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<p>The ultimate objective of this project is to identify suitable and effective postharvest intervention methods for goat processing to improve safety of meat by reducing contamination. The specific objectives of this research are to: </p>
<p>1) evaluate the effectiveness of pulsed UV-light in controlling E. coli O157:H7 on chevon surface; </p>
<p>2) determine meat quality changes occurring during pulsed UV-light processing regimes by assessing the texture, and and, </p>
<p>3) develop a prediction model on inactivation of E. coli O157:H7 on chevon with pulsed UV-light.</p>
<p>NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY:<br/> As evidenced by recent foodborne disease outbreaks and meat recalls, the safety of muscle foods demands serious attention. Pulsed UV-light is a FDA-approved technique for reduction of foodborne pathogens on food surfaces. However, investigations are warranted to identify suitability of this decontamination process on foods based on their individual compositions and characteristics so that the processes can be used effectively and efficiently in commercial facilities. To our knowledge, there has been no study on effects of this intervention method for controlling microorganisms on chevon (goat meat). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of pulsed UV-light in controlling E. coli O157:H7 on chevon surface. The effect of pulsed UV-light treatment on meat quality will be evaluated.
<p>APPROACH:<br/> In this study, investigations will be carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of pulsed UV-light treatment on E. coli O157:H7 for the decontamination of chevon (goat meat). Pulsed UV-light will be generated by a SteriPulse-XL 3000 Pulsed Light Sterilization System. Variable exposure times will be employed to allow for different doses to be applied to the surface of chevon. Effects of treatment durations and distance from the strobe on decontamination of bacterial pathogens will be evaluated. The log10 reductions of E. coli population after pulsed UV-light treatment will be determined. The effect of pulsed UV-light treatment on lipid peroxidation, This strain is selected because of laboratory safety advantages. Temperature of chevon samples following the UV treatment and the total energy received by chevon samples in pulsed UV-light chamber will be
measured. The thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values and percent metmyoglobin (Met Mb) will be determined. <p>Evaluation activity will begin in year one, and will increase substantially during the third year. The evaluation will ensure initiation of project objectives and progress, training and research of undergraduate and graduate students, and presentation of research work by researchers and students, and peer reviewed publications. Findings of this research project will be disseminated through refereed scientific journals, professional society presentations, agricultural expositions, and ag-showcases.