Food Safety Interventions Information
Click on the links below to access information on interventions available at each stage of the meat production process
| Contents Page | Introduction to Interventions | On Farm | Processing - hide on | Processing - hide off | Chilling | Packaging or Retail |
Organic Acids
Solutions of organic acids (1-3%) such as lactic and acetic acids are the most frequently used chemical interventions in commercial plants for both beef and lamb dressing. Many other organic acids, however, have been researched either separately or as a mixture for use in chemical washes, including formic, propionic, citric, fumaric, and L-ascorbic acid
Download more information on Organic Acids
| INTERVENTION SUMMARY | |
|---|---|
Location |
Post slaughter - carcass or packing |
Intervention Type |
Surface treatment of carcass, primals or offals |
Treatment Time |
10-30 seconds, dependant on solution temperature |
Regulations |
Approved in US and Australia, prohibited in EU |
Effectiveness |
1-3 log reduction |
Likely Cost |
Could cost in the $100,000 to $300,000 range to install a cabinet |
Value for Money |
If there is an existing wash cabinet, capital cost is low and may be good value – estimated cost of solution A$1.70 per beef carcass |
Plant or Process Changes |
Spray cabinet will be required |
Environmental Impact |
Disposal of chemicals may be an issue |
Occupational Health and Safety |
Acids are irritants, so careful handling is required Risk of inhalation of irritant Secure storage of the concentrate will be required |
Advantages |
Applied by spray or immersion Can be used in conjunction with other interventions Efficacy widely documented in the literature Possible prolonged inhibition of microbial growth |
Disadvantages or Limitations |
When applying by spray, the airborne aerosols - particularly of acetic acid - can have a corrosive effect on equipment surrounding the spray cabinet Concerns about acid-resistance in microorganisms |
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