Coxiella burnetii and milk pasteurization: an early application of the precautionary principle?
Stringency of milk pasteurization has been established on requirements for Coxiella burnetii as being the most heat-resistant organisms of public heath significance. This paper discusses the estimation of the efficiency of pasteurization time/temperature combinations as required in regulations for food safety. Epidemiological studies have been interpreted as C. burnetii being a significant pathogen causing clinical disease through ingestion of milk. The paper examines the evidence and challenges the designation of C. burnetii as a foodborne pathogen. Consequently it questions the need for pasteurization parameters to be established on its heat resistance characteristics.
Department of Animal Productions and Public Health, Alfort Veterinary School, Maisons-Alfort, France. ocerf@vet-alfort.fr
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D000818:Animals; D002417:Cattle; D002418:Cattle Diseases / Q000382:microbiology; D003257:Consumer Product Safety; D016997:Coxiella burnetii / Q000472:pathogenicity*; D005506:Food Contamination / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005516:Food Microbiology; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D008892:Milk / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000592:standards; D011778:Q Fever / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000635:transmission