Microbiological Methods, Sampling Plans and Criteria for Red Meat Abattoirs in the Context of HACCP/QA

Objective

The research project will develop and recommend:
<OL> <LI>Alternative, EU-equivalent method(s) for microbiological testing of red meats of proven acceptability to the industry;
<LI>Sampling plans for high- and low-throughput red meat operators;
<LI>Hygiene performance criteria in the context of HACCP/QA.

More information

Specified microbiological "performance targets" for verification of HACCP demonstrating acceptable control of microbial contamination in fresh meat operations became a regulatory requirement.
<p>For carcasses, a reference method/plan/criteria are proposed but member states can use others if equivalent. In the UK, such red meat recommendations are not available.

<p>Find more about this project and other FSA food safety-related projects at the <a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/science/research/" target="_blank">Food Standards Agency Research webpage</a>.

Institution

University of London - Imperial College of Science/Technology

Direct Laboratories Ltd

ADAS Consulting Ltd

University of Bristol

Start date

2001

End date

2003

Funding Source

Food Standards Agency

Project number

M01020