A sensor‐based system for rapid on‐site testing of microbial contamination in meat samples and carcasses
Elisa Santovito, Sophia Elisseeva, Conor Smyth, Malco C. Cruz-Romero, Joseph P. Kerry, Geraldine Duffy, Dmitri B. Papkovsky
Abstract
AIMS: To develop an oxygen sensor-based method for testing total aerobic viable counts (TVC) in raw meat samples and cattle carcass swabs, which is rapid, simple, affordable, provides good sensitivity and analytical performance and allows on-site use. METHODS AND RESULTS: ) for carcass swabs, and has time to result 1-10 h with faster detection of more contaminated samples. CONCLUSIONS: The sensor-based testing demonstrates simplicity, high speed, sample throughput and automation. It can provide a straightforward replacement for the conventional TVC tests, which are time consuming, laborious and have time to result of 48-72 h. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The method(s) can be adopted by the meat industry and research labs, and used to improve microbial quality and safety of meat products and processes.