Identification of biofilm hotspots in a meat processing environment

Scientists at Vetmeduni Vienna University published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology (Vol 328, 2 September 2020), their research about the microbial composition of biofilms within a meat processing environment, processing pork, poultry, and beef, by the detection of microorganisms and biofilm matrix components. Sampling included 47 food contact surfaces and 61 non-food contact surfaces from eleven rooms within an Austrian meat processing plant, either during operation or after cleaning and disinfection. The 108 samples were analyzed for the presence of microorganisms by cultivation and targeted quantitative real-time PCR based on 16S rRNA. Ten hotspots were identified, five on food contact surfaces such as cutting machines and accessories. Seven of the biofilm-positive samples were taken during operation and three after cleaning and disinfection, including one at a screw conveyor. Biofilms are found on 9.3% sites, and a range of bacteria from 29 different types were found.  Cultivated bacteria from these sites identified Brochothrix (present in 80 % of biofilms), and Pseudomonas, and Psychrobacter (isolated from 70 % biofilms). The study found biofilms in drains and water hoses as critical sources of contamination. @ https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168160520301628