Microbiological quantitative risk evaluation of beef carcasses for exportation

Abstract

Brazil is the top exporter beef exporter country, and this activity is responsible for approximately 30% of the Brazilian GDP. The Brazilian per capita consumption of beef is around 37 kg per year. Pathogens may be present in beef and this commodity can be a source of foodborne diseases (FBD). Risk analysis, considered by FAO and WHO as an important tool for microbial risk management, was develop in the last decade. Risk analysis involves risk evaluation, management, and communication. The main objective of this study is to generate reliable quantitative data to help the development of a quantitative microbial risk assessment for this uppermost important commodity. 200 carcasses destined to exportation will be evaluated. Detection and enumeration of the two most important pathogens linked to FBD in countries such as USA and England (Escherichia coli O157:H7 e Listeria monocytogenes) will be conducted. Pheno- and genotyping characterization, as well as identification of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance profile of the isolates will also be done. (AU)