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Chick-News.com Poultry Industry News, Comments and more by Simon M. Shane

Plant-Based Meat Alternative Products Contaminated with Bacterial Pathogens

12/13/2024

A recent survey conducted in Switzerland* disclosed bacterial contamination of plant-based meat alternatives sampled at retail by public health officials.  Findings suggested the need to apply HACCP principles in the manufacture of plant-based products:

 

  • Six percent of the samples yielded Enterobacteriaceae. 
  • Seven percent were contaminated with Listeria spp. other than L monocytogenes but including L. innoculua  and L. seeligeri.  It is noted that there is a zero tolerance for Listeria in food products marketed in the U.S.
  • Two percent of the samples were contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus ST8.
  • Five percent of the samples yielded Bacillus cereus with all strains identified as potentially pathogenic.

 

It is assumed that the  FDA, with jurisdiction over plant-based alternatives to meat are evaluating production facilities and conducting assays for heavy metals, other toxins and bacteria. Or do we just wait for a problem to emerge?

*Barmettler, K., et al, Microbiological Quality of Plant-Based Meat-Alternative Products Collected at Retail Level in Switzerland, J. Food Protection doi.org/10.1016/j.jfp.2024


 
Copyright © 2024 Simon M. Shane