Introduction of Hazards – Slaughter Pathogen Reduction Dialogue Panel 1 May 6, 2002 Introduction of Hazards - Slaughter Gary R. Acuff, PhD Professor of Food Microbiology Texas A & M University
Introduction of Hazards - Slaughter Slaughter processes Uniformity Hazards Enteric pathogens Strict sanitation and hygiene can reduce contamination; however, assurance of absence of pathogens is not possible
Introduction of Hazards - Slaughter Primary sources of contamination Feces Hide contact Aerosols and sprays Contaminated hands or equipment Spilling of body fluids
Cattle Receiving & Holding Cattle Slaughter Cross-contamination of hide during transport and holding
Cattle Receiving & Holding Stunning Cattle Slaughter Contact with floor after stunning
Cattle Receiving & Holding Stunning Exsanguination Cattle Slaughter
Cattle Receiving & Holding Stunning Exsanguination Head & Shank Removal Cattle Slaughter Contamination of carcass surface more extensive in areas of manual hide removal
Cattle Receiving & Holding Stunning Exsanguination Head & Shank Removal Hide Removal Cattle Slaughter Initial incision Aerosols and dust generated Workers’ hands Contact of hide with exposed tissue surface
Cattle Receiving & Holding Stunning Exsanguination Head & Shank Removal Hide Removal Evisceration Cattle Slaughter Proper bunging (bag) Cross-contamination Punctures
Cattle Receiving & Holding Stunning Exsanguination Head & Shank Removal Hide Removal Evisceration Carcass Splitting Cattle Slaughter Processing environment… Floors, walls, contact surfaces, airborne contamination, aqueous sources, utensils, personnel
Cattle Receiving & Holding Stunning Exsanguination Head & Shank Removal Hide Removal Evisceration Carcass Splitting Final Wash Cattle Slaughter
Cattle Receiving & Holding Stunning Exsanguination Head & Shank Removal Hide Removal Evisceration Carcass Splitting Final Wash Chill Cattle Slaughter Carcass-to-carcass contact
Hog Slaughter Multiple processing operations Scalded Skinned
Hog Receiving & Holding Hog Slaughter Cross-contamination of skin during transport and holding
Hog Receiving & Holding Hog Slaughter Stunning
Hog Receiving & Holding Hog Slaughter StunningExsanguination
Hog Receiving & Holding Hog Slaughter StunningExsanguination Scalding Usually a reduction of contamination; minor spreading between carcasses
Hog Receiving & Holding Hog Slaughter StunningExsanguination Scalding Dehairing Recontamination of surface after scalding Possible fecal contamination
Hog Receiving & Holding Hog Slaughter StunningExsanguination Scalding DehairingSingeing Some bacterial kill, but uneven
Hog Receiving & Holding Hog Slaughter StunningExsanguination Scalding DehairingSingeing Scraping & Polishing Removes burned surface, but may spread bacteria
Hog Receiving & Holding Hog Slaughter StunningExsanguination Scalding DehairingSingeing Scraping & Polishing Evisceration Proper bunging Cross-contamination Punctures
Hog Receiving & Holding Hog Slaughter StunningExsanguination Scalding DehairingSingeing Scraping & Polishing EviscerationWash & Chill Carcass-to-carcass contact
Unload & Shackle Poultry Slaughter Cross-contamination of skin during transport and holding Flapping of wings may create aerosols & dust
Unload & Shackle Poultry Slaughter Stunning
Unload & Shackle Poultry Slaughter StunningExsanguination
Unload & Shackle Poultry Slaughter StunningExsanguination Scalding Usually a reduction of contamination, but can spread between carcasses
Unload & Shackle Poultry Slaughter StunningExsanguination Scalding Defeathering Cross-contamination from other carcasses and equipment Possible fecal contamination
Unload & Shackle Poultry Slaughter StunningExsanguination Scalding DefeatheringEvisceration Possible intestinal leakage Cross-contamination by equipment, workers and inspectors
Unload & Shackle Poultry Slaughter StunningExsanguination Scalding DefeatheringEvisceration Spray-washing
Unload & Shackle Poultry Slaughter StunningExsanguination Scalding DefeatheringEvisceration Spray-washing Chilling Overall reduction in contamination Some cross- contamination possible
Unload & Shackle Poultry Slaughter StunningExsanguination Scalding DefeatheringEvisceration Spray-washing ChillingPackaging Cross-contamination by equipment
Introduction of Hazards - Slaughter Major sources must be controlled Minor sources probably pale in comparison. Reminder Serious illness can result from improperly prepared meat or poultry from apparently healthy animals. Contamination of meat or poultry continues to be possible from stunning until consumption.