Journal of Nutrition & Food Sciences
Open Access

Development of predictive models to enhance microbiological safety of ready-to-eat meats

2^nd International Conference and Exhibition on Nutritional Science & Therapy

July 15-17, 2013 Courtyard by Marriott Philadelphia Downtown, USA

Cheng-An Hwang

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Nutr Food Sci

Abstract :

Predictive microbiology has been extensively applied in food production to assess microbiological safety and shelf life of food products as well as to develop product formulation, processes, and control measures. Notable and widely adapted models include those in USDA Pathogen Modeling Program (U.S. Department of Agriculture), Combase (UK?s Institute of Food Research, USDA, and Australia?s Food Safety Center), and Seafood Spoilage and Safety Predictor (Technical University of Denmark). In the U.S., the consumption of refrigerated ready-to-eat (RTE) meats has increased significantly due to the demand for convenient foods by consumers. Since heating is not required prior to consumption, RTE meats may become a safety risk if they are contaminated with pathogens, particularly Listeria monocytogenes, which is capable of growing at refrigeration temperature. Several outbreaks of L. monocytogenes induced illnesses have been linked to the consumption of RTE meats. Studies were conducted to examine and develop predictive models for the growth behavior of L. monocytogenes in RTE meats as affected by the presence of lactate and diacetate, native microflora, and acid stress. Results showed that the growth of L. monocytogenes was significantly delayed by lactate and diacetate at <12°C and by the native microflora (Brochothrix spp.) at 4-8°C and when L. monocytogenes was subjected

Biography :

Cheng-An Hwang obtained a Ph.D. degree in Food Science and Technology from the University of Tennessee in 1992. His work experience includes as research associated with the Center for Food Safety and Quality Enhancement, University of Georgia, as food microbiologist with Nestle Research and Development Center, and, currently, as research food technologist with Eastern Regional Research Center, ARS-USDA. He is a member of the Institute of Food Technologists and the International Association for Food Protection and serves as associate editor for the Food Microbiology and Safety section of Journal of Food Science.