Interaction of Concentration and Temperature of Acetic Acid Solution on Reduction of Various Species of Microorganisms on Beef Surfaces

Abstract

Cylindrical samples of beef semitendinosus muscle were dipped in inocula of diluted (1:8) fresh manure or suspensions of Escherichia coli or Salmonella typhimurium. After air drying 15 min, samples were sanitized by dipping in acetic acid (0,1,2, or 3%) for 15 sec at 25,40,55, or 70°C. Tests for survivors showed the most effective sanitizing treatment to be 3% acetic acid applied at 70°C. In general, numbers of survivors were inversely related to temperature of application. Concentration, an insignificant variable at the higher temperatures, caused significant variation at the lower temperatures. Treatment had the greatest effect on total aerobic count followed by Enterobacteriaceae count, and E. coli was least affected. S. typhimurium counts were affected least by temperature.