A SURVEY OF THE PREVALENCE OF SALMONELLA AND OTHER ENTERIC PATHOGENS IN A COMMERCIAL POULTRY FEED MILL

A study of the prevalences of Salmonella, Listeria and thermophilic campylobacters in a dedicated commercial poultry feed mill was undertaken. Salmonella was frequently recovered in samples taken in the preheat and postheat treatment areas of the mill with the overall percentage of samples positive found to be 18.8% and 22.6%, respectively. Feed ingredients and dust collected in the preheat treatment locations within the mill were frequently contaminated with Salmonella (11.8% and 33.3% of samples, respectively). High prevalences of Salmonella were also detected in dust samples (24.2%) obtained from the postheat treatment area of the mill and from feed delivery vehicles (57.1%).
Listeria was also recovered from samples at pre- and postheat treatment areas within the mill with overall isolation rates of 14.1% and 18.5% observed, respectively. The most frequently observed species of Listeria recovered from samples in both areas within the mill was L. innocua, L. monocytogenes, L. grayi and L. welshimeri.
No thermophilic campylobacters were recovered from any of the samples analyzed in the current study.     

Laboratory and Field Consumer Evaluation Relationships for Menu Items Processed in Retortable Trays for Quantity Foodservice

Problems associated with provision of food in quantity foodservices prompted the development and use of prepared food items processed in retortable trays. Consumer acceptance of such foods was required so that the items could be screened for foodservice application. Consumer tests, using small portion samples and sensory testing under laboratory conditions, gave a relatively reliable prediction of acceptability of most of the items under extended-use consumer testing during a field trial. Final field acceptance of some items was influenced by external factors not accounted for in laboratory testing.     

ASSESSMENT OF SODIUM DICHLOROISOCYANURATE IN THE CONTROL OF MICROBIOLOGICAL CROSS-CONTAMINATION IN BROILER CARCASS IMMERSION CHILLING SYSTEMS

Commercial immersion chilling systems used in poultry processing are a major source in the cross-contamination of carcasses with pathogenic microorganisms. In the current study, the efficacy of a chlorine based bactericidal compound, sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NADCC), to control contamination between carcasses was compared to the more traditional sodium hypochlorite solutions in a simulated carcass immersion chilling system. The addition of either sodium dichloroisocyanurate or sodium hypochlorite to the immersion chill tank water at concentrations of 50 ppm or more significantly reduced total aerobic mesophilic (37C) and psychrophilic (22C) counts when compared to corresponding untreated water samples in which dressed broiler carcasses had been immersed ( P < 0.01). Both compounds significantly reduced the numbers of fecal coliforms and thermophilic campylobacters in the immersion water samples compared to corresponding control samples ( P < 0.01). In contrast to the control water samples, salmonellae were not detected in immersion water samples treated with either of the chlorine based compounds.     

Effects of Electrical Stimulation and Delayed Chilling of Beef Carcasses on Carcass and Meat Characteristics

A 2x2 factorial experimental design with 2 replications was used to study the effects of a combination of electrical stimulation and delayed chilling of carcass on meat characteristics. Twenty Standard or Good grade beef cattle were slaughtered and 10 sides were assigned to each of the 4 treatments. Meat characteristics were evaluated subjectively (sensory panel evaluation) and objectively (W-B shear device). Electrically stimulated carcasses cooled faster in the first hour postmortem; thereafter the order of further cooling was reversed. The 24 hr postmortem weight loss in the electrically stimulated with delayed chilling did not differ (P > 0.05) from those receiving electrical stimulation plus immediate chilling nor those not stimulated but chilled immediately. For delayed chill carcasses, 24 hr postmortem weight loss was lower (P < 0.05) in electrically stimulated than in nonstimulated groups. Electrical stimulation reduced (P < 0.05) cooking losses. The difference in sarcomere lengths among the 4 treatments was not significant (P > 0.05). At the microstructural level, an open triad and T-system were observed immediately following electrical stimulation. As early as 24 hr postmortem, considerable Z-line degradation was observed in the electrically stimulated and delayed chilled samples.     

Alternative Methods of Procurement for Works of Water and Environmental Management

The paper considers methods of procurement for the construction of water- and sewage-treatment works other than the traditional use of the ICE 5th Edition Conditions of Contract and Bills of Quantities. This is as a consequence of the speed at which schemes are currently required within the water industry.
The paper particularly focuses on the use of target contracts, using the Institution of Chemical Engineers'Green Book form, and considers various types of target. It also discusses the form which tender documents may take, and how targets may be calculated.
Tendering procedures, including the use of two-stage tenders and negotiated targets, are considered, as are the procedures for cost monitoring and the financial management of the contract. Finally, the role of the engineer and quantity surveyor is considered.