Vion Food Group (Netherlands)

In the last decades, a risk-based approach has been identified as a step forward in modernising meat safety system in Europe. Risk categorisation of abattoirs based on their process hygiene and the appropriate use of harmonised epidemiological indicators (HEIs) has been suggested as one essential component of the risk-based meat safety assurance system. However, to date, only a limited number of papers have investigated abattoir risk categorisation. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to (i) provide an overview of the use of risk categorisation systems in poultry, pig, cattle and small ruminant abattoirs in Europe and (ii) explore the criteria, relevance and applicability of risk categorisation systems for competent authorities (CAs). To that aim, a questionnaire was designed and sent to representatives of 35 European CAs. Of the 18/35 respondents (51%), 14 (78%) indicated that abattoirs in their country are categorised according to their food safety risk in a systematic way, whilst four countries (22%) do not categorise abattoirs according to their food safety risk. The main reported purpose of categorising abattoirs is to adapt the frequency of official controls. Major differences in the described categorisation systems were found between countries, particularly in their complexity and the criteria used. The number of included criteria ranged from 1 to 10, the main ones being the outcomes of the CA's official audits (78% of the 14 countries), the size of abattoirs (64%), the relevance and credibility of HACCP plans (57%) and export agreements of abattoirs (43%). Less than a third of the surveyed countries indicated they utilise results of microbiological testing as a basis for risk categorisation of abattoirs, and no country has formally included HEIs in its risk categorisation system. The effectiveness of the implemented risk categorisation systems was assessed in five countries only (36%), but with the use of unclear methodology and assessment criteria. More than 80% of respondents expressed their wish to be provided with a practical method for categorising abattoirs according to their pertained food safety risks. In conclusion, the results of this study demonstrate the need to develop a fit-for-purpose and science-based framework for risk categorisation of abattoirs in Europe.

BackgroundThe parasite Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) causes a substantial human disease burden worldwide. Ingesting improperly cooked pork containing T. gondii is considered one of the major sources of human infection in Europe and North America. Consequently, control of T. gondii infections in pigs is warranted. The European Food Safety Authority advised to perform serological monitoring of pigs and to conduct farm audits for the presence of risk factors. Serological monitoring was implemented in several Dutch slaughterhouses, one to six blood samples (a total of 5134 samples) were taken from each delivery of finishing pigs and samples were tested for the presence of anti-T. gondii antibodies. Using these test results, a cross-sectional study was initiated to assess the association between the within-herd T. gondii seroprevalence and the presence of risk factors for T. gondii infections at 69 conventional finishing pig farms in the Netherlands.ResultsA multivariable model showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) association with twelve potential risk factors: type of farm, presence of dogs, presence of ruminants, use of boots, use of shower and farm clothing, mode of rodent control, bedding accessibility for rodents, presence of cats, type of drinking water, heating of the feed, use of goat whey and shielding of birds.ConclusionsSerological monitoring of finishing pigs for T. gondii in slaughterhouses can be used to identify the presence of T. gondii risk factors on Dutch conventional finishing pig farms and seems a valuable tool to guide and monitor the control of T. gondii in pork production.

In recent decades, applications of near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for fresh meat and meat products analysis have increased exponentially in the scientific literature. The practical applications of NIR spectroscopy in slaughterhouse conditions are, however, still limited. Reasons for that are several challenges associated with the translation of NIR technology. The challenges range from reaching the best NIR calibration models for predictive analysis for predictive carcass composition analysis to combining NIR information with background information of cattle to support decision making for purposes such as pricing. This study supplies a comprehensive highlight of several existing challenges related to the translation of NIR technology from the research lab to commercial slaughterhouse conditions. The challenges covered were both related to the NIR data analysis of meat measurements, as well as the key challenges in technology transfer. Furthermore, some existing solutions are highlighted concerning each challenge. The major challenges were related to both the data analysis and proper sensor implementation in the slaughterhouse lines. Although several challenges exist, the recent innovations in data analysis techniques and innovations in sensing probe technology would defiantly ease the implementation of NIR technology in practical slaughterhouse conditions. However, all slaughterhouse lines are different and the implementation of NIR technology (from the sensor implementation point of view) for a particular slaughterhouse will be unique. However, data and models between different slaughter lines should play a complementary role.

This study analyzed odor-odor interactions of two malodorous volatile substances, androstenone and skatole, that may accumulate in fat and meat of uncastrated male (boar) pigs. Therefore, fat samples were collected from 1000+ entire male pig carcasses for sensory evaluation and quantification of boar taint compounds using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Each sample was sniffed by 10 trained assessors, resulting in 11 000+ individual ratings, which were subjected to statistical analysis. Pearson correlations of chemical traits and sensory traits (panel average) were higher for skatole [r(1029) = 0.59; p < 0.001] than for androstenone [r(1029) = 0.44; p < 0.001]. Linear terms of androstenone and skatole as well as their interaction significantly (p < 0.05) contributed to perception of deviant smell (R(2) = 0.43). Standardized regression coefficients illustrate the higher importance of skatole (β = 0.68) than androstenone (β = 0.39). Interindividual differences in the responses of assessors to androstenone and skatole are confirmed. A new curved approach is suggested because it better accounts for the interaction of androstenone and skatole than the "safe box" approach. On the basis of these data, sorting strategies using instrumental measurements are discussed. An automated detection based on only skatole measurements is recommended because its performance is only slightly inferior to a sorting based on both androstenone and skatole. Sorting thresholds need to be calibrated against consumer acceptance though.

Toxoplasma gondii is recognized as one of the major foodborne pathogens. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that T. gondii is one of the public health hazards in pigs to be covered within a modern meat inspection and advised to include serological testing of pigs and audits of pig farms to control T. gondii. A project is presented that develops a framework where this idea is practically implemented in a pork supply chain. The aim of the program is to reduce the contribution from the pork chain to the human toxoplasmosis disease burden. In the pilot at least one blood sample per batch at delivery at the slaughterhouse is tested with a Toxoplasma Elisa. With this screening 20 (1%) high risk herds were identified. These high risk farms and their controls, 2 per high risk farm, were followed up. More samples of risk farms and their controls were collected to get a better estimate of the within herd prevalence and to follow the development of serology over time. Additional MC-PCR was performed on hearts of pigs from these herds to confirm presence of infection, tissue cysts. Also farm assessments were done to verify the presence of risk factors at the identified farms. In the first farm where hearts were tested by PCR the presence of toxoplasma tissue cysts was shown. The results give insight in how risk based approaches with food chain information (FCI) for animals sent to slaughter could work, by substantiating how risk herds can be practically identified and which interventions are feasible. The results are discussed in the perspective of human health risks.

Occasionally, use of antibiotics is necessary to treat diseased animals. Prudent use is however necessary, as antibiotic usage can evoke the selection and propagation of antibiotic resistant bacteria. Antibiotic resistance in pigs is primarily a occupational risk for those who are in contact with pigs.

Monitoring systems are in place to categorize pig finishing herds, abattoirs and cutting plants for their level of Salmonella contamination. In order to improve their status, if necessary, the companies and their advisors need to implement an improvement plan. This can be based on a strengths and weaknesses analysis in relation to all factors that contribute to the Salmonella contamination level. To do this analysis in a uniform, structured and repeatable way, internet based checklists were developed.

EU regulations require disinfection of slaughter-equipment with water of at least 82ºC. However, according EU regulation 853/2004, an alternative system having an equivalent effect may be used when equivalence can be shown. Ecolab's Inspexx© 200 (Inspexx) is a solution containing a stabilised blend of peracetic acid, peroctanoic acid and other organic acids – is shown to be an equivalent alternative. It is applied in water at ambient temperatures and does not need to be rinsed after application. A practical trial in a Dutch pork abattoir was performed to study whether Inspexx is adequately effective in disinfecting knives used at slaughter. The standard method of disinfection with water of 82°C is used as reference whereas Enterobacteriaceae and mesophilic aerobic counts are outcome variables. Knives are immersed in hot water or Inspexx for 0, 1, 10, 30 and 60 seconds respectively.