New Quality Control Techniques for the Rapid Detection of Foodborne Microorganisms,

摘要

The potential for the application of radiometry for rapidly estimating the level of microbes in model systems and meat loaf was demonstrated. Initial concentrations of foodborne pathogens (aerobic vegetative cells of Salmonella and Staphylococcus) of 10,000cells/ml and fewer than 10cells/ml were detected in model systems by 3-4hr and 8-9hr,respectively. The detection time for anaerobic foodborne pathogenic and spoilage cells,originating from spores 100to 10,000cells/ml) was about 3to 4hr greater than that of comparable numbers of aerobic non-sporeforming vegetative cells. The detection time of the indigenous flora of meat loaf was proportional to the log concentration of microorganisms. Utilizing microcalorimetry, a system was established capable of detecting initial levels of S. aureus of 2cells/ml TSY in 12-13hr and 10,000cells/ml in less than three hr. This technique is not limited to gas producers,and may be applied to packaged foods. Both methods are simple,sensitive,rapid,can be automated and are adaptable to situations where minimally trained personnel must decide whether foods should be accepted,rejected or further tested because of their microbiological quality.