Assessment of Microbiological Contamination and Prevalence of Pathogenic Strains in Cattle Carcasses from Romanian Slaughterhouses
Food safety, particularly within the meat industry, is a significant concern addressed under the One Health concept, emphasizing the necessity of enhanced surveillance and hygiene protocols to mitigate contamination risks. This study assessed microbiological risks in Romanian bovine slaughterhouses...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Pathogens |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-0817/14/3/248 |
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| Summary: | Food safety, particularly within the meat industry, is a significant concern addressed under the One Health concept, emphasizing the necessity of enhanced surveillance and hygiene protocols to mitigate contamination risks. This study assessed microbiological risks in Romanian bovine slaughterhouses by analyzing 150 samples from stool and carcasses at the post-evisceration and cooling stages over seven months in two abattoirs, using standardized microbiological methods and PCR to quantify aerobic colony counts (ACCs), <i>Enterobacteriaceae</i>, and pathogens (<i>E. coli</i>, <i>Salmonella</i> spp., and <i>Listeria</i> spp.). ACCs and <i>Enterobacteriaceae</i> levels decreased significantly [<i>p</i> < 0.05] during processing, highlighting effective hygiene measures. Pathogenic <i>E. coli</i> was identified in 14% of fecal samples and 5% of carcasses, indicating cross-contamination risks. <i>Salmonella</i> spp. were found in 28% of fecal samples but absent on carcasses, suggesting successful containment. <i>Listeria</i> spp. were rare and not detected on carcasses. PCR confirmed the presence of pathogenic strains in stool samples, emphasizing the need for strict hygiene practices and regular monitoring to improve meat safety and protect public health. In conclusion, the prevalence of <i>E. coli</i>, particularly serogroups like O101 and O26, and the absence of <i>Salmonella</i> and <i>Listeria</i> in carcass samples reflect both regional differences in pathogenic strains and the need for comprehensive, multi-stage control measures. Further studies should broaden pathogen surveillance to include more <i>E. coli</i> serogroups and implement stricter hygiene protocols to prevent cross-contamination during evisceration, skinning, and cooling. Regular monitoring of <i>Salmonella</i> and <i>Listeria</i>, especially in silage-fed cattle regions, along with improved coordination across the food production, health, and environmental sectors, is essential to mitigate contamination risks and safeguard public health. |
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| ISSN: | 2076-0817 |