Microbiology of raw sausages: a case of study in Latin America

Abstract

Introduction. Raw sausages are products composed of comminuted meat and other non-meat ingredients (salt, spices, phosphates, nitrites) but the formulation varies in each country. Given this nature, raw sausages are highly perishable and may represent an important risk for consumers. Aim. As raw sausages are highly consumed in many Latin-American countries, the objective of this literature review was to compile the available information about studies of the microbial quality of these products in the region. Materials and methods. For that purpose, a literature search was performed on main data bases to compile studies from 2006 to nowadays. Results. In general, it was found that microbiological quality of Latin-American raw sausages is not adequate according to current regulation. Total aerobic mesophilic microorganisms (TAMM) and Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) were the most studied indicators; these two groups are the main reference to establish shelf life. Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes were the most studied pathogens, and it is noticeable that Staphyloccoccus aureus is not used as an indicator for safety or manipulation. Conclusions. It is perceived that raw sausages in the region could represent a public health risk as they frequently present high microbiological counts, not regulated in many cases. For conservation, antimicrobial agents as propolic ethanoplic extracts (PEE), phenolyc compounds, and bacteriophages have been studied. However, it is not clear if these ingredients are used at the artisanal level, even though it can be assumed that they are not given the high microbial numbers that are reported. Finally, it stands out the need of harmonization of methodologies and current regulation in the countries.