrices and the challenges in developing such products. Some of the technical issues are also reviewed and discussed. These issues include the efficacy of probiotic bacteria in non-chilled, low pH or high water activity foods; the potential loss of bacterial viability, additionally unwanted fermentation and changes of the sensory characteristics of food products which may result in poor microbiological quality and low acceptability to consumers.     

Inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus by high pressure processing: An overview

Food safety is a major concern of consumers, food industry and governments, with 25 million foodborne diseases occurring annually worldwide. Staphylococcus aureus, is an extremely versatile opportunistic pathogen being responsible for staphylococcal food poisoning due to enterotoxic strains. With increasing demands for safer food, new food preservation technologies are increasingly gaining interest. In the last two decades, high pressure processing (HPP) appeared as an alternative non-thermal food preservation method promoting inactivation of some spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms, while maintaining food characteristics. Factors that modulate its efficiency will be revised, firstly based on the state-of-the art described for bacteria in general and afterwards, when studies exist, for S. aureus specifically. S. aureus inactivation by HPP, like in other microorganisms, is conditioned by cell structures and biomolecules, matrix, HPP processing conditions, the use of antimicrobials and is also dependent of the strain and growth phase. Cell membrane is the most pressure sensitive structure of S. aureus, being the lipids and proteins the most important target molecules. However, monomeric proteins such as staphylococcal enterotoxins (SE) are not affected by HPP, and strains with SE appear to be more efficiently inactivated than those without. Other phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of S. aureus strains, such as pigmentation and the presence of σ^B factor are extremely important factors determining the efficacy of HPP treatments. Inactivation of S. aureus by HPP to ensure food safety still remains a current challenge regarding the understanding of its particular barotolerance and its inactivation kinetics profile that often deviates from the simpler first order decay. Thus, this review provides state-of-the-art information for researchers interested in studying HPP inactivation of S. aureus.Industrial relevanceThis review gives an insight on the importance of Staphylococcus aureus as a foodborne versatile opportunistic pathogen and its importance from the food safety point, its barotolerance and the main reasons for this resistant behavior to high pressure processing and the mechanisms of S. aureus inactivation by HPP.     

Application of elements of microbiological risk assessment in the food industry via a tiered approach

Food safety control is a matter for concern for all parts of the food supply chain, including governments that develop food safety policy, food industries that must control potential hazards, and consumers who need to keep to the intended use of the food. In the future, food safety policy may be set using the framework of risk analysis, part of which is the development of (inter)national microbiological risk assessment (MRA) studies. MRA studies increase our understanding of the impact of risk management interventions and of the relationships among subsequent parts of food supply chains with regard to the safety of the food when it reaches the consumer. Application of aspects of MRA in the development of new food concepts has potential benefits for the food industry. A tiered approach to applying MRA can best realize these benefits. The tiered MRA approach involves calculation of microbial fate for a product and process design on the basis of experimental data (e.g., monitoring data on prevalence) and predictive microbiological models. Calculations on new product formulations and novel processing technologies provide improved understanding of microbial fate beyond currently known boundaries, which enables identification of new opportunities in process design. The outcome of the tiered approach focuses on developing benchmarks of potential consumer exposure to hazards associated with new products by comparison with exposure associated with products that are already on the market and have a safe history of use. The tiered prototype is a tool to be used by experienced microbiologists as a basis for advice to product developers and can help to make safety assurance for new food concepts transparent to food inspection services.     

Comparison between conventional and qPCR methods for enumerating Campylobacter jejuni in a poultry processing plant

Campylobacter jejuni is worldwide recognized as a human foodborne pathogen. It is widely present in poultry meat and slaughterhouses, but little is known about its fate during the processing of poultry meat preparations. In stress conditions, this pathogen can enter into a viable but non-culturable state, where quantitative PCR (qPCR) becomes more convenient for its detection. In this study, two different pairs of primers, targeting the rpoB and the hipO genes, were compared for its detection and quantification by PCR. Two calibration curves were prepared: one for the meat samples and the other for the environmental samples. rpoB primers showed higher sensitivity with a quantification limit of 1 log cfu/g or ml. Microbial Assessment Scheme (MAS) was used to select the Critical Sampling Locations (CSLs) along the poultry processing line. Forty-six out of 48 samples were positive by qPCR after enrichment (t = 48 ) while only 6 samples were positive by ISO 10272-1:2006. Forty-three samples showed positive signal without enrichment (t = 0 h), however only 16 samples could be quantified. These results showed the high prevalence of C. jejuni in the poultry industry and the need for new, rapid and sensitive techniques, such as qPCR, for the detection and quantification of C. jejuni in meat and environmental samples.     

Recent developments in cold plasma decontamination technology in the food industry

BackgroundThe advent of the 21^st century has witnessed a growing demand of safe and nutritious foods. The food industry is adopting novel non-thermal food processing technologies. Cold plasma is one such promising non-thermal food processing method which uses charged, highly reactive gaseous molecules and species to inactivate contaminating microorganisms on foods and packaging materials.Scope and approachThe paper gives the reader an overview of the cold plasma technology in food industry. It reviews principles of plasma generation, including mechanisms of action of the process on microorganisms. It also highlights different plasma generation systems, various published results of plasma application to inactivate microorganisms in vitro and in various food products, food packages and equipment surfaces. The challenges of the process, its effects on food quality and the future prospects are highlighted.Key findings and conclusionsThis article aims to review and apprise readers about the important fundamentals and latest trends in the Cold Plasma technology. The on-going studies on plasma technology prove that cold plasma is strongly effective for surface decontamination, with efforts in-progress for liquid processing. The short time of application causes no significant deterioration in food products. Thus, it is an apt alternative processing technology which could also help to counter food allergenicity, seed germination, packaging material printing, waste-water treatment, modify food functionality, extract bio-actives etc. Further research is needed for scaling-up of this process for future commercialization.     

Green tea and grape seed extracts — Potential applications in food safety and quality

Using “natural green” plant extracts or their derived products in various food and beverage applications is an increasing trend in the food industry. Selection of these plant extracts and their application depends on their functional properties, availability, cost effectiveness, consumer awareness and their effect on the sensory attributes of the final product. Green tea extract (GTE) and grape seed extract (GSE) are two popular plant extracts that have been widely used in various food and beverage applications. Green tea is a widely consumed beverage that has attracted more attention in the recent years due to its health benefits like antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Grape seed extract is derived from the grape seeds that is extracted, dried and purified to produce polyphenolic compounds-rich extract that also has well documented antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. These two plant extracts (polyphenolic and proanthocyanidin rich compounds) have potential antioxidant properties by inhibiting the lipid oxidation and warmed over flavors and antimicrobial activities against major food borne pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Campylobacter jejuni in preventing pathogen contamination. Furthermore, they have demonstrated synergism in antimicrobial activity when used in combination with organic acids (malic, tartaric acid, benzoic acids etc.), bacteriocins like nisin or chelating agents like EDTA in various model systems including fresh produce (fruits and vegetables), raw and ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. Apart from beneficial effects of grape seed extract in food safety and quality, concerns regarding the side effects of GSE are also addressed. Nevertheless, persistent recalls of the food products involving foodborne pathogens despite various control measures calls for efficient bacteriostatic and bactericidal agents and technologies to deliver the active components for an effective inhibition of pathogens. Therefore, further research involving electrostatic spray and nanoscale delivery of the active components present in these natural, green, plant extracts and using them as a component in multiple hurdle approach would enhance the food safety and quality in addition to providing alternative “green” solutions to the food processors.     

Microbiological profile of Salpicão de Vinhais and Chouriça de Vinhais from raw materials to final products: Traditional dry sausages produced in the North of Portugal

Salpicão de Vinhais and Chouriça de Vinhais are traditional dry-fermented meat sausages produced in the North of Portugal. The microbiological profile during production of both products was followed in three small processing units. Lactic acid bacteria were the most prevalent microorganisms, with enhanced growth during the smoking process and a consequent decrease of pH.This study demonstrated that when highly contaminated raw ingredients are used, pathogens might not be eliminated during processing (from seasoning until the end of smoking). Therefore, it is important to highlight that to produce safe Salpicão and Chouriça following traditional recipes and methodologies it is necessary to work under hygienic conditions using raw materials of good microbiological quality.Industrial relevancePreservation of pork meat in the form of semi-dry, fermented and smoked products having a long shelf-life, is an age-old artisanal process that is still practiced in many areas of the world. In many rural communities production has a significant impact on the local economy and food supply, but these products are now becoming increasingly popular in urban areas. In a more widespread distribution of such artisanal products, it is important that consumers are not exposed to undue risks of food-borne infections or intoxications. This study investigates the evolution of the microflora and microbiological safety during the production processes of two such traditional products in the North of Portugal, and during storage of the final products.     

Emerging food processing technologies and factors impacting their industrial adoption

Abstract

Innovative food processing technologies have been widely investigated in food processing research in recent years. These technologies offer key advantages for advancing the preservation and quality of conventional foods, for combatting the growing challenges posed by globalization, increased competitive pressures and diverse consumer demands. However, there is a need to increase the level of adoption of novel technologies to ensure the potential benefits of these technologies are exploited more by the food industry. This review outlines emerging thermal and non-thermal food processing technologies with regard to their mechanisms, applications and commercial aspects. The level of adoption of novel food processing technologies by the food industry is outlined and the factors that impact their industrial adoption are discussed. At an industry level, the technological capabilities of individual companies, their size, market share as well as their absorptive capacity impact adoption of a novel technology. Characteristics of the technology itself such as costs involved in its development and commercialization, associated risks and relative advantage, and level of complexity and compatibility influence the technology's adoption. The review concludes that a deep understanding of the development and application of a technology along with the factors influencing its acceptance are critical to ensure its commercial adoption.     

Recent developments in the food quality detected by non-invasive nuclear magnetic resonance technology

ABSTRACT

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is a rapid, accurate and non-invasive technology and widely used to detect the quality of food, particularly to fruits and vegetables, meat and aquatic products. This review is a survey of recent developments in experimental results for the quality of food on various NMR technologies in processing and storage over the past decade. Following a discussion of the quality discrimination and classification of food, analysis of food compositions and detection of physical, chemical, structural and microbiological properties of food are outlined. Owing to high cost, low detection limit and sensitivity, the professional knowledge involved and the safety issues related to the maintenance of the magnetic field, so far the practical applications are limited to detect small range of food. In order to promote applications for a broader range of foods further research and development efforts are needed to overcome the limitations of NMR in the detection process. The needs and opportunities for future research and developments are outlined.     

食品中微生物限量要求及检测技术发展趋势

近几年国家食品安全抽检不合格情况的汇总分析和中国大陆食源性疾病爆发监测的数据显示,微生物性因素导致不合格问题以及食源性疾病一直居于首位.我国的食品安全监管模式正逐步与国际接轨,从注重终产品检测转变为注重过程控制.食品微生物检测作为食品的卫生管理和安全性评价的指标越来越受到重视.本文综述了目前国内外食品中微生物的限量要求...