Incidence and relationship of group D streptococci with other indicator organisms in meats.
Raw and processed meats were analyzed for presumptive group D streptococci using KF streptococcus agar. Counts were compared with coliform, presumptive Escherichia coli, and Enterobacteriaceae counts but no meaningful relationships were observed. Results indicated that group D streptococci and E. coli type I were principally contaminants from the packing plant, rather than at retail level. The predominating group D streptococcus in both beef and pork cuts was Streptococcus faecalis, while in processed meat (bologna), the predominating group D streptococci were Streptococcus faecium var. durans and Streptococcus faecium. Streptococcus bovis was not detected among the isolates from any meat samples. Marked differences were noted in numbers of group D streptococci in processed meat from different manufacturers. The results did not support the use of group D streptococci as alternative indicator organisms for meats. However, the association of group D streptococci with packing plant contamination may prove to be of value.
D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D004755:Enterobacteriaceae / Q000254:growth & development*; D013293:Enterococcus faecalis / Q000254:growth & development; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000254:growth & development*; D005506:Food Contamination; D005511:Food Handling; D005516:Food Microbiology; D008460:Meat; D013291:Streptococcus / Q000254:growth & development*; D013552:Swine