• Journal of Food Hygiene and Safety
• /
• v.37 no.2
• /
• pp.87-96
• /
• 2022

Recently, the purchase of fresh-cut produce and meal kits has increased. Ready-to-eat (RTE) fresh-cut products have potentially hazard of cross-contamination of various microorganisms in the processes of peeling, slicing, dicing, and shredding. There are frequent cases of protozoa food poisoning, such as Cyclospora and Cryptosporidium, caused by fresh-cut products. The objective of the study is to investigate the microbiological qualities of various types of RTE fresh-cut products in the domestic on/offline markets. RTE fresh-cut fruits cup (n=100), fresh-cut vegetables (n=50), and vegetables in meal kits (Vietnamese spring rolls and white radish rolls kits, n=50) were seasonally analyzed. The contamination levels of hygienic indicator organisms, yeast and mold (YM), and foodborne pathogens (Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli O157:H7) were monitored. Overall, the lowest microbiological qualities of meal kits vegetables were observed, followed by RTE fresh-cut fruits cup and fresh-cut vegetables. Contamination levels of total aerobic bacteria, coliforms, and YM in meal kits vegetables were 5.91, 3.90, and 4.71 logs CFU/g, respectively. From the qualitative analysis, 6 out of 200 RTE fresh-cut products (3%) returned positive result for S. aureus. From the quantitative analysis, the contamination levels of S. aureus in purple cabbage from a meal-kit and fresh-cut pineapple were below the acceptable limit (100 CFU/g). Staphylococcus enterotoxin seg and sei genes were detected in RTE fresh-cut celery and red cabbage from meal-kits, respectively. S. aureus contamination must be carefully controlled during the manufacturing processes of RTE fresh-cut products. Neither Cyclospora cayetanensis nor Cryptosporidium parvum was detected in the samples of RTE fresh-cut products and vegetables from meal-kits from the Korean retail markets.

• Journal of Life Science
• /
• v.17 no.4 s.84
• /
• pp.482-492
• /
• 2007

Infection with Shiga-like toxin (SLT)-producing Escherichia coli causes a spectrum of illnesses with high morbidity and mortality. Host mediators play an important role in the pathogenesis of SLT-I toxicity. We here investigated the effect of SLT-I on tumor necrosis $factor-{\alpha}\;(TNF-{\alpha})$ production, effect of $TNF-{\alpha}$ on glycolipid globotriaosyleramide (Gb3) expression, and relationship between Gb3 level and differential susceptibility of cells to SLT-I. In this study, we observed that detectable levels of $TNF-{\alpha}$ are produced 6 hrs after induction and continued to increase during 48 hrs by SLT-I. It was also found that Vero cells and dendritic cells expressed high levels of Gb3, 83% and 68%, respectively, and that macrophages had a low level of Gb3 (29%) and showed refractory to cytotoxicity against SLT-I. Vero cells and dendritic cells expressing high levels of Gb3 were highly susceptible to SLT-I. furthermore, macrophages showed a resistance to SLT-I cytotoxicity, despite the fact that Gb3 expression was enhanced. These results suggest that the expression of Gb3 is necessary, but not sufficient to confer sensitivity of macrophages to SLT-I and further underpin the important role of SLT-I and its receptor, Gb3, in the pathogenesis of E. coli O157 infection.

• Korean Journal of Environmental Agriculture
• /
• v.39 no.4
• /
• pp.343-351
• /
• 2020

BACKGROUND: Irrigation water is known to be one of the major sources of bacterial contamination in agricultural products. In addition, anti-microbial resistance (AMR) bacteria in food products possess serious threat to humans. This study was aimed at investigating the prevalence of foodborne bacteria in irrigation water and evaluating their anti-microbial susceptibility. METHODS AND RESULTS: Surface water (n = 66 sites) and groundwater (n = 40 sites) samples were collected from the Gyeongi and Gangwon provinces of South Korea during April, July, and October 2019. To evaluate the safety of water, fecal indicators (Escherichia coli) and foodborne pathogens (E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes) were examined. E. coli isolates from water were further tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using VITEK2 system. Overall, detection rate of foodborne pathogens in July was highest among three months. The prevalence of pathogenic E. coli (24%), Salmonella (3%), and L. monocytogenes (3%) was higher in surface water, while only one ground water site was contained with pathogenic E. coli (2.5%). Of the 343 E. coli isolates, 22.7% isolates were resistant to one or more antimicrobials (ampicillin (18.7%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (7.0%), and ciprofloxacin (6.7%)). CONCLUSION: To enhance the safety of agricultural products, it is necessary to frequently monitor the microbial quality of water.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
• /
• v.35 no.3
• /
• pp.389-397
• /
• 2015

This study investigated the effects of Perilla frutescens var. acuta water extract (WEP) on the shelf life and physicochemical qualities of cooked beef patties. The WEP contained phenolic compounds (80.65 mg gallic acid equivalents/g) and had half-maximal effective concentrations of 0.437 and 4.509 mg/mL for scavenging of DPPH and ABTS⁺ radicals, respectively. Treatment with 0.6% WEP inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (p<0.05). Based on the result of the antioxidative potential and antimicrobial potential of WEP, beef patties were prepared with three treatment groups: (1) beef patties without added antioxidant (control); (2) beef patties with 0.02% ʟ-ascorbic acid (BAA); and (3) beef patties with 0.6% WEP (BWEP). The pH and cooking loss of BWEP were lower and higher than those in the control, respectively (p<0.05). When cooked beef patties were stored for 21 d at 4℃, the total number of aerobic bacteria in BWEP was lower than those in the control on all days except day 14 (p<0.05). The TBARS values in BWEP were lower than those of controls on days 7, 14, and 21 (p<0.05). Compared to control and BAA, BWEP had lower L* and b* values and higher a* values throughout the storage period (p<0.05). Except on day 0, acceptability was higher in BWEP than in control and BAA (p<0.05). According to results, WEP can be used as a natural ingredient that improves the shelf life and sensorial qualities of meat products.

• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
• /
• v.55 no.5
• /
• pp.523-532
• /
• 2017

A field survey studying intestinal parasites in humans and microbial pathogen contamination at environment was performed in a Laotian rural village to identify potential risks for disease outbreaks. A parasitological investigation was conducted in Ban Lak Sip village, Luang Prabang, Lao PDR involving fecal samples from 305 inhabitants as well as water samples taken from 3 sites of the local stream. Water analysis indicated the presence of several enteric pathogens, i.e., Aeromonas spp., Vibrio spp., E. coli H7, E. coli O157: H7, verocytotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC), Shigella spp., and enteric adenovirus. The level of microbial pathogens contamination was associated with human activity, with greater levels of contamination found at the downstream site compared to the site at the village and upstream, respectively. Regarding intestinal parasites, the prevalence of helminth and protozoan infections were 68.9% and 27.2%, respectively. Eight helminth taxa were identified in fecal samples, i.e., 2 tapeworm species (Taenia sp. and Hymenolepis diminuta), 1 trematode (Opisthorchis sp.), and 5 nematodes (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis, trichostrongylids, and hookworms). Six species of intestinal protists were identified, i.e., Blastocystis hominis, Cyclospora spp., Endolimax nana, Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar, Entamoeba coli, and Giardia lamblia. Questionnaires and interviews were also conducted to determine risk factors of infection. These analyses together with a prevailing infection level suggested that most of villagers were exposed to parasites in a similar degree due to limited socio-economic differences and sharing of similar practices. Limited access to effective public health facilities is also a significant contributing factor.

• Food Science and Preservation
• /
• v.10 no.4
• /
• pp.569-573
• /
• 2003

To determine the antimicrobial activity of methanol extracts form 'Formosa' plum against 4 kinds of pathogenic bacteria, the fermosa were got at different growth stages and were extracted using methanol, respectively. The Formosa methanol extracts treated with 5.0 mg/disc showed the highest antimicrobial activity against 4 kinds of pathogenic bacteria and those of Formosa 1-4(immature fruit), which thin out 10∼25 days before foal harvest, showed higher antimicrobial activity against gram positive and gram negative microorganisms than Formosa 5-6(mature fruit). Especially, the methanol extracts of Formosa 1 and 2 were exhibited the strongest growth inhibiting activities to these bacteria. The minimal inhibitory concentrations(MIC) of immature Fomosa methanol extracts was 320 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mL against Escherichia coli 0157:H7 and 160 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mL against Staphylococcus aureus respectively. The MIC of immature Formosa methanol extracts to Salmonella typhimurium and Listeria monocytogenes were 640 $\mu\textrm{g}$/mL. These results suggest that methanol extracs of immature formosa can be used as an effective natural antimicrobial agent in food.

• Korean journal of food and cookery science
• /
• v.19 no.2
• /
• pp.241-253
• /
• 2003

Changes in chemical, microbiological quality of pan fried oak mushroom and meat, soy sauce glazed hair tail and roasted dodok in wrap packaging, top sealing, vacuum packaging were evaluated during storage 25$^{\circ}C$, 4$^{\circ}C$, -18$^{\circ}C$ for 5 days. The results were as follows: 1) The cases of chilled and frozen storage, there were small increases in the pH from the first day, with no differences between the different packaging methods, with the exception of the vacuum packaging, which was lower. The pH and Aw of the roasted dodok were lower than those of the other foods. The Aw for all three foods at room temperature significantly decreased in the wrap packaging and top sealing on day one, but the rate of reduction was lower when in chilled storage. The VBN increased with increasing length of storage, and temperatures, but the rate of increase was lower in the top sealing and vacuum packaging. The VBN of roasted dodok was considerably lower than with the other foods. The POV increased significantly on the first day or room temperature storage and the rate or increase was low in chilled End frozen storages, and in the vacuum packaging. 2) SPC of the roasted dodok at room temperature increased significantly within five days of storage. but was inhibited within five days in the vacuum packaging with chilled storage. The SPC of the soy sauce glazed hair tail was low in the top sealing and vacuum packaging when in chilled storage. The coliform of the pan fried oak mushroom and meat. on the fifth day of room temperature storage, was close to hazardous conditions for the wrap packaging. From the third day of chilled storage, few coliform were detected in the pan fried oak mushroom and meat, or the soy sauce glazed hair tail, but not in the vacuum packaging, within five days, for all three foods in frozen storage. The S. spp. had exceeded the standard in the wrap packaging and top sealing with the pan fried oak mushroom and meat on the third day at room temperature, but was not detected in the vacuum packaging within five days, and exceeded the standard in the wrap packaging on the fifth day of chilled storage. S. spp. was not detected in the soy sauce glazed hair tail within five days at all storage temperatures. S. spp. was not detected in the roasted dodok within five days of chilled and frozen storage, but was detected from the third day in the wrap packaging. and the fifth in the top sealing, at room temperature, which exceeded the standard. Sal. spp., V parahaemolyticus, E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes were not detected. 3) The Aw was found to be influenced by storage temperature, period and packaging method, while the VBN was significantly influenced by the storage temperature and period. Regarding the SPC, the pan fried oak mushroom and meat was affected by the storage temperature and period, while the soy sauce glazed hair tail was influenced by the packaging method and storage period. The roasted dodok's microbiological quality was influenced by the method of packaging. The chemical, microbiological quality of home-delivered meals were preserved to be five days in the vacuum packaging, at. chilled and frozen storage.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Service
• /
• v.25 no.2
• /
• pp.117-126
• /
• 2002

Contamination levels of pathogenic microorganisms in 145 cases of beef, which were distributed in Gwangju province, had been investigated in each distributed stage and also monitored by general bacterial count and E coli count index. General bacterial count of beef from the slaughterhouse was 10$^4$cfu/g less than the level of promotion(10 cfu/$\textrm{cm}^2$) and E coli count index was also under the level of 10$^2$cfu/$\textrm{cm}^2$ recommended level of the ministry of agriculture and forestry. Pathogenic microorganisms were detected from 23.2% of samples in the consumption stage, 12.5% in the slaughtering stage and 5.6% in the transporting and processing stage. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in the largest number and its ratio was 9.0%, listeria monocytogenes 5.5% and salmonella spp 1.4%. There were no samples that bacteria had been detected dually. E coli O157:H7 and campylobacter jejuni were not isolated. In raw and chilled beef, isolation rate of pathogenic microorganisms were 13.3% and 16.5% each. Especially in raw beef, L monocytogenes was. isolated in 3 samples among 30 cases (10%) and S aureus in one sample (3.3%). According to a scale of meat store, isolation rates of pathogenic microorganisms were different. It was 28.6% in the small-scale meat store and 16.7% in the large-scale meat store each. Four cases (16.7%) of S aureus were isolated in the large-scale meat store and seven cases (20.0%) of L monocytogenes and 2 cases (5.7%) of salmonella spp were isolated in the small-scale meat store. S aureus was isolated in two places among 10 feeding facilities of the elementary school. This result shows that the sanitation of elementary school feeding facilities is so poor and more careful policy consideration is needed. Eleven strains of S aureus isolated showed ${\beta}$-hemolysis on blood agar, 1 strain ${\alpha}$-hemolysis, and 1 strain ${\gamma}$-hemolysis. Isolated strains of L monocytogenes were reconfirmed in 560 bp by PCR. Conclusively, these results show that the sanitary condition in the stages of slaughtering, transportation-processing and consumption influences the degree of pathogenic microorganisms contamination in beef severely It is necessary to apply thoroughly hazard analysis critical control point in a process of beef distribution and also to develop rapid test methods for microorganism diagnosis. This effort is very important for the supply of safe and clean meat from farm to table and helpful for the improvement of public health.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
• /
• v.21 no.2
• /
• pp.149-155
• /
• 2001

The aims of this study were to examine contamination sources and provide the basic data in establishment of sanitary standard for raw pork meat. From \"Random sampling(I)\", initial total plate counts of post-slaughter samples for the group A, B and C were 1.5${\times}10^4$cfu/$textrm{cm}^2$, 5.5${\times}10^5$cfu/$textrm{cm}^2$ and 1.8${\times}10^4$cfu/$textrm{cm}^2$, respectively, and of post-prechilling samples for the group A, B and C were 1.0${\times}10^4$cfu/$textrm{cm}^2$, 4.6${\times}10^5$cfu/$textrm{cm}^2$ and 2.5${\times}10^4$cfu/$textrm{cm}^2$, respectively. Initial total plate counts of post-transportation samples for the group D, E and F did not increased, as did the group A, B and C. From \"Normal sampling(II)\", initial total plate counts of post-slaughter, post-prechilling, post-transportation and post-2 days preservation samples were 7.3${\times}10^4$cfu/$textrm{cm}^2$, 9.6${\times}10^4$cfu/$textrm{cm}^2$, 2.0${\times}10^5$cfu/$textrm{cm}^2$ and 2.5${\times}10^5$cfu/$textrm{cm}^2$, respectively. From \"Clean sampling(III)\", initial total plate counts of post-slaughter, post-prechilling, post-transportation and post-2 days preservation samples were decreased to 7.0${\times}10^2$cfu/$textrm{cm}^2$, 7.5${\times}10^2$cfu/$textrm{cm}^2$, 8.5${\times}10^2$cfu/$textrm{cm}^2$ and 5.5${\times}10^3$cfu/$textrm{cm}^2$, respectively, compared with "Normal sampling(II)". No E. coli O157:H7, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella were detected at each sampling step. Consequently, a slaughter method like "Clean sampling(III)" showed a better sanitary effect to low total plate counts of 10$^2$∼10$^3$times, compared with "Normal sampling(II)". The one of contamination sources for raw pork meat was at a slaughtering step, and "Clean sampling" method may be considered as the one of sanitary standards.

• Korean Journal of Food Science and Technology
• /
• v.41 no.2
• /
• pp.210-214
• /
• 2009

This study identified microbial risk factors in agricultural products processing center (APC) through the microbial hazard analysis to introduce good agricultural practices (GAP) system in APCs. Samples were collected from surroundings (basket, tray loader, weighing cup, collector, box) and workers by swabbing (glove and cloth) and glove juice method (hand) to enumerate total bacteria, coliform, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella. The levels of total bacterial and coliform populations recovered from surroundings were 2.4-5.7 log CFU/100 $cm^2$ and 2.3-5.7 log CFU/100 $cm^2$ or hand for surroundings, and workers, respectively samples were 2.3-5.7 log CFU/100 $cm^2$ or hand. Escherichia coli populations were determined to be below detection limit. S. aureus and Salmonella populations recovered from surroundings were 3.0-4.4 log CFU/100 $cm^2$ and close to detection limit, respectively. Corresponding bacterial populations to worker's samples were 2.8-5.2 log CFU/100 $cm^2$ or hand (S. aureus) and below detection limit (Salmonella). Bacterial populations of APC certified facilities were similar (p${\geq}$0.05) with those of uncertified facilities. These results showed that this study should be useful in development of GAP models to improve microbial safety in APCs.