Research shows that raw beef imported into the European Union is unlikely to contain food-poisoning bacteria.
The microbiological quality of 100 raw beef samples sent to the EU was investigated. Samples of beef imported between November 2021 and May 2022 were collected at the border control station at the port of Hamburg, Germany. A total of 53 samples came from Brazil, 33 from Argentina, 12 from Uruguay, and 2 from Paraguay.
In 2021, 283,729 tonnes of beef were imported into the EU, an increase of 26% compared to 2020. The main supplier countries were Brazil, Uruguay and Argentina.
Beef may be consumed raw or undercooked. This means there is an increased risk of ingesting viable pathogens directly or indirectly through cross-contamination. journal food control.
Notable survey results
Samples were quantitatively analyzed for aerobic mesophilic colony count (ACC), numbers of Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and coagulase-positive staphylococci, and qualitatively for Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica. Samples were also screened for extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC).
Microbiological results were evaluated according to the guidance and critical values defined by the German Society for Hygienic Microbiology (DGHM).
The prevalence of E. coli was 3%, with one sample detected exceeding the critical value of the German Society for Hygienic Microbiology. Coagulase-positive staphylococci were detected in one of his samples, but the level was below his DGHM guidance value.
L. monocytogenes was quantitatively detected in three samples, but none exceeded the critical value. Enterobacteriaceae were present in 83% of the samples and 40% were above the critical value.
E. coli was detected in two samples from Brazil and one sample from Argentina. Of these, one sample from Brazil exceeded the critical value defined by the DGHM. The coagulase-positive staphylococcus-positive sample was from Argentina.
Listeria monocytogenes was detected in three samples from Argentina and one sample each from Uruguay and Paraguay. No samples were positive for Salmonella.
Importing various STEC types
Two samples from Argentina were STEC positive. Detected isolates underwent whole-genome sequencing. Both held stx1 and stx2. The two STEC isolates did not belong to any major serogroup. One was serotype O178:H7 and the other was B17:H19. To date, there have been no reports of B17 STEC being detected in raw beef.
Researchers said: “Unusual STEC serotypes were detected, indicating that imported raw beef may be a source of transmission of STEC serotypes different from those commonly reported in the EU. “
High values of ACC and high detection frequency of other hygiene indicator bacteria such as Enterobacteriaceae in raw meat indicate potential hygiene deficiencies.
The researchers said: “Our findings highlight the importance of observing hygiene conditions throughout the meat production and transport chain to ensure a hygienically sound product even after long transport and storage times. It highlights sexuality.”
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