Bacterial contamination of warm carcase surfaces: the relation of total aerobic and coliform counts to the recovery of Escherichia coli I.
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.
D000003:Abattoirs; D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D005506:Food Contamination; D005516:Food Microbiology; D008460:Meat; D012756:Sheep; D013552:Swine