V.TEC.1713 - Effect of ionizing radiation on important foodborne bacteria during meat processing
Research has demonstrated that DEXA carcase imaging is unlikely to cause heritable genotypic and phenotypic changes in carcass contaminating bacteria which supports DEXAs use as a food-safe meat processing technology.
| Project start date: | 14 April 2019 |
| Project end date: | 31 October 2022 |
| Publication date: | 18 April 2024 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Lamb, Grass-fed Beef |
| Relevant regions: | National |
|
Download Report
(1.4 MB)
|
|
Summary
Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) is used in red meat processing to estimate carcase composition, and to drive automated cutting and deboning. This project investigated the potential for DEXA radiation to cause mutations of remnant carcase contaminating bacteria, leading to heritable genotypic and phenotypic changes in these bacterial populations. The data from this study suggests that ionizing radiation from DEXA carcase imaging is unlikely to cause heritable genotypic and phenotypic changes in carcass contaminating bacteria, which supports DEXAs suitability as a food-safe meat processing technology.
Objectives
The project investigated the possibility of ionizing radiation from meat imaging and sterilization to cause heritable genotypic and phenotypic changes in carcase contaminating bacteria, and whether or not potential changes could constitute a public health concern.
The specific objectives were to:
1. Determine the development of radio-resistance of bacteria found on meat carcasses, including what level of radiation or repeat dosing can be tolerated before mutations occur.
2. Determine the impact of radio imaging and sterilisation on bacteria DNA with regards to resistance development against disinfectants and/or antimicrobials.
Key findings
The data from this study suggests that ionizing radiation from DEXA carcase imaging is unlikely to cause heritable genotypic and phenotypic changes in carcass contaminating bacteria, which supports DEXAs suitability as a food-safe meat processing technology.
Benefits to industry
The data from this study suggests that ionizing radiation from DEXA carcase imaging is unlikely to cause heritable genotypic and phenotypic changes in carcass contaminating bacteria, which supports DEXAs suitability as a food-safe meat processing technology.
MLA action
This study was conducted to address potential community concern about the impact of DEXA on food safety. The outcomes provide MLA and the red meat industry with an evidence-based response should that be required.
Future research
The outcomes of this project support DEXA as a food-safe meat processing technology. No further research is planned.
More information
| Project manager: | Richard Apps |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
| Primary researcher: | MURDOCH UNIVERSITY |
