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 |
Peroxy Acid
Peroxyacetic acid functions as an oxidiser and is mainly used as a carcass wash in commercial beef processing plants. Inspexx™ is a 0.02% peroxy acid solution marketed by EcoLab for reducing microbial contamination on processed red meat surfaces. As with other chemicals, there are opportunities for application at the appropriate concentration during spray chilling of carcasses, assuming no unacceptable residues remain on the product
Download more information on Peroxy Acid
| INTERVENTION SUMMARY | |
|---|---|
Location |
Post slaughter |
Intervention Type |
Surface treatment - usually spray application |
Treatment Time |
10-30 seconds |
Regulations |
Approved in US and Australia, prohibited in the EU |
Effectiveness |
1-1.5 logs |
Likely Cost |
Initial capital outlay for spray cabinet, ongoing costs low, estimated cost for solution is 8 ¢ per beef carcass |
Value for Money |
Literature does not support significant reductions in count |
Plant or Process Changes |
Spray cabinet is required |
Environmental Impact |
Effluent must be treated, energy required |
Occupational Health and Safety |
Peroxyacetic acid is an irritant Secure storage and safe handling of the undiluted chemical is required Risk of inhalation |
Advantages |
Inexpensive |
Disadvantages or Limitations |
Possible discolouration of the lean if used at high concentrations Possible residual compounds and fat oxidation depending on the concentration applied Requires refrigerated storage |
Back to main menu