title: Bacterial contamination of warm carcase surfaces: the relation of total aerobic and coliform counts to the recovery of Escherichia coli I.
abstract: By an indirect contact method, the total numbers of aerobic and coliform bacteria and of Escherichia coli I per cm2 on the surfaces of warm carcases of 498 cattle, 426 sheep and 499 pigs were established. Total and E. coli I counts were classified in geometric progression, the classifications being used to monitor levels of contamination. The highest levels were found on pigs, E coli I was frequently isolated from pig surfaces and only sporadically from sheep and cattle. The recovery of E coli I was related to the overall extent of bacterial contamination. Levels of contamination and the prevalence of E. coli I are illustrated by bar-graph arrangements.
mesh_terms: D000003:Abattoirs; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005506:Food Contamination; D005516:Food Microbiology; D008460:Meat; D012756:Sheep; D013552:Swine