A Novel Approach of Removing Externally Attached Debris from Animal Carcass to Ensure Meat Safety and Byproduct Quality

Abstract

In this study, a formulation and technique are developed to be used for cattle carcass decontamination prior to removal of hide 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 like Salmonella and Escherichia coli. Survival of such pathogens can facilitate cross-contamination of the underlying meat and meat-processing equipment in the 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 byproduct’s quality. Formulation was sprayed on cattle’s hide and the attached debris were brushed off from the surface. The formulation was found very efficient in cleaning the hide surface both at 5 and 8 min treatments. The highest of aerobic, Escherichia coli and Salmonella populations were reduced by 8.71, 3.63 and 3.19 Log CFU/50 in 2 , respectively when compared to water-wash. The efficacy of formulation can be optimized by adjusting its concentration and treatment time. Post-leather analysis showed no detrimental impact on byproduct caused by the formulation.