Microbiological Quality and Safety of Fresh Rabbit Meat with Special Reference to Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and ESBL-Producing E. coli.

The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the microbial quality and safety of rabbit meat. A total of 49 rabbit meat samples were taken at the retail level. The mesophiles, staphylococci, Enterobacterales, and Pseudomonas spp. counts were 4.94 ± 1.08, 2.59 ± 0.70, 2.82 ± 0.67, and 3.23 ± 0.76 log CFU/g, respectively. Campylobacter spp. were not detected in any sample. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from one sample (2.04%) at levels below 1.00 log CFU/g. Multi-resistant S aureus was found in seven samples (14.9%). Methicillin-resistant S. aureus, S. epidermidis, S. haemolyticus, M. caseolyticus, and M. sciuri were found in a sample each (10.20%), and all of them were multi-resistant. Multi-resistant ESBL-producing E. coli were detected in two samples from the same retailer (4.08%). The high resistance found in methicillin-resistant staphylococci and ESBL-producing E. coli is of particular concern, and suggests that special measures should be taken in rabbit meat.

Microbiological Quality and Safety of Fresh Quail Meat at the Retail Level.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbiological quality and safety of 37 fresh quail meats. Mesophiles, Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacteriaceae, and staphylococci counts were 5.25 ± 1.14, 3.92 ± 1.17, 3.09 ± 1.02, and 2.80 ± 0.64 log CFU/g, respectively. Listeria monocytogenes was detected in seven samples (18.92%). Campylobacter jejuni was detected in one sample (2.70%). Clostridium perfringens was not detected in any sample. The dominant bacteria were Pseudomonas spp. (30.46%), Micrococcaceae (19.87%), lactic acid bacteria (14.57%), and Enterobacteriaceae (11.92%). Brochotrix thermosphacta and enterococci were isolated to a lesser extent, 7.28% and 1.99%, respectively. The dominant Enterobacteriaceae found were Escherichia coli (42.53%). ESBL-producing E. coli was detected in one sample (2.70%), showing resistance to 16 antibiotics. Sixteen different Staphylococcus spp. and three Mammaliicoccus spp. were identified, the most common being S. cohnii (19.86%) and M. sciuri (17.02%). S. aureus and S. epidermidis were also found in one and four samples, respectively. Methicillin-resistant M. sciuri and S. warneri were found in 13.51% and 10.81% of quail samples, respectively. These bacteria showed an average of 6.20 and 18.50 resistances per strain, respectively. The high resistance observed in ESBL-producing E. coli and methicillin-resistant S. warneri is of special concern. Measures should be adopted to reduce the contamination of quail meat.

Microbiological Quality and Safety of Fresh Turkey Meat at Retail Level, Including the Presence of ESBL-Producing Enterobacteriaceae and Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus.

The aim of this work was to study the microbiological safety and quality of marketed fresh turkey meat, with special emphasis on methicillin-resistant S. aureus, ESBL-producing E. coli, and K. pneumoniae. A total of 51 fresh turkey meat samples were collected at retail level in Spain. Mesophile, Pseudomonas spp., enterococci, Enterobacteriaceae, and staphylococci counts were 5.10 ± 1.36, 3.17 ± 0.87, 2.03 ± 0.58, 3.18 ± 1.00, and 2.52 ± 0.96 log CFU/g, respectively. Neither Campylobacter spp. nor Clostridium perfringens was detected in any sample. ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae and E. coli were detected in 22 (43.14%), and three (5.88%) samples, respectively, all of which were multi-resistant. Resistance to antimicrobials of category A (monobactams, and glycilcyclines) and category B (cephalosporins of third or fourth generation, polymixins, and quinolones), according to the European Medicine Agency classification, was found among the Enterobacteriaceae isolates. S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus were detected in nine (17.65%) and four samples (7.84%), respectively. Resistance to antimicrobials of category A (mupirocin, linezolid, rifampicin, and vancomycin) and category B (cephalosporins of third- or fourth generation) was found among S. aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci, and M. caseolyticus isolates.

Effect of the Presence of Antibiotic Residues on the Microbiological Quality and Antimicrobial Resistance in Fresh Goat Meat.

A total of 11 fresh goat legs were collected at the retail level. Mesophiles, Pseudomonas spp., Enterobacteriaceae, staphylococci, enterococci, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter spp., and Listeria monocytogenes counts were determined. Nine samples were free of antibiotic residues, while in the other two samples the presence of sulfadiazine and doxycycline was detected. The antimicrobial resistance of E. coli, staphylococci, Macrococcus spp., and enterococci isolates was also evaluated. Clostridium perfringens was found in two samples. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was detected in one sample. S. epidermidis isolated from one sample containing doxycycline residues showed resistance to mupirocin. Moreover, multi-resistant S. epidermidis and M. caseolyticus were found. Most of the isolated Enterococcus faecium were multi-resistant. Neither extended-spectrum ß-lactamase -producing E. coli nor vancomycin-resistant enterococci were detected in any sample. The presence of doxycycline or sulfadiazine could affect the goat meat microbiota since less microbial diversity was found in these samples compared to those free of antibiotics. The presence of antibiotic residues could increase the antimicrobial resistance of enterococci in fresh goat meat. The presence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in goat meat could be considered a potential threat and should be monitored. Special measures should be taken at the farm level and during slaughter to reduce antimicrobial resistance.

Effect of Intramuscularly Administered Oxytetracycline or Enrofloxacin on Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci, Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase- and Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in Pigs.

Nowadays, there is a great concern about the prevalence of multidrug resistant Enterococcus spp. and Enterobacteriaceae in food-producing animals. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of oxytetracycline or enrofloxacin treatment on vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), extended spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in pigs. A total of 26 piglets were received and distributed in three groups. Group 1 was treated with enrofloxacin (N = 12), group 2 with oxytetracycline (N = 10) and group 3 did not receive any treatment (control group) (N = 4). A higher number of vancomycin-resistant E. faecium were recovered compared to E. faecalis. In the pigs treated with enrofloxacin, vancomycin resistant E. faecium was found in a higher percentage of animals than in the control group. ESBL-producing E. coli was not detected in rectal samples from control animals. However, it was detected in 17-20% of animals treated with oxytetracycline on days 6 to 17 and in 17-50% of the animals treated with enrofloxacin. Carbapenemase-producing E. coli was isolated in animals treated with oxytetracycline, but not in animals treated with enrofloxacin or in the control group. This study highlights that the use of oxytetracycline or enrofloxacin in food-producing animals could select ESBL and carbapenemase-producing E. coli. Further studies shall be needed to validate the results obtained, considering a more robust and extended experimental design.

Food-Based Dietary Guidelines around the World: A Comparative Analysis to Update AESAN Scientific Committee Dietary Recommendations.

Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDG) include dietary recommendations based on food groups according to the general and accepted nutrition principles and current scientific evidence. Adoption of FBDG contributes to the prevention of malnutrition in all its forms, promotes human health, and reduces environmental impact. The present review aims to perform an international comparative analysis of the FBDG adopted in different countries from three different continents (America, Asia, and Europe), with particular reference to the Spanish Food Safety and Nutrition Agency (AESAN, Agencia Española de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutrición) Scientific Committee dietary recommendations. A total of twelve countries with the most updated FBDG and/or closest to the traditional and cultural preferences of Spain were finally selected. All the reviewed FBDG provided recommendations for fruits, vegetables, cereals, legumes, nuts, milk and dairy products, meat and derivatives, fish, eggs, water, and oil; however, remarkable differences regarding recommended amounts were found among countries.

Behaviour of Listeria monocytogenes and Natural Microflora during the Manufacture of Riojano Chorizo (Spanish Dry Cured Sausage).

Riojano chorizo is a dry cured sausage manufactured with traditional technologies without adding starter cultures at low temperatures. Its characteristics differ from other types of chorizo since sugars and nitrites are no added and processing temperatures are low- This work evaluates the behaviour of Listeria monocytogenes during the processing of inoculated Riojano chorizo as well as the natural microflora that can play a technological role or be of interest as indicators. The sausage mixture was inoculated with a cocktail of three selected strains of L. monocytogenes (CECT 932, CECT 934 and CECT 4032) (4 log10 CFU/g) and after processed following the traditional production method. Samples were taken before inoculation, after inoculation, after stuffing (day 0) and on days 6, 13, 21 and 28 of processing. L. monocytogenes, mesophiles, Micrococcaceae, lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, S. aureus, sulfite-reducing clostridia and molds and yeast counts were evaluated. Furthermore, pH, water activity and humidity were determined. No growth of L mocytogenes was observed during the first 6 days, when the temperature of processing was 4 °C. The low temperature in the initial stages was a relevant hurdle to control L. monocytoegenes growth. A significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in L. monocytogenes counts was observed on day 13 compared to the initial counts. During drying (days 6 to 21) a reduction in this pathogen of 1.28 log CFU/g was observed. The low water activity below 0.92 on day 13 and 0.86 on day 21 seems to be critical for the reduction of L. monocytogenes.

Behavior of Listeria monocytogenes and Other Microorganisms in Sliced Riojano Chorizo (Spanish Dry-Cured Sausage) during Storage under Modified Atmospheres.

Sliced ready-to-eat meat products packaged under modified atmospheres are often marketed since they cover consumer demands. The slicing process could be a potential risk for consumers since contamination with Listeria monocytogenes could occur during this stage. The current study evaluated the behavior of L. monocytogenes and other microorganisms in commercial sliced Riojano chorizo. This meat product was sliced and inoculated with L. monocytogenes (3.5 log CFU/g) before packaging under different atmospheres (air, vacuum, 100% N2, 20% CO2/80% N2 and 40% CO2/60% N2) and stored at 4 °C for up to 60 days. Samples were taken on days 0, 7, 21, 28 and 60 of storage. L. monocytogenes, mesophiles, Enterobacteriaceae, lactic acid bacteria, Micrococcaceae, molds and yeast counts were evaluated. Additionally, water activity, humidity and pH were determined. L. monocytogenes counts decreased in inoculated sliced chorizo during storage. Packaging conditions and day of storage influenced microbial counts. After 60 days, a significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) in the initial Listeria contamination levels (3.5. log CFU/g) between 1.1 and 1.46 logarithmic units was achieved in the sausages packaged in modified atmosphere. The highest reductions were observed in slices packaged in 40% CO2/60% N2 after 60 days of storage at 4 °C.

Efficacy of combinations of lactic acid and potassium sorbate against Listeria monocytogenes in chicken stored under modified atmospheres.

The combined effect of lactic acid and potassium sorbate on the growth of L. monocytogenes on chicken legs packaged under modified atmospheres (MAP) and stored at 4 °C was evaluated. An extended lag phase and a lower maximum growth rate for psychrotrophs and mesophiles was found in those samples packaged in 20%CO2/80%N2 and washed with different combinations of lactic acid and potassium sorbate compared to those non-treated with organic acids. Legs packaged in 20%CO2/80%N2 and washed with 3.75% lactic acid- 3.75% potassium sorbate showed a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in L. monocytogenes compared to untreated chicken legs packaged in MAP, which were approximately 2.63 log units lower in the first ones after 8 days of storage. Moreover, this treatment was the most effective in decreasing the maximum growth rate of L. monocytogenes. The chicken legs packaged in atmospheres containing 20%CO2/80%N2, had an extended shelf life, but these atmospheres were not able to reduce L. monocytogenes, thus underlining the need for preventive measures so as to control this pathogen. The immersion of chicken legs in a solution containing 3.75% lactic acid- 3.75% potassium sorbate can reduce L monocytogenes populations on fresh chicken packaged in a modified atmosphere.

Combined Effect of Organic Acids and Modified Atmosphere Packaging on Listeria monocytogenes in Chicken Legs.

The combined effect of organic acid (citric, propionic or acetic acid) treatment and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the growth of L. monocytogenes in chicken legs kept at 4 °C for 10 days was evaluated. Chicken legs were inoculated with L. monocytogenes and washed with either 2% citric, 2% propionic or 2% acetic acid solution or distilled water (control). Legs were packaged under the following conditions: air, vacuum, 80% N2/20% CO2, 60% N2/40% CO2 or 40% N2/60% CO2. The greatest L. monocytogenes growth reductions after treatment were observed in chicken legs washed with propionic acid (2.14 log units lower compared to control legs). The lowest growth rates of L. monocytogenes were found in samples washed with acetic acid and packaged in atmospheres containing CO2. An extended shelf life was observed in legs packaged in 40% N2/60% CO2, but these packaging conditions did not reduce L. monocytogenes growth. Consequently, it is necessary to design measures in order to control this bacterial pathogen. Washing of chicken with 2% propionic acid or 2% acetic acid can decrease L. monocytogenes counts in chicken packaged in MAP.

Effect of Decontamination Treatments on Campylobacter jejuni in Chicken.

The ability of different decontaminating treatments (acetic, citric and fumaric acids, and potassium sorbate) to decrease Campylobacter jejuni on chicken legs was evaluated. Fresh chicken legs were inoculated with C. jejuni and washed with either acetic, citric, or fumaric acid (1% and 2%), or potassium sorbate (1%, 2%, and 5%) solutions or distilled water. Evolution of C. jejuni, Pseudomonas, and Enterobacterales counts, and sensorial acceptability were evaluated after treatment (day 1) and on days 2, 4, 7, and 9 of storage at 4 °C. The lowest Pseudomonas counts were found in those legs dipped in 2% fumaric acid, while the lowest Enterobacterales populations were found in those legs dipped in 2% fumaric or 2% acetic acid. The shelf life of the legs treated was widened by at least 2 days over the control legs. The highest C. jejuni reductions after treatment were obtained in samples dipped in 2% citric acid, which were approximately 2.66 log units lower than in non-treated legs. However, the efficacy of citric acid decreased during storage. After day 2 of storage, the highest reductions of C. jejuni were found in those legs dipped in 2% acetic acid.

Efficacy of Lactic Acid and Modified Atmosphere Packaging against Campylobacter jejuni on Chicken during Refrigerated Storage.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the combined effect of lactic acid washing and modified atmospheres packaging on the counts of Campylobacter jejuni on chicken legs stored at 4 °C. In experiment 1, inoculated chicken legs were washed with either 1% or 2% lactic acid solution for 5 min or distilled water (control). The treatment with 2% lactic acid reduced C. jejuni counts 1.42 log units after treatment (day 0). In experiment 2, inoculated samples were packaged under different conditions: air, 100%N2, vacuum, 20%CO2/80%N2, or 40%CO2/60%N2. C. jejuni counts were higher in samples packaged under vacuum or atmospheres containing CO2 than in air. In experiment 3, inoculated chicken legs were washed with a 2% lactic acid solution for 5 min or distilled water (control). Samples were packaged under different conditions: air, vacuum, 20%CO2/80%N2, or 40%CO2/60%N2. C. jejuni counts were lower in samples treated with lactic acid than in samples non-treated. However, C. jejuni counts were higher in chicken legs treated with lactic acid and packaged in modified atmospheres than in those treated and packaged in air. Immersion of chicken legs in a solution containing 2% lactic acid can reduce C. jejuni counts on fresh chicken packaged in modified atmosphere.

Prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in Poultry in Three Spanish Farms, A Slaughterhouse and A Further Processing Plant.

The present study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of Campylobacter spp. in a selection of poultry flocks and the corresponding broiler carcasses as well as the possible impact of contamination during slaughter and processing. Samples of the same flock at different ages in three farms (A, B and C) were taken for the determination of Campylobacter spp. The same broiler flocks were examined at different stages of one slaughterhouse and at a further processing plant. The slaughterhouse environment and processing equipment were sampled. Campylobacter spp. was not detected in 7 and 14-day-old broilers in any of the three farms studied. However, Campylobacter spp. was detected in 35 and 42-day-old broilers at two farms (Farm A and B). This pathogen was detected in both dirty and clean transport crates, in scalding water, and on the defeathering machine and the working table at the end of the working day, but not at the beginning. After defeathering, Campylobacter spp. was detected in all of the sampled carcasses. Campylobacter spp. was detected in all of the carcasses and the poultry meat portion samples from Farm C, although it was not detected at the farm level. This suggests that Campylobacter spp. infected flocks may be a source of these bacteria in the corresponding carcasses, but a cross-contamination during the transportation and slaughter process is also very important.

[Not Available]. / Efecto de la cocción sobre la capacidad antioxidante y calidad sensorial de la coliflor mínimamente procesada.

Se ha estudiado el efecto de la cocción en agua sobre la capacidad antioxidante y calidad sensorial de coliflor que previamente ha sido cortada, envasada en atmósfera modificada (5,7-2,3% de CO 2 y 17,6-19,7% de O 2 ) y almacenada a 5 oC durante 13 días, comparándola con la coliflor recién recolectada. Se ha observado un aumento de ácido ascórbico (18%), polifenoles (74%) y actividad antioxidante (21%) en la coliflor almacenada cruda. La cocción produjo pérdidas de estos compuestos por lixiviación, que fueron mayores en la coliflor almacenada respecto a la inicial (19% y 13% res- pectivamente para el ácido ascórbico y 31% y 28% respectivamente para los polifenoles. Sin embargo, no se observaron variaciones en la actividad antioxidante de la coliflor inicial cocida respecto a la coliflor inicial fresca, mientras que en la coliflor almacenada dicha variación fue del 16%. Como resultado, la actividad antioxidante de la coliflor almacenada y cocida ha resultado similar a la de la coliflor inicial fresca. El almacenamiento produjo pequeños cambios en color (un aumento del parámetro b* de 19 a 20,9) y de la textura (un aumento de la fuerza de cizallamiento de 1948 N a 2375 N). La valoración sensorial del color y sabor de la coliflor cocida almacenada fue inferior al de la coliflor cocida inicial, pero dentro de niveles aceptables. El aumento de la dureza en la coliflor fresca almacenada no fue detectado por el panel de catadores en la coliflor cocida. Se observó una ligera incidencia de mohos en la coliflor almacenada 13 días, por lo que se recomienda realizar un tratamiento de lavado.

Effect of cooking on antioxidant capacity and sensorial quality of minimally processed cauliflower / Efecto de la cocción sobre la capacidad antioxidante y calidad sensorial de la coliflor mínimamente procesada

The effect of a cooking treatment (boiling in water at 100 ºC for 10 min) on antioxidant composition and sensorial quality of cauliflower that has been previously cut, packaged in a modified atmosphere (5.7-2.3% CO2 and 17.6-19.7% O2 ) and stored at 5 ºC for up to 13 days has been studied in comparison with cauliflower at harvest day. An increase of ascorbic acid (18%), phenolics (74%) and antioxidant activity (21%) has been observed in stored cauliflower. But the cooking treatment has produced a loss of these compounds by leaching. These losses have been greater for stored cauliflower than for the initial one at harvest day (19% and 13% respectively for ascorbic acid and 31% and 28% respectively for phenolics). However, no variations in antioxidant activity by cooking effect were observed at harvest day, while variations were by 16% in stored cauliflower. As a result, the antioxidant activity of stored and cooked cauliflower became similar to that of the fresh cauliflower at harvest day. The storage of cauliflower has produced some changes of color (an increase in b* parameter from 19 to 20.9) and texture (an increase in shear force from 1948 N to 2375 N). The sensorial acceptability for color and taste of cooked stored cauliflower has been lower than that of the cooked cauliflower at harvest day, but inside acceptable levels. However, the increase in hardness in raw stored cauliflower was not detected by judges in cooked cauliflower. A small incidence of molds on stored cauliflower at 13 days has been observed, thus a washing treatment is recommended (AU)

Se ha estudiado el efecto de la cocción en agua sobre la capacidad antioxidante y calidad sensorial de coliflor que previamente ha sido cortada, envasada en atmósfera modificada (5,7-2,3% de CO2 y 17,6-19,7% de O2 ) y almacenada a 5 ºC durante 13 días, comparándola con la coliflor recién recolectada. Se ha observado un aumento de ácido ascórbico (18%), polifenoles (74%) y actividad antioxidante (21%) en la coliflor almacenada cruda. La cocción produjo pérdidas de estos compuestos por lixiviación, que fueron mayores en la coliflor almacenada respecto a la inicial (19% y 13% respectivamente para el ácido ascórbico y 31% y 28% respectivamente para los polifenoles. Sin embargo, no se observaron variaciones en la actividad antioxidante de la coliflor inicial cocida respecto a la coliflor inicial fresca, mientras que en la coliflor almacenada dicha variación fue del 16%. Como resultado, la actividad antioxidante de la coliflor almacenada y cocida ha resultado similar a la de la coliflor inicial fresca. El almacenamiento produjo pequeños cambios en color (un aumento del parámetro b* de 19 a 20,9) y de la textura (un aumento de la fuerza de cizallamiento de 1948 N a 2375 N). La valoración sensorial del color y sabor de la coliflor cocida almacenada fue inferior al de la coliflor cocida inicial, pero dentro de niveles aceptables. El aumento de la dureza en la coliflor fresca almacenada no fue detectado por el panel de catadores en la coliflor cocida. Se observó una ligera incidencia de mohos en la coliflor almacenada 13 días, por lo que se recomienda realizar un tratamiento de lavado (AU)

Effect of propionic acid on Campylobacter jejuni attached to chicken skin during refrigerated storage

The ability of propionic acid to reduce Campylobacter jejuni on chicken legs was evaluated. Chicken legs were inoculated with Campylobacter jejuni. After dipping legs in either water (control), 1% or 2% propionic acid solution (vol/vol), they were stored at 4ºC for 8 days. Changes in C. jejuni, psychrotrophs and Pseudomonas counts were evaluated. Washing in 2% propionic acid significantly reduced (P < 0.05) C. jejuni counts compared to control legs, with a decrease of about 1.62 log units after treatment. Treatment of chicken legs with 1 or 2% propionic acid significantly reduced (P < 0.05) numbers of psychrotrophs 1.01 and 1.08 log units and Pseudomonas counts 0.75 and 0.96 log units, respectively, compared to control legs. The reduction in psychrotrophs and Pseudomonas increased throughout storage. The highest reductions obtained for psychrotrophs and Pseudomonas counts in treated legs were reached at the end of storage, day 8, being 3.3 and 2.93 log units, respectively, compared to control legs. Propionic acid treatment was effective in reducing psychrotrophs and Pseudomonas counts on chicken legs throughout storage. It is concluded that propionic acid is effective for reducing (AU)

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The 25th SEM Congress: Logroño, Spain, July 7-10, 2015

The 25th Congress of the Spanish Society for Microbiology (SEM) took place on 7-10 July, 2015, at the University of La Rioja, in Logroño. This meeting brought together microbiologists from several prestigious universities and research centers throughout Spain, as well as experts from other countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Portugal, Germany, Mexico and Venezuela. The program included an opening lecture, one invited lecture and a closing lecture, twelve symposia on selected topics, ten sessions of oral presentations, four poster sessions, and three workshops. There were around 230 poster presentations and 55 oral communications. Relevant Spanish and foreign researchers participated at the symposia in order to get a straightforward vision of the new and more successful scientific results. Besides, joint symposia with the Portuguese Society for Microbiology as well as with the Spanish Society for Virology were held. One of the main goals of the meeting was to stimulate the participation of young microbiologists, given them an excellent opportunity to present their more recent results (AU)

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The 25th SEM Congress (Logroño, Spain, July 7-10, 2015).

The 25th Congress of the Spanish Society for Microbiology (SEM) took place on 7-10 July, 2015, at the University of La Rioja, in Logroño. This meeting brought together microbiologists from several prestigious universities and research centers throughout Spain, as well as experts from other countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Portugal, Germany, Mexico and Venezuela. The program included an opening lecture, one invited lecture and a closing lecture, twelve symposia on selected topics, ten sessions of oral presentations, four poster sessions, and three workshops. There were around 230 poster presentations and 55 oral communications. Relevant Spanish and foreign researchers participated at the symposia in order to get a straightforward vision of the new and more successful scientific results. Besides, joint symposia with the Portuguese Society for Microbiology as well as with the Spanish Society for Virology were held. One of the main goals of the meeting was to stimulate the participation of young microbiologists, given them an excellent opportunity to present their more recent results.

Effect of propionic acid on Campylobacter jejuni attached to chicken skin during refrigerated storage.

The ability of propionic acid to reduce Campylobacter jejuni on chicken legs was evaluated. Chicken legs were inoculated with Campylobacter jejuni. After dipping legs in either water (control), 1% or 2% propionic acid solution (vol/vol), they were stored at 4ºC for 8 days. Changes in C. jejuni, psychrotrophs and Pseudomonas counts were evaluated. Washing in 2% propionic acid significantly reduced C. jejuni counts compared to control legs, with a decrease of about 1.62 log units after treatment. Treatment of chicken legs with 1 or 2% propionic acid significantly reduced numbers of psychrotrophs 1.01 and 1.08 log units and Pseudomonas counts 0.75 and 0.96 log units, respectively, compared to control legs. The reduction in psychrotrophs and Pseudomonas increased throughout storage. The highest reductions obtained for psychrotrophs and Pseudomonas counts in treated legs were reached at the end of storage, day 8, being 3.3 and 2.93 log units, respectively, compared to control legs. Propionic acid treatment was effective in reducing psychrotrophs and Pseudomonas counts on chicken legs throughout storage. It is concluded that propionic acid is effective for reducing C. jejuni populations in chicken.

Efficacy of Acetic Acid against Listeria monocytogenes Attached to Poultry Skin during Refrigerated Storage.

This work evaluates the effect of acetic acid dipping on the growth of L. monocytogenes on poultry legs stored at 4 °C for eight days. Fresh inoculated chicken legs were dipped into either a 1% or 2% acetic acid solution (v/v) or distilled water (control). Changes in mesophiles, psychrotrophs, Enterobacteriaceae counts and sensorial characteristics (odor, color, texture and overall appearance) were also evaluated. The shelf life of the samples washed with acetic acid was extended by at least two days over the control samples washed with distilled water. L. monocytogenes counts before decontamination were 5.57 log UFC/g, and after treatment with 2% acetic acid (Day 0), L. monocytogenes counts were 4.47 log UFC/g. Legs washed with 2% acetic acid showed a significant (p < 0.05) inhibitory effect on L. monocytogenes compared to control legs, with a decrease of about 1.31 log units after eight days of storage. Sensory quality was not adversely affected by acetic acid. This study demonstrates that while acetic acid did reduce populations of L. monocytogenes on meat, it did not completely inactivate the pathogen. The application of acetic acid may be used as an additional hurdle contributing to extend the shelf life of raw poultry and reducing populations of L. monocytogenes.