title: Performance characteristics of three different pre-evisceration wash regimes applied to the forequarters of ovine carcasses in an inverted dressing system.
abstract: The performance of three pre-evisceration wash regimes applied to the forequarters of ovine carcasses in an inverted dressing system was assessed. Washing regimes consisted of a high-pressure jet wash, a low-pressure sluice wash, and both washes applied in series. Visible contamination incidences prior to the wash were between 64 and 71% at the carcass level; wool was the predominant contaminant, while faecal material and ingesta were rare. All wash regimes reduced the incidence of carcass contamination by 62·8 to 70·5%, primarily through the removal of wool. A secondary effect was the redistribution of some wool from other areas of the forequarter to the inside leg. The sluice wash was superior to the jet wash in removing visible contamination. Bacterial numbers ranged from 3·64 to 4·03 log(10)CFU/cm(2) prior to washing and were reduced to between 3·24 and 3·75 log(10)CFU/cm(2) immediately after the pre-evisceration wash; the three wash regimes performed in an equivalent, but commercially non-significant manner. Further reductions of between 0·20 and 0·58 log(10)CFU/cm(2) were effected by post-dressing events, including 12 h chilling. The low-pressure wash performance was considered superior to that of the jet wash, and no further improvement in carcass quality was demonstrated by the use of both washes in series.
authors: MAF Regulatory Authority (Meat & Seafood), PO Box 132, Te Puke, New Zealand.
authors: M E
authors: ME
authors: Biss
authors: S C
authors: SC
authors: Hathaway