Contamination by aerobic mesophilal and enterobacteriaceae bacteria in a pig refrigerator

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the knives, contact surfaces and carcasses for contamination by mesophilic aerobic bacteria and Enterobacteriaceae, in a pig slaughterhouse in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. The present study took place in a pig slaughterhouse, located in the Northwest Region of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, under the Federal Inspection Service (SIF). The experimental design used was randomized blocks organized in a bifactorial scheme, being for the knives: 3 (days of collection) x 3 x 15 (time of collection and knives from the slaughter and deboning process), totaling 135 experimental units for the knives. For water, main contact surfaces and pig carcasses, a unifactorial scheme was used: 3 (days of collection) x 12 surfaces (5 contact surfaces and 7 carcasses), totaling 36 experimental units. Knives used during slaughter operations are a form of contamination. There is deficiency in the pre-operational hygiene procedure of the utensils.

Levels of Different Microbial Groups on Inert Surfaces of Poultry Slaughterhouses: Identification Using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time-of-Flight and Detection of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase- and Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteria

“…Other authors obtained data similar to those of the present study, both for E. coli (20.2%) [36] and Salmonella spp. (0.34%) [37], but higher as for Enterobacteriaceae in general (60%) [38], on different surfaces of slaughterhouses and retail establishments. Monitoring the presence of different genera of Enterobacteriaceae, including the ones reported in this study, along the slaughter line enables the verification of slaughter operation hygiene and the use of good manufacturing practices by slaughter operators [39].…”