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 |
Trisodium Phosphate
Trisodium phosphate (TSP) is an alkaline cleaning agent that has been used as a household cleaner for many years. It works by disrupting the bacterial cell membrane and causing the contents to leak out, though the exact mechanism is not fully elucidated (Oyarzabal, 2005). Trisodium phosphate solutions are approved for treatment of beef carcasses in the US Code of Federal Regulations (21 CFR 182.1778)
Download more information on Trisodium Phosphate
| INTERVENTION SUMMARY | |
|---|---|
Location |
Pre or post slaughter |
Intervention Type |
Surface treatment of hide or warm carcass |
Treatment Time |
10-15 seconds |
Regulations |
Approved in US, not approved in EU or Australia |
Effectiveness |
1 log reduction |
Likely Cost |
Installation of wash cabinet between A$500,000 and A$1 million Ongoing chemical costs not known |
Value for Money |
Not recommended |
Plant or Process Changes |
Wash cabinet will be required |
Environmental Impact |
Large amounts of water will be used Ecological considerations for effluent disposal Consider recirculating if using as a hide wash |
Occupational Health and Safety |
The concentrate is corrosive, and toxic fumes may be produced |
Advantages |
Activity is not reduced by subsequent carcass washing |
Disadvantages or Limitations |
Can cause corrosion of equipment |
Back to main menu