U.S. patent application number 12/475760 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-24 for concentrated, non-foaming solution of quaternary ammonium compounds and methods of use.
This patent application is currently assigned to University of Arkansas. Invention is credited to Thomas F. Berg, Philip Breen, CESAR COMPADRE, E. Kim Fifer, Danny L. Lattin, Yanbin Li, Timothy O'Brien, Hamid Salari, Michael Slavik, Amy L. Waldroup.
Application Number | 20090239912 12/475760 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23964206 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090239912 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
COMPADRE; CESAR ; et
al. |
September 24, 2009 |
CONCENTRATED, NON-FOAMING SOLUTION OF QUATERNARY AMMONIUM COMPOUNDS
AND METHODS OF USE
Abstract
A concentrated quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) solution
comprising a QAC with a concentration from greater than about 10%
by weight and at least one solubility enhancing agent, such as an
alcohol, is disclosed. A diluted QAC solution is used to contact
food products to prevent microbial growth on the food products from
a broad spectrum of foodborne microbial contamination. A method of
contacting the food products with the dilute QAC for an application
time of at least 0.1 second is disclosed. The foods that can be
treated by this method are meat and meat products, seafood,
vegetables, fruit, dairy products, pet foods and snacks, and any
other food that can be treated and still retain its appearance and
texture. One of the treatment methods is spraying and misting the
QAC solutions on the food products for an application time of at
least 0.1 second to prevent broad spectrum foodborne microbial
contamination.
Inventors: |
COMPADRE; CESAR; (Little
Rock, AR) ; Breen; Philip; (Little Rock, AR) ;
Salari; Hamid; (Wayne, NJ) ; Fifer; E. Kim;
(North Little Rock, AR) ; Lattin; Danny L.;
(Brookings, SD) ; Slavik; Michael; (Springdale,
AR) ; Li; Yanbin; (Fayetteville, AR) ;
O'Brien; Timothy; (Little Rock, AR) ; Waldroup; Amy
L.; (Springdale, AZ) ; Berg; Thomas F.;
(Sheboygan, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FOLEY AND LARDNER LLP;SUITE 500
3000 K STREET NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20007
US
|
Assignee: |
University of Arkansas
|
Family ID: |
23964206 |
Appl. No.: |
12/475760 |
Filed: |
June 1, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10943217 |
Sep 17, 2004 |
7541045 |
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12475760 |
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09494374 |
Jan 31, 2000 |
6864269 |
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10943217 |
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08840288 |
Apr 14, 1997 |
6039992 |
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09494374 |
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08631578 |
Apr 12, 1996 |
5855940 |
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08840288 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
514/358 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A23B 4/30 20130101; A01N
33/12 20130101; A23L 3/3526 20130101; A23L 3/3544 20130101; A23B
7/158 20130101; Y02A 50/30 20180101; A23B 7/154 20130101; A01N
43/40 20130101; A23B 4/20 20130101; A01N 43/40 20130101; A01N 31/02
20130101; A01N 25/30 20130101; A01N 25/02 20130101; A01N 33/12
20130101; A01N 31/02 20130101; A01N 25/30 20130101; A01N 25/02
20130101; A01N 33/12 20130101; A01N 2300/00 20130101; A01N 43/40
20130101; A01N 2300/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
514/358 |
International
Class: |
A01N 43/40 20060101
A01N043/40 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: (1) providing a concentrated quaternary
ammonium compound solution comprising: a quaternary ammonium
compound with a concentration from greater than about 10% by
weight; and at least one solubility enhancing agent; (2) diluting
said concentrated quaternary ammonium compound solution; and (3)
applying said solution to a food product or to a body of an animal
from which said food product is prepared.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No.
10/943,217, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,541,045, which is a divisional of
U.S. Ser. No. 09/494,374 filed on Jan. 31, 2000, which is a
continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 08/840,288 filed on Apr. 14,
1997, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,992, which is a continuation-in-part
of U.S. Ser. No. 08/631,578 filed on Apr. 12, 1996, now U.S. Pat.
No. 5,855,940, all of which are herein incorporated by reference in
their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a solution comprising a
concentrated amount of an antimicrobial quaternary ammonium
compound (QAC). The QAC concentrate of the present invention
utilizes GRAS (generally recognized as safe) components to form a
true solution, not an emulsion, of the QAC. This QAC concentrate
solution is prepared in combination with at least one solubility
enhancing agent and is useful in preparing solutions for dilution
to a final concentration that are useful in industrial food
processing or in the home in food preparation and on surfaces
associated with food processing.
[0004] The present invention relates generally to a solution
comprising a concentrated amount of an antimicrobial QAC and at
least one solubility enhancing agent that is suitable for use in
methods of preventing the growth of a broad range of microorganisms
on and in food products, as well as on surfaces that come in
contact with food products in the home or in an industrial
environment. More specifically, the present invention relates to a
solution comprising a concentrated amount of an antimicrobial QAC
and at least one solubility enhancing agent that is suitable for
use in a method for preventing the growth of a broad spectrum of
microorganisms on and in food products; by contacting such food
products, as meat products, for example, poultry, beef, pork, lamb,
venison, and other edible meat products; seafood, for example, fish
and shellfish; fruit, vegetables, dairy products, pet foods or
snacks, such as those prepared from animal meat, skin and parts,
that may include pig's ears, rawhide and jerky; and any other food
products that can be treated utilizing the aqueous treatment
methods of the present invention without detrimentally affecting
the appearance, texture, and quality of the food. More
specifically, the present invention relates to a solution
comprising a concentrated amount of an antimicrobial QAC that is
suitable for use in a method to inhibit the attachment of, to
remove, and/or to prevent the growth of microorganisms on food
products. Particularly, the use of the solution comprising a
concentrated amount of an antimicrobial QAC relates to the effect
of QACs on microorganisms that can cause foodborne contamination.
More particularly, these microorganisms include microorganisms from
the genus Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Campylobacter, Arcobacter,
Listeria, Aeromonas, Bacillus, Salmonella, non-toxin-producing
Escherichia, pathogenic toxin-producing Escherichia, such as
O157:H7. More particularly, the present invention relates to an
improved treatment method of applying diluted QACs on food
products, by any means, but preferably includes spraying or misting
diluted QACs on the food products to prevent broad spectrum
microbial growth on these products, where the application time of
the QAC can be as short as at least one tenth of a second. This
short application time of the dilute QAC is particularly useful in
a commercial or industrial setting.
[0005] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0006] Prevention of foodborne illnesses by microbial contamination
is of major concern to the food processing industry, regulatory
agencies, and consumers. A recent report from the Food Safety &
Inspection Service (FSIS) of the United States Department of
Agriculture (Federal Register, Feb. 3, 1995) estimates that over 2
million cases of foodborne illnesses are produced annually by
microbial contamination in the United States, with an associated
cost of over $1 billion. Foodborne microbial contamination occurs
both prior to entry into the processing facility, and by
cross-contamination in the processing environment. The FSIS has
instituted new Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP)
requirements to reduce the occurrence and number of foodborne
pathogens. These regulations must be met by food processors.
Although the means of achieving this microbial reduction is left to
the discretion of the processor, FSIS expects that antimicrobial
treatments will be an important component of HACCP plans. The
treatment methods of the present invention, which employ aqueous
formulations prepared from solutions of concentrated QACs, are
useful in meeting the HACCP requirements.
[0007] In their efforts to provide a product completely free of
microbial contamination, poultry and meat processors have
encountered major difficulties in removing microorganisms that
adhere or attach vigorously to poultry and meat tissues intended as
food products. If contaminating microorganisms do not attach to the
surface of the food, they can be easily rinsed off. However, the
microorganisms that become strongly attached cannot be removed by
rinsing and are quite resistant to removal by chemical or physical
means.
[0008] Several chemical and physical methods have been proposed to
reduce microorganisms in meat products, such as the use of chlorine
or chlorine dioxide, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, lactic acid, sodium
carbonate, trisodium phosphate, and electrical stimulation.
Generally, these methods have shown limited effectiveness in
reducing microbial contamination and may affect the physical
appearance of the meat products.
[0009] Salmonella typhimurium contamination has been of special
concern to the poultry processing industry because the organism is
often present on live birds. Poultry processors have had great
difficulty in removing microorganisms, such as S. typhimurium, that
attach or adhere to poultry tissues. A variety of chemical and
physical approaches have been suggested for use during poultry
processing to eliminate S. typhimurium contamination of carcasses
and minimize cross-contamination among carcasses. Trisodium
phosphate (TSP) has been utilized in poultry processing for
suppressing S. typhimurium; however, studies report conflicting
results on the efficacy of TSP against Salmonella. As a result of
its water solubility, TSP can be washed off of the poultry and
thus, cannot inhibit attachment of microorganisms.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,366,983, incorporated herein by reference,
discloses a method for removing or preventing Salmonella
contamination of meat products by treatment with an effective
amount of an aqueous solution of a QAC. Specifically, quaternary
ammonium cationic surfactants, such as alkylpyridinium,
particularly cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and cetylpyridinium
bromide (CPB) were effective in removing S. typhimurium from
poultry. This patent, however, does not disclose that QACs have a
broader antimicrobial spectrum against any other genuses of food
contaminating microorganisms than Salmonella. Further, it does not
suggest that this treatment method would be effective on food
products other than meat. Additionally, it does not suggest that
very short QAC application times can be utilized and still provide
effective antimicrobial treatment. Nor does it suggest solutions of
concentrated QACs, as disclosed in the present invention, that are
particularly useful in preparing dilute QAC solutions.
[0011] Food substances differ chemically and physically by virtue
of their protein content, porosity, lipophilicity, surface pH,
water permeability, surface area, and surface net electrical
charge. Porosity of food could be important in the sequestration of
bacteria whereas a tough, impermeable integument on a food
substance could reduce bacterial contamination of the food. All of
these chemical and physical differences among food products make it
difficult to predict whether one antimicrobial agent's success on
meat products would suggest success on other food products, such as
fruit, vegetables, seafood, dairy products, and pet foods or
snacks.
[0012] For example, the QAC, CPC, is known to bind to proteins;
however, if the antimicrobial efficacy of CPC on food products was
due in large part to the protein binding, then the present method
for treating non-proteinaceous fruits and vegetables would not have
been expected to be successful.
[0013] Increasingly, foodborne illnesses caused by other pathogenic
and spoilage bacteria than Salmonella have become a problem for
food processors. A list of these bacteria with the products, in
which they have been identified, is presented in Table 1:
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 INCIDENCE OF PATHOGENIC AND SPOILAGE
BACTERIA Microorganism Poultry Beef Pork Pathogen Spoilage
Aeromonas hydrophila X X X X Arcobacter butzleri X X X Bacillus
cereus X X X X Campylobacter jejuni X X X X Escherichia coli X X X
X O157:H7 Listeria monocytogenes X X X X Salmonella typhimurium X X
X X Staphylococcus aureus X X X X
[0014] Among these contaminating microorganisms listed in the
table, Escherichia coli O157:H7 is of special concern because of
its virulence, severity of the illness produced, and associated
mortality. E. coli O157:H7 produces strong "shiga-like" toxins that
lead to blood clotting abnormalities, kidney failure (hemolytic
uremic syndrome), and death. Even if recovery from the acute
illness is complete, 15-30% of infected people with hemolytic
uremic syndrome will have evidence of chronic kidney disease. The
risks associated with contamination with E. coli O157:H7 are
compounded by its reported resistance to antibiotics. In 1993,
between 8,000-16,000 cases of foodborne illnesses were produced by
E. coli 0157:H7 with an estimated cost of between 0.2 and 0.5
billion dollars.
[0015] Another virulent food contaminant, Listeria monocytogenes
has been found in meat, vegetables, and various milk products; and
may cause sepsis, meningitis, and disseminated abscesses. L.
monocytogenes is a cold tolerant microorganism capable of growing
under refrigeration. In 1993, about 1,700 cases of foodborne
illness were produced by L. monocytogenes with an estimated cost of
between 0.1 and 0.2 billion dollars.
[0016] Another microorganism of concern in the food industry is
Aeromonas hydrophila which causes spoilage in the food and meat
processing industry and reduces the shelf life of these
products.
[0017] Presently, there are no known microbiocidal compounds which
are effective at preventing and removing contamination in a broad
range of food products against a broad spectrum of gram positive,
gram negative, aerobic, facultative anaerobic, and microaerophilic
microorganisms. The present inventors have determined that QACs are
effective against a broad spectrum of different microorganisms
which produce foodborne illnesses when they become attached to a
broad range of food products. This sensitivity of a broad spectrum
of pathogenic microorganisms could not have been predicted.
[0018] Sensitivity of a microorganism to a particular antimicrobial
agent is not predictive of the sensitivity of other microorganisms
to the same agent. It is believed that antiseptics or germicides
have a continuous spectrum of activity but the relative
susceptibilities of different microorganisms must be considered.
For example, the germicide, hexachlorophene is primarily effective
against Gram positive microorganisms, and cationic antiseptics are
not effective against sporulating organisms. Some Gram negative
microorganisms, such as Pseudomonas cepacia, have been known to
grow in solutions of the drug, benzalkonium chloride. Other
bacteria have been known to be capable of growing in 70% ethanol
(Harvey, S. C., Antimicrobial Drugs in Remington's Pharmaceutical
Sciences, 18th Ed., Mack Publishing Co., pp. 1163-1241 1990).
[0019] In regard to the treatment of food products, it has been
reported that Listeria is more resistant to the action of TSP than
Salmonella or E. coli (Somers, E. B. et al., Int. J. Food
Microbiol., 22:269-276, 1994). Further, (Breen et al., J. Food
Sciences, 60:1991-1996, 1995) demonstrated that TSP is much less
effective in inhibiting Salmonella growth than it is in detaching
this organism. Similarly, TSP has reduced the numbers of E. coli
O157:H7 on chicken carcasses but is ineffective in inhibiting the
cross-contamination of this microorganism to other chickens.
[0020] The present invention shows that QACs are effective against
E. coli O157:H7 in suspension in liquids, in reducing the numbers
of this bacteria when it is attached to food products, as well as
in inhibiting the attachment of this bacteria to food products. It
has been reported that E. coli O157:H7 shows resistance towards
broad spectrum antimicrobial agents, such as tetracycline,
streptomycin, sulfisoxazole (Kim et al., J. Infect. Dis.,
170:1606-1609, 1994) and oxytetracycline (Ciosek et al., Med.
Weter. 40:335, 338:1984), whereas these same agents are very active
against regular non-toxin-producing strains of E. coli.
[0021] Clearly the effectiveness of an antimicrobial agent or
biocide against a particular microorganism cannot be predicted
based upon its effectiveness against a different microorganism.
There are many factors to consider, such as microbial
characteristics, which may play a role in the effectiveness of an
antimicrobial agent against a particular microorganism. These
characteristics may include but are not limited to: (1) the degree
of glycocalyx formation by a given species of attached
microorganism, (2) the presence of a lipopolysaccharide- and
phospholipid-containing cell envelope in gram negative bacteria,
(3) the presence of lipoprotein as in most enteric bacteria and
Pseudomonas, and (4) the presence of porin protein channels, for
example in E. coli and Salmonella (Fulton et al., Structure in
Medical Microbiology, 3rd Ed., pp. 37-54, 1991).
[0022] The food processing industry, as well as home, restaurant or
institutional food preparation, is in need of more effective
products and processes for the prevention of growth of a broad
range of contaminating microorganisms on many different food
products and/or surfaces that the food products and juices or
liquids from the food come in contact. This is especially true for
microorganisms which are attached to the surfaces of food. As a
result of increasing numbers of illnesses caused by foodborne
pathogenic microorganisms, the food processing industry now
requires more effective processes for the removal and prevention of
a broader spectrum of microorganisms, and particularly for
pathogenic microorganisms, such as, toxin-producing Escherichia,
i.e., E. coli O157:H7, which are known to cause serious human
diseases as a result of food contamination. The present invention
provides a composition comprising a solution of concentrated QAC
and at least one solubility enhancing agent and methods of
preventing the growth of microorganisms on and in the food, as well
as, in liquids and on surfaces associated with food products and
their preparation. This method of prevention is an important goal
in preventing cross-contamination from infected food products; in
removing attached microorganisms from food products, in inhibiting
the attachment of microorganisms to the food products; and in
preventing the growth of microorganisms that remain attached to the
food products. Further, the method of the present invention can
easily be adapted for use in a food processing plant.
[0023] Additionally, the present invention provides compositions
comprising a solution comprising a concentrated amount of QAC in
combination with at least one solubility enhancing agent or
solvent. This concentrated QAC solution of the present invention
provides a stock solution from which dilute compositions of QACs
can be prepared for treatment of food products and surfaces
associated with food product processing and preparation, including
the bodies of animals from which the food product is prepared. For
example, the teats of dairy cows can be treated with a dilute
solution of the concentrated QAC solution prior to milking, to
enhance the safe processing of the milk and milk products.
Additionally, a dilute solution of QAC may be useful for washing
hands and bodies of humans and pets, with the components described
herein or in combination with other components known to be useful
hand and body washes. The concentrated QAC solutions are useful in
preparing dilute working solution for use in the present method.
The formulations of the present invention contain solubility
enhancing components which allow more concentrated compositions of
QACs to be prepared.
[0024] U.S. Pat. No. 5,405,604 discloses a concentrated mouth
rinse, methods of use and methods of manufacturing the mouth rinse.
The mouth rinse is composed of a concentrated composition in the
form of an oil-in-water emulsions that consists essentially of from
about 0.05% to about 10.0% of a QAC; from about 30% to about 85% of
a solvent that acts as a carrier for flavoring oil, where the
solvent is propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol and mixtures
thereof, from about 0.2% to about 9.0% of a flavoring oil and
water. The composition of the present invention differs from the
mouth rinse composition by containing greater than 10% QAC, by
being a true homogenous solution rather than an emulsion and by not
containing flavoring oils.
[0025] WO 98/03066 discloses an antimicrobial composition, methods
of preparation and methods of use. The composition is composed of
subcomponent a) a substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.1-C.sub.4
monocarboxylic acid approximately 50-99.9% by weight and
subcomponent b) a microbiocidal or microbiostatic cationic organic
nitrogen compound approximately 0.1-50% by weight. The composition
of the present invention differs from this composition of WO
98/03066, in that it does contain a solubility enhancing agent and
WO 98/03066 does not. The present invention differs from WO
98/03066, in that it does not contain an organic acid, such as a
monocarboxylic acid, and specifically does not contain a
substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.1-C.sub.4 monocarboxylic acid
which is the primary component of the composition of WO 98/03066.
The disclosure of WO 98/03066 recites that the efficacy of
antimicrobial unsubstituted C.sub.1-C.sub.4 monocarboxylic acid
containing compositions against Salmonella can be enhanced by
adding a cationic organic nitrogen compound. It is a theory of this
invention that a cationic microbiocidal nitrogen compound is better
able to exert its effect in microbes damaged by C.sub.1-C.sub.4
carboxylic acids. The compositions of this invention can
additionally contain an additional organic acid that mixes with the
cationic organic nitrogen compound to form an "ancat" or "catan"
compound, which is not present in the composition of the present
invention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The concentrated QAC solution of the present invention
provides a concentrated antimicrobial solution that is easily
diluted to a solution, that is contacted with food products, and
surfaces associated with food products, including portions of live
or dead animals, in the case of food products obtained from
animals. The concentrated QAC solution of the present invention
comprises a QAC and at least one solubility enhancing agent.
Preferably the QAC is in a concentration of greater than about 10%
by weight. The concentrated solution is diluted to provide a dilute
growth inhibiting effective amount of QAC in an aqueous solution
with the diluted solubility enhancing agent. QACs of the present
invention are effective in preventing the growth of a broad
spectrum of pathogenic and spoilage microorganisms. QACs,
particularly cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), are especially
effective in preventing the growth of a broad spectrum of
microorganisms on a broad range of food products.
[0027] The present invention provides a method for preventing
growth of microorganisms on food products comprising contacting a
food product with a microbial growth inhibiting effective amount of
QAC for the prevention of growth of a broad spectrum of
microorganisms on food products, where the application time of the
compound on the food product is for at least a fraction of a
second. The prevention of growth of microorganisms on food products
is intended to provide a food product that is devoid of or contains
minimal numbers of viable microorganisms that could cause illness
in humans or animals or spoilage of the food product prior to
ingestion. The prevention of growth of microorganisms on food
products is intended to include but is not limited to the following
mechanisms: (1) removal of attached microorganisms from the food
products; (2) inhibition of attachment of microorganisms to the
food products; (3) killing or inactivation of attached
microorganisms on the food products; and (4) killing or
inactivation of microorganisms which are not attached to the food
product but which are present in liquids associated with the food
products during processing; such as in chill tanks, or which are
present on surfaces associated with food preparation, liquids
remaining on such surfaces, such as countertops, cutting boards and
sinks, and equipment used in food preparation and sanitization of
the food.
[0028] The microorganisms intended to be included within the scope
of the present invention are those microorganisms, which are
susceptible to QACs, and more specifically are microorganisms from
the genus Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Campylobacter, Arcobacter,
Listeria, Aeromonas, Bacillus, Salmonella, non-toxin-producing
Escherichia, pathogenic toxin-producing Escherichia, and other
foodborne microorganisms which are capable of causing microbial
foodborne contamination of food for human or animal
consumption.
[0029] Additional intended microorganisms, which are also
susceptible to QACs, are fungi, such as, Aspergillus flavum and
Penicillium chrysogenum, and parasites, such as Entamoeba
histolytica.
[0030] The present invention has an important application in the
food processing industry, as well as for home and institutional
food preparation. QACs are readily available and the cost of
carrying out the method of the present invention is not expensive
as compared to existing antimicrobial processes. Unlike existing
treatments using, for example, TSP, the use of QACs does not alter
the appearance, color, taste, or texture of the food product. A
range of concentrations of QACs are effective in preventing broad
spectrum microbial growth on food products. QACs are tested by the
Ames assay for mutagenicity. The preferred QAC of the present
invention, CPC, was shown to be nonmutagenic by the Ames assay.
Further, CPC is already approved for human use in products for oral
ingestion in preparations, such as Cepacol7 lozenges which are
orally ingested in amounts up to 20 mg per day.
[0031] The present invention also is directed to an improved method
of contacting food products with QAC, wherein the application time
of the QAC to the food product is for at least a fraction of a
second, and may be for a period of time ranging from about 0.1
second to about 5 seconds. A range of about 1 to 2 seconds may also
be used. It is important that the application time of the QAC be
for a sufficient time to result in significant prevention of growth
of microorganisms on the food products.
[0032] The present invention also includes an improved method of
contacting QACs with food products by spraying or misting the
compound on the food product. The spraying or misting method can be
performed using a QAC solution diluted in water or using the new
concentrated formulation with QAC formulated with at least one
solubility enhancing agent or the concentrated QAC formulation
diluted in water. The direct spraying or misting of the concentrate
may be possible if the percentage of QAC in the concentrate is
approved for use on food products.
[0033] The present invention is intended to encompass any method
that contacts the QAC solution with a food product by any direct
means, including spraying, misting, dipping, soaking. But the
present invention also is intended to include contact of the QAC
solution with the food by indirect means, such as applying the QAC
solution, concentrated or dilute, to equipment or food product
processing or preparation surfaces in which the food product is
contacted during processing, preparation, storage and/or
packaging.
[0034] Further, the method of the present invention can optionally
include a determination step prior to contacting the food product
with the QACs to determine the presence of microorganisms on the
food before treatment. Any conventional methods for rapidly
determining the presence of microorganisms can be utilized as the
determination step, which for example, includes PCR and
immunoassays.
[0035] Additionally, the method of the present invention optionally
includes a step to determine the presence of QACs on the surface of
the food product after contact with the QACs. This determination is
performed immediately after the contacting step or after several
washing steps. For example, the QAC is extracted from the tissues
of the food in a form suitable for high performance liquid
chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The method comprises ethanol
extraction of the food tissue followed by solid-phase extraction
using a weak cationic exchange column that selectively separates
QACs from other compounds in the matrix that would otherwise
interfere with the HPLC analysis. The HPLC assay for quantitation
of QAC residues employs a reverse phase cyano column and uses a QAC
analog as an internal standard.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] FIG. 1 is a bar graph showing the inhibition of attachment
of E. coli O157:H7 to beef flank tissue after treatment with
CPC.
[0037] FIG. 2 is a bar graph showing the reduction of viable
microorganisms on catfish skin after treatment with CPC in 5%
aqueous glycerin on non-selective media.
[0038] FIG. 3 is a bar graph showing the reduction of viable S.
typhimurium on catfish skin after treatment with CPC in 5% aqueous
glycerin on selective media.
[0039] FIG. 4 is a bar graph showing the reduction of viable S.
typhimurium on black grapes after treatment with CPC in 5% aqueous
glycerin.
[0040] FIG. 5 is a bar graph showing the reduction of viable S.
typhimurium on broccoli after treatment with CPC in 5% aqueous
glycerin.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0041] The present invention is based upon the determination that
QACs are useful to treat a broad range of food products to reduce a
broad spectrum of foodborne microbial contamination on these food
products and surfaces associated with the processing and
preparation of these food products. The present invention is also
based upon the finding that QACs are effective in removing,
killing, inactivating and inhibiting the attachment of a broad
range of foodborne pathogenic microorganisms to food products.
These microorganisms include but are not limited to bacteria
belonging to the genuses, Salmonella, Staphylococcus,
Streptococcus, Campylobacter, Arcobacter, Listeria, Aeromonas,
Bacillus, non-toxin-producing Escherichia, and the virulent
toxin-producing Escherichia strains, such as E. coli O157:H7;
fungi, such as Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium chrysogenum; and
parasites, such as Entamoeba histolytica.
[0042] The compositions of the present invention comprise an
effective amount of QAC in an aqueous solution. Particularly, the
concentrated QAC solution of the present invention provides an
ideal antimicrobial solution for use in industrial applications,
where large quantities of diluted QAC solutions are needed for food
processing. The concentrated solution of the present invention
contains as a minimum number of components, GRAS (generally
recognized as safe) components and solubility enhancing agents.
[0043] The concentrated QAC solutions of the present invention
provide many advantages in the preparation of diluted QAC
solutions. Large amounts of QAC powder go into solution in an
aqueous solvent containing at least one solubility enhancing agent.
It is difficult to prepare concentrated solutions of QACs in water
alone because the QAC precipitates out of solution. In fact, it is
difficult to get more than about 5 to about 10% QACs, and under
some conditions more than 1% of QAC in solution, depending upon the
temperature of the solution without the aid of solubility enhancing
agents. However, the present inventors have determined that
concentrated solutions of QACs can be prepared, if prepared in
combination with at least one solubility enhancing agent or
solvent, such as an alcohol or a polyglycol. QACs are known
cationic surfactants, and as such, the preparation of aqueous QAC
solutions results in extensive foaming. However, when the
concentrated QAC solution comprising a QAC with a concentration of
greater than 10% or greater than 15% and at least one solubility
enhancing agent is utilized to prepare dilute QAC solutions, the
extensive foaming that usually arises when preparing aqueous
solutions of QAC is greatly reduced. Minimal foaming occurs in the
preparation of the concentrate, and once prepared, the concentrate
does not exhibit foaming. Further, the concentrate is diluted with
minimal agitation and, therefore, minimal foaming. If the
concentrated QAC is exposed to cold temperatures, the concentrated
QAC solution resists precipitation. If frozen, the concentrated QAC
solution with at least one solubility enhancing agent goes into
solution upon thawing. If a precipitate of the QAC remains after
shipping or storage at ambient temperatures or frozen, then the
temperature of the solution is raised until the precipitate
disappears. Large quantities of QAC concentrates in large
containers or drums can be warmed on a drum warmer, if necessary.
Further, compared to dilute aqueous solutions of QACs, the
concentrated QAC solution, in conjunction with the high
concentrations of at least one solubility enhancing agent, such as
appropriate water-miscible organic solvents, have a minimal risk of
spoilage or limited shelf life. Additionally, the concentrated QAC
solutions enhance end-user safety by eliminating inhalation
exposure to QAC dust, which is a problem during the handling of QAC
powder, particularly when handled in large quantities because it
can cause lung, eye, throat, nasal and skin irritation. The
concentrated QAC solution decreases the volume and mass of solution
to be transported and warehoused during industrial applications of
QAC solutions. And most importantly, when the concentrated QAC
solution is diluted in water to prepare dilute QAC solutions for
application to food products, the diluted concentrate solution
demonstrates very good antimicrobial efficacy.
[0044] The present invention is particularly directed to a
concentrated QAC solution comprising a quaternary ammonium compound
with a concentration from greater than about 10% by weight and at
least one solubility enhancing agent. The solubility enhancing
agent is any water-miscible organic solvent that enhances the
solubility of the QAC powder in an aqueous solution so that it
forms a solution at concentrations of greater than 10% by weight. A
10% by weight solution is made by weighing 10 grams of QAC and
dissolving it in 90 grams of liquid that comprises at least one
solubility enhancing agent and water, if water is necessary to
bring the weight to 90 grams of liquid. The concentrated QAC
solution of the present invention comprises QAC in solution at
concentrations of greater than about 10% by weight, and more
preferably at concentrations of greater than about 15% by weight.
The concentrated QAC solution comprises QAC in solution at
concentrations ranging from greater than about 10% or greater than
about 15% by weight to about 60% by weight. Although a greater than
about 60% by weight concentration of QAC can be used in the
concentrated QAC solution, the upper limit that is useful is
governed by the interaction between the % (or weight) of QAC and
the solubility enhancing agent(s) used to prepare the concentrated
solution. Specific solubility enhancing agents or combinations of
these agents may result in higher than 60% QAC concentrated
formulations. It is important to dissolve all of the QAC powder and
get it into solution prior to preparing the dilute formulation to
treat food products. Preferably, the QAC is present at a
concentration from greater than about 10% or greater than about 15%
by weight to about 50% by weight, and more preferably at a
concentration from greater than about 10% or about 15% by weight to
about 40% by weight. But the concentration of the QAC in the range
of greater than about 10% to about 30% by weight or between about
15% to about 25% by weight and within this range about 20% by
weight is also useful in the present concentrate solution.
[0045] The QAC concentrations in the present invention are
described by concentrations as either parts per million (ppm) or %
by weight, where 100,000 ppm is equal to 10% by weight. The
examples utilize CPC and use both ppm or % to designate
concentration.
[0046] The solubility enhancing agent or a combination of these
agents, and water if necessary, to make up the remaining weight of
the solution, is added to reach 100% by weight. The solubility
enhancing agent is any compatible solubility enhancing agent that
solubilizes QACs at concentrations of greater than about 10% by
weight is contemplated by the present invention, but alcohols are
the preferred solubility enhancing agent. Additionally polyglycols
are useful solubility enhancing agents, such as polyethylene
glycol. The present invention contemplates using one or more of
these solubility enhancing agents. More preferably, the alcohol is
selected from the group consisting of a monohydric alcohol, a
dihydric alcohol, a trihydric alcohol, and a combination thereof.
Any one of these types of alcohols can be used alone or in
combination with one or more of the other types of alcohols to
obtain the desired % by weight of the solubility enhancing agent.
If a monohydric alcohol is utilized, then this type of alcohol is
preferably an aliphatic alcohol, and more preferably is ethyl
alcohol. If a dihydric alcohol is utilized, then a glycol or a
derivative thereof, is preferred. Of the glycols, propylene glycol
is most preferred and is available from any number of suppliers.
Propylene glycol provides advantages over other alcohols, as a
solubility enhancing agent of high concentrations of QACs, such as
CPC. Trihydric alcohols, such as glycerol or derivatives thereof,
are also useful as a solubility enhancing agent in the present
concentrated CPC solution. The choice of the alcohol depends upon
the food product that is contacted and is selected to be compatible
with treatment steps prior to or after the QAC contact with the
food product. If a polyglycol is used as the solubility enhancing
agent, then polyethylene glycol is preferred, and particularly the
lower molecular weight species with an average molecular weight of
less than or equal to 600, are well known and possess properties
similar to propylene glycol.
[0047] If ethyl alcohol is used as the solubility enhancing agent,
it is present at a concentration up to about 49% by weight. Ranges
of ethyl alcohol about 0.5% weight to about 49% by weight, from
about 10% by weight to about 40% by weight, from about 15% by
weight to about 30% by weight, and within the range at about 20% is
useful in the present invention.
[0048] The concentrated QAC solution contains at least one
solubility enhancing agent, such as an alcohol at a concentration
of up to about 70% by weight. More preferably, the alcohol is
present at a concentration of up to about 60% by weight, and may
range from about 10% by weight to about 60% by weight. The
concentration of the solubility enhancing agent varies depending on
the % weight of the QAC, which is to be dissolved in solution, as
well as the particular intended use of the concentrated QAC
solution and dilutions thereof.
[0049] Preferably the concentrated QAC solution comprises a QAC at
a concentration of about 40% by weight and at least one alcohol at
a concentration ranging from between about 50% by weight to about
60% by weight with water making up the remaining % weight. The
preferred alcohol in this solution is propylene glycol. More
preferably, the concentrated QAC solution comprises a QAC at a
concentration of about 40% by weight and at least one alcohol at a
concentration ranging between about 55% by weight to about 60% by
weight and water present at about 5% by weight. The most preferred
concentrated QAC solution comprises a QAC at a concentration of
about 40% by weight, an alcohol at a concentration of about 57% by
weight and water present at about 3% by weight. Again, the
preferred alcohol in this solution is propylene glycol.
[0050] However, also useful is a concentrated QAC solution
comprising a QAC at a concentration of about 40% by weight and at
least one alcohol at a concentration of up to about 50% by weight,
and preferably about 50% by weight. In this concentrated aqueous
solution, the solubility enhancing agent may be a combination of
alcohols, such as ethyl alcohol and propylene glycol. But glycerol
also is useful as the solubility enhancing agent, alone or in
combination with other alcohols or polyglycols. Glycerol is useful
for this purpose at a concentration of up to and including about
20% by weight, and also is useful at concentrations ranging from
about 0.5% to about 10% by weight, and within this range at about
1%. Glycerol is useful in methods where propylene glycol is not the
alcohol of choice for solubilizing the QAC. A further useful
concentrated QAC solution comprises a QAC at a concentration of
about 20% by weight and at least one alcohol at a concentration of
about 50% by weight, such as a combination of ethyl alcohol and
propylene glycol, and preferably where each alcohol is present at
about 25% by weight.
[0051] The QAC useful in the present concentrated QAC solution is
selected from the group consisting of alkylpyridinium,
tetra-alkylammonium and alkylalicyclic ammonium salts.
[0052] Alkylpyridinium is represented by the structural formula
(I):
##STR00001##
[0053] wherein n is 9-21; and X is a halide.
[0054] Tetra-alkylammonium is represented by the structural formula
(II):
##STR00002##
[0055] wherein n is 9-21; R is selected from the group consisting
of CH.sub.3 and C.sub.2H.sub.5; and X is a halide.
[0056] Alkylalicyclic ammonium salts are represented by the
structural formula (III):
##STR00003##
[0057] wherein n is 9-21; Z is 4-5; R is selected from the group
consisting of CH.sub.3 and C.sub.2H.sub.5; and X is a halide.
[0058] A variety of QACs, all of which are cationic surface-active
agents; i.e., surfactants, are evaluated for their effectiveness in
removing attached microorganisms from various foods as well as in
inhibiting the attachment of the microorganisms. Of the QACs
studied, cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) was the most effective and
is utilized in the examples set forth below but it not intended to
limit the use of QACs to CPC within the meaning of the present
invention because other members of QACs also have similar
properties against the foodborne pathogenic microorganisms. QACs
containing between 12 to 16 carbons on the long side chain possess
maximum antimicrobial activity. CPC, the preferred QAC, contains 16
carbons in the long side chain.
[0059] The present invention further involves the dilution of the
concentrated QAC solution, including at least solubility enhancing
agent, and water, if required to obtain the desired % by weight of
CPC, and the contacting of this diluted QAC solution with a food
product to prevent microbial growth or attachment on the food
product. The diluted QAC solution comprises QAC at a concentration
of up to and including about 1% QAC by weight. This % by weight is
the current acceptable concentration of QAC under consideration to
treat food products by the United States Department of Agriculture.
The amount of QAC that remains on a particular food product varies
with the different types of foods treated and the method of
application. The concentrated QAC solution described in the present
invention is diluted with water to obtain a dilute solution with
the QAC ranging from about 0.01% up to and including about 1% but
may be increased or decreased depending upon the food product
treated and the application method used. The concentrated QAC
solution, that was prepared on a weight to weight basis as
described previously, is diluted to obtain the desired treatment
QAC concentration by a volume to volume dilution. For example, a
40% concentrated QAC solution is diluted to 1% QAC by diluting 2.5
milliliters of the QAC concentrate with 97.5 milliliters of water.
In a food processing plant, this volume to volume dilution is
preferred because it is easy to prepare. However, a weight to
weight dilution also may be used to prepare dilute QAC solutions,
in which 2.5 grams of a 40% by weight QAC solution is mixed with
97.5 grams of water to obtain a 1% QAC solution. The dilution of
the QAC in the concentrated solution also results in the dilution
of the solubility enhancing agent that is in the concentrated
solution. The diluted QAC concentrate solution is useful for
contacting the food product by spraying, misting, immersion, and
any other contact method that is suitable for contact of the dilute
QAC solution with the food product, including indirect contact,
such as contacting equipment or food product processing or
preparation surfaces that are contacted with the food during
processing, preparation, storage and/or packaging. The shorter the
application time of the QAC solution, the better, particularly for
industrial and commercial food processing purposes.
[0060] The present invention is further based on the determination
that the application time of the QACs with the food product in the
spraying or misting process can be reduced to as low as about at
least 0.1 second while still resulting in significant inhibition of
microorganism attachment, for foodborne microorganisms, which is a
significant improvement and a commercial advantage in the
industrial use of this process. The misting or spraying application
process allows an application time of the dilute QAC solution with
the food product for as short a time as up to 20 seconds, but more
preferably for about 10 seconds or less, and more preferably for
about 5 seconds or less. The most preferred range of application
time of the QAC on the food product is from about 0.1 second to
about 5 seconds, and within that range, from about 0.1 to about 2
seconds also is useful, with a preferred range of about 0.5 second
to about 2 seconds. It should be understood that the present
invention contemplates as short an application time of the dilute
QAC solution as is physically possible, while still resulting in
inhibition of microorganisms on the food products or in the liquid
and surfaces in which the food product contacts. Therefore,
different intervals of time less than 20 seconds are contemplated
by the present invention.
[0061] Any type of method of contact of the QAC with the food
product is useful in the present method as long as it is capable of
allowing a short application time. A method that utilizes a cabinet
that provides spraying or misting of the food product is useful in
the present invention. Machinery for use in such cabinets on a
processing line in a food processing plant are adaptable for
reducing the application time to a minimum while still obtaining
efficacious antimicrobial effects on the food. All of these short
application times; i.e., less than 20 seconds, and as low as 0.1
second, significantly reduce the viable foodborne microorganisms on
these food products. Additionally, a very small amount of QAC
diluted solution is necessary for the spraying or misting
treatment, for example, as little as about 1 ounce of diluted QAC
solution per pound of food product is useful for efficacious
treatment.
[0062] The present method of short QAC application time in a
poultry processing plant is useful for treating post-chilled
chickens, that have been immersed in a chill bath of cold water.
The chickens are removed from the chill bath and treated with the
diluted QAC solution of the present invention for an application
time of less than about 20 seconds, preferably less than about 10
seconds, more preferably less than about 5 seconds, most preferably
less than about 2 seconds, and even as short as 0.1 second. The
treated chickens are subsequently packaged without further washing
or rinsing. However, the method optionally may include, if deemed
necessary, at least one washing step of the chickens prior to
packaging. The optional washing step may include spraying or
misting the food product with water or immersing the food product
in a container or tank of water.
[0063] The above described aspects of the present invention are
described in detail below with in certain examples with reference
to FIGS. 1-5.
[0064] The examples set forth below serve to further illustrate the
present invention in its preferred embodiments, and are not
intended to limit the present invention. The examples utilize
poultry, beef, catfish, broccoli, and grapes as the food products
treated in the method, but it is intended that the treatment of
other food products, which would not be adversely affected by the
treatment process are also intended to be encompassed by the
present invention.
EXAMPLES
[0065] The microorganisms utilized in the following examples are as
follows: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213, Campylobacter jejuni
ATTC 29428, Escherichia coli (non-toxin producing strain) ATCC
25922; Escherichia coli O157:H7 (toxin-producing strain) ATCC
43895, Arcobacter butzleri ATCC 49616, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC
49594, Aeromonas hydrophila ATCC 49140, Bacillus cereus ATCC 49063,
Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 14028 and NCTC 12023, and commercially
available cultures of Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium
chrysogenum.
Example 1
Bactericidal Activity of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds in
Suspension Cultures (Not Attached to Meat Products)
Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of Quaternary Ammonium
Compounds
[0066] Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for QAC were
determined in Mueller Hinton broth (BBL Microbiology System) using
the macrodilution method established by the 1987 National Committee
for Clinical Laboratory Standards. Experiments were conducted by 16
hour incubation at 37.degree. C. for Staphylococcus aureus,
Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella
typhimurium. For Aeromonas hydrophila, and Bacillus cereus
incubations were performed at 30.degree. C. MIC were determined by
the lowest dilution with no visible turbidity. Table 2 shows the
data from the above experiment:
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 MINIMAL INHIBITORY CONCENTRATION (MIC)
Cetylpyridinium CPC chloride, vs CPC CPC CPC CPC (CPC) E. coli Vs
Vs Vs Vs CPC vs .mu.g/mL O157:H7 B. cereus S. aureus S. typhimurium
A. hydrophila L. monocytogenes 125 - - - - - - 62.5 - - - - - -
31.25 - - - + + - 15.63 - - - + + - 7.81 + - - + + - 3.91 + + - + +
- 1.96 + + - + + - 0.98 + + - + + - 0.50 + + - + + + 0.25 + + - + +
+ 0.00 + + + + + + (-) No growth (+) Growth MICs were obtained by
the macrodilution broth method (National Committee for Clinical
Laboratory Standards).
Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MIC) of Quaternary Ammonium
Compounds
[0067] Minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC) for QAC towards
Campylobacter jejuni and Arcobacter butzleri were determined in
Mueller Hinton broth (BBL Microbiology System) using the
macrodilution method established by the 1987 National Committee for
Clinical Laboratory Standards. Experiments were conducted by
microaerophilic incubation at 37.degree. C. for 48 hours. An
aliquot of each dilution was pour plated in agar and incubated in
microaerophilic conditions at 37.degree. C. for 48 hours. MBCs were
determined as the lowest dilution with no growth. Table 3 shows the
data from the above experiment:
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 MINIMAL BACTERICIDAL CONCENTRATION (MBC) CPC
Vs CPC Vs Cetylpyridinium Campylobacter Arcobacter Chloride,
.mu.g/mL Jejuni Butzleri 125 - - 62.5 - - 31.25 - + 15.63 - + 7.81
- + 3.91 + + 1.96 + + 0.98 + + 0.50 + + 0.25 + + 0.00 + + (-) No
growth (+) Growth MBCs were obtained by the macrodilution broth
method (National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards).
[0068] The MIC and MBC data shows that CPC is effective against a
broad range of microorganisms.
Activity of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds in Planktonic Cells
[0069] A 16-hour culture of each of E. coli O157:H7 in trypticase
soy broth was centrifuged (15,000 rpm, 10 min, 4.degree. C.). After
removal of the supernatant, the pellet was washed with 10 ml 0.04M
potassium phosphate buffer (PPB, pH 7.0), and suspended in PPB to a
final suspension of 1-2.times.10.sup.9 cells/ml. Aliquots (1.0 ml)
were centrifuged (14,000 rpm, 3 min), and the supernatants were
removed. Each pellet was suspended in either 1 ml of an aqueous
solution of various concentrations (100-1,000 .mu.g/ml) of test
composition (CPC) or 1.0 ml of PPB, vortexed (30 sec), incubated
for 1 min at 25.degree. C., and centrifuged (14,000 rpm, 3 min).
After removal of the supernatant, each pellet was suspended in 0.5
ml PPB. Cells from each sample were counted using duplicate 0.05 ml
aliquots and standard serial dilution techniques on trypticase soy
agar, and the data recorded as mean colony-forming units
(CFU)/ml.
[0070] The results of the above experiment show complete reduction
of viable E. coli O157:H7 in suspension was achieved at all
concentrations of CPC tested (100, 250, 500, and 1000 .mu.g/ml).
The results of this experiment are particularly significant for the
prevention of cross contamination with E. coli O157:H7 in
industrial processing of meat. As discussed above, this strain of
toxin-producing E. coli shows resistance to many broad spectrum
antimicrobial agents. These results provide evidence that treatment
of meat products with QAC will prevent one contaminated piece of
meat from contaminating other uncontaminated pieces because the QAC
will kill the organism in the liquid which is the transfer agent
responsible for the cross contamination.
Example 2
Effects of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds on the Reduction of Viable
Bacteria Attached to Chicken Skin
[0071] Chicken skins (2.5.times.2.5 cm) excised from a drumstick,
sterilized by a 45 KGy dose of irradiation from an electron source,
were placed epidermal side up in each well of six-well tissue
culture plate. Each skin piece was inoculated with 5 ml 0.008 M
phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.2) containing 6-8.times.110
CFU/ml bacteria with the exception of the background control group
that was treated only with 5 ml of PBS. The plates were incubated
(30 min, 35.degree. C.), and each skin piece was rinsed (2.times.,
5 ml PBS) to remove loosely bound (unattached) microorganisms. Each
inoculated skin was treated with 5 ml of PBS containing CPC. Three
pieces of skin were used for each concentration of CPC, including
one in which the skins were treated only with 5 ml of PBS (0
concentration). The plates were incubated with shaking (100 rpm)
for 30 min at 25.degree. C. After incubation, each skin piece was
rinsed (5 ml PBS), placed in a sterile plastic bag containing 80 ml
of saline or 1% peptone, and homogenized for 2 minutes using a
laboratory blender (Stomacher7 400, Seward Medical, London,
England). Three aliquots of the homogenate (1 ml) were pour-plated
and incubated (37.degree. C., 18-24 hr). Bacterial colonies were
counted, corrected for dilution, and reported as CFU/skin.
[0072] These studies show the reduction in viable bacteria
(Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Campylobacter
jejuni, Escherichia coli (non-toxin producing strain) and
Escherichia coli O157:H7) after treatment with 50 to 1000 ppm
concentrations of CPC. Higher concentrations of CPC up to 8,000 ppm
were tested against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and found to reduce
the number of attached bacteria to below 0.1%. These studies show
significant inhibition of the growth of these five bacteria on
chicken skin.
Example 3
Effects of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds on the Inhibition of
Bacterial Attachment to Chicken Skin
[0073] Chicken skins (2.5.times.2.5 cm) excised from a drumstick,
sterilized by a 45 KGy dose of irradiation from an electron source,
were placed epidermal side up in each well of six-well tissue
culture plate. Each skin piece was inoculated with 5 ml 0.008 M
phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.2) containing CPC. Three
pieces of skin were used for each concentration of test compound,
including one in which the skins were treated only with 5 ml of PBS
(0 concentration). The plates were incubated with shaking (100 rpm)
for various times (1 min or 10 min) at 25.degree. C. The incubating
solution was removed by aspiration, and the skins were rinsed (5 ml
PBS), and then incubated 30 min, 35.degree. C. with 5 ml of PBS
containing 6-8.times.10.sup.3CFU/ml bacteria. After incubation,
each skin piece was rinsed (2.times., 5 ml PBS), to remove loosely
bound (unattached) microorganisms, placed in a sterile plastic bag
containing 80 ml of saline or 1% peptone, and homogenized for 2
minutes using a laboratory blender (Stomacher7 400, Seward Medical,
London, England). Three aliquots of the homogenate (1 ml) were
pour-plated and incubated (37.degree. C., 18-24 hr). Bacterial
colonies were counted, corrected for dilution, and reported as
CFU/skin.
[0074] These studies show the inhibition of attachment of bacteria
(Salmonella typhimurium, Staphylococcus aureus, Campylobacter
jejuni, Escherichia coli (non-toxin producing strain) and
Escherichia coli O157:H7) to chicken skin after treatment with 50
to 1000 ppm concentrations of CPC. The data in these studies show
that pretreating chicken skin with CPC significantly inhibits the
attachment of these microorganisms to the chicken skin.
[0075] Treating chicken skin with CPC for only 1 minute results in
significant inhibition of attachment of S. typhimurium at 500 ppm
and 1000 ppm. This shorter contact time of QAC with the meat
products supports using shorter contact times than have been
previously reported as being effective. Generally, chill tank
immersions can for up to 60 minutes but the data presented herein
supports that a shorter contact or immersion time can be used which
still results in significant reduction in the number of viable
microorganisms. The CPC contacting step of the present invention
can be performed for approximately 20 seconds to about 60 minutes.
The present invention also discloses useful contact times within
this range of less than 10 minutes, and at ranges of about 20
seconds to about 9 minutes, of about 20 seconds to about 5 minutes,
and of about 20 seconds to about 90 seconds.
Example 4
Effects of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds on the Reduction of Viable
Bacteria Attached to Beef Flank Steak
[0076] Beef flank tissue squares (2.5.times.2.5 cm) approximately
0.5 cm thick, sterilized by a 45 KGy dose of irradiation from an
electron source, were placed in each well of six-well tissue
culture plate. Each tissue piece was inoculated with 5 ml 0.008 M
phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.2) containing
6-8.times.10.sup.3CFU/ml bacteria with the exception of the
background control group that was treated only with 5 ml of PBS.
The plates were incubated (30 min, 35.degree. C.), and each square
was rinsed (2.times., 5 ml PBS) to remove loosely bound
(unattached) microorganisms. The inoculated squares were treated
with 5 ml of PBS containing the CPC. Three pieces of tissue were
used for each concentration of test compound, including one in
which the squares were treated only with 5 ml of PBS (0
concentration). The plates were incubated with shaking (100 rpm)
for 30 min at 25.degree. C. After incubation, each square was
rinsed (5 ml PBS), placed in a sterile plastic bag containing 50 ml
of 1% peptone, and homogenized for 2 minutes using a laboratory
blender (Stomacher7 400, Seward Medical, London, England). Three
aliquots of the homogenate (1 ml) were pour-plated and incubated
(37.degree. C., 18-24 hr). Bacterial colonies were counted,
corrected for dilution, and reported as CFU/square.
[0077] The results of this study show a reduction in viable
Escherichia coli O157:H7 after treatment with 50 to 1000 ppm
concentrations of CPC on beef flank tissue with 62-64% reduction in
attached bacteria at 500 and 1000 ppm CPC.
Example 5
Effects of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds on the Inhibition of
Bacterial Attachment to Beef Flank Tissue
[0078] Beef flank tissue squares (2.5.times.2.5 cm), approximately
0.5 cm thick, sterilized by a 45 KGy dose of irradiation from an
electron source, were placed in each well of six-well tissue
culture plate. Each tissue piece was treated with 5 ml 0.008 M
phosphate buffered saline (PBS, pH 7.2) containing CPC. Three
pieces of beef tissue were used for each concentration of test
compound, including one in which the squares were treated only with
5 ml of PBS (0 concentration). The culture plates were incubated
with shaking (100 rpm) for 10 minutes at 25.degree. C. The
incubating solution was removed by aspiration, and the squares were
rinsed (5 ml PBS), and then incubated (30 min, 35.degree. C.) with
5 ml of PBS containing 6-8.times.10.sup.3 CFU/ml bacteria. After
incubation, each tissue piece was rinsed (2.times., 5 ml PBS), to
remove loosely bound (unattached) microorganisms, placed in a
sterile plastic bag containing 50 ml of 1% peptone, and homogenized
for 2 minutes using a laboratory blender (Stomacher7 400, Seward
Medical, London, England). Three aliquots of the homogenate (1 ml)
were pour-plated and incubated (37.degree. C., 18-24 hr). Bacterial
colonies were counted, corrected for dilution, and reported as
CFU/square.
[0079] The results of this study show the inhibition of attachment
of Escherichia coli O157:H7 after treatment with 50 to 1000 ppm of
CPC with a 76% reduction in the number of bacteria attached to the
beef at concentrations of 1000 ppm CPC. FIG. 1 shows the results of
a separate trial using higher concentrations of CPC and the same
experimental procedure. At 20,000 ppm CPC, the bacteria was
completely inhibited from attaching to beef.
Example 6
Pre-Chill Poultry Spraying with 0.1% Cetylpyridinium Chloride
[0080] A spraying test chamber was designed and constructed for use
in a poultry processing pilot plant. The spraying test system
consisted of a testing chamber, a spraying water storage tank, a
pressure pump, a filter, pressure regulators, a plastic spraying
chamber with eight nozzles located on four sides, and a used water
collector. There were three nozzles on each of the pipes for front
and back spraying. One nozzle was used for top spraying and one
nozzle for bottom spraying. The chamber dimensions preferably are
3.times.3.times.3 feet. With a high pressure booster pump, the
pressure could be adjusted between 0-140 psi. The distance between
the spraying nozzles and the chicken carcass was 12-15 inches. The
top nozzle was used to spray the inside of the chicken carcass.
Flat-cone spraying nozzles (1/8TK-SS1, Spraying Systems Co.) were
used.
[0081] The spray solution in the storage tank was pumped to the
pressure regulator, and then sprayed through the nozzles in the
chamber. In the spraying chamber, several spraying layers
consisting of stainless steel nozzles and pipes were installed, and
the chamber was covered with plastic sheets to prevent chemical
drift. A shackle was used to hang up a chicken carcass in the
chamber.
[0082] Pre-chill chicken carcasses were obtained from a local
poultry processing plant. They were taken from the end of an
evisceration processing line, transported to the research
laboratory, and immediately used for the tests. The time elapsed
between the processing plant and the research laboratory was less
than one half hour. The temperature of chicken carcasses was in the
range of 32-37.degree. C.
[0083] Chicken carcasses were inoculated by spraying 1 ml of S.
typhimurium at 1.times.10.sup.6 CFU/ml and then incubated at room
temperature for 30 min. The inoculated chicken carcasses were
rinsed by spraying tap water at 30 psi and 22.degree. C. for 5 sec.
to wash off loosely attached Salmonella cells. Then each carcass
was hung in the spraying chamber and sprayed with one of the test
compounds. After spraying, each chicken carcass was rinsed with tap
water for 20 sec. The chicken carcasses were then washed with
buffered peptone water in a plastic bag on an automatic shaker to
get samples for microbial analysis. The color of chicken skin was
examined visually by comparing the birds treated with test
compounds, such as QACs, with untreated birds.
[0084] CPC at a concentration of 1000 ppm was used at different
spraying pressures and durations. Spraying water temperature was
set at room temperature of 22.degree. C. Pressures were set at 30,
50, and 120 psi, and duration at 30 and 90 sec. Three replicates
were performed for each trial. Reduction of S. typhimurium on
chicken carcasses was compared among test compound sprayed, water
sprayed, and non-sprayed groups.
[0085] After spraying treatments, each carcass was mechanically
shaken with 100 ml of buffered peptone water (BPW) for 1 min, and
then the wash water was collected. The samples were diluted,
enriched, plated on XLT agar or Petrifilm (3M, Inc.; St. Paul,
Minn. for total aerobic count plates) and incubated for 18-24 hours
at 37.degree. C. Then, colony forming units were counted. The
number of attached bacteria was calculated using a
most-probable-number technique. The most probable numbers of
Salmonella and total aerobic plate counts were performed for each
carcass using the wash water samples. An analysis of variance was
used to analyze the experimental data to determine any significant
differences among the treatment groups and controls (SAS/STAT
User's Guide, SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, N.C. 1993).
[0086] The results of this experiment show that 30 and 90 second
spraying of 1000 ppm solution of CPC at pressures of 30, 50, and
120 psi cause a significant reduction in the number of Salmonella
on chicken carcasses. This data shows that the spraying method is a
viable alternate method to the standard method of immersion or
dipping of chickens when sprayed for 30 seconds to 90 seconds with
a pressure in the range of 30 to 120 psi at 0.1% CPC concentration.
It may be possible to use lower concentrations of CPC with varying
spray pressures within the disclosed range of 30 to 120 or greater
psi and varying spray times to obtain the most efficient process
which results in significant reduction in the foodborne
microorganisms. The spraying method would be advantageous to use in
industrial processes because many chicken carcasses could be
sprayed automatically for short periods of time and yet result in
significant reduction of pathogenic bacteria.
Example 7
Effective Concentration and Time Study of the Effects of Quaternary
Ammonium Compounds on S. typhimurium on Chicken Skin
[0087] The effects of CPC on the inhibition and reduction of viable
S. typhimurium on chicken skin were studied. Test solutions
comprised various concentrations of CPC (Sigma Chemical Co., St.
Louis, Mo.) in 5% (v/v) glycerin in 0.008 M, pH 7.2 phosphate
buffered saline (PBS). The solutions were prepared by dissolving
the appropriate amounts of CPC in the glycerin-PBS mixture. Skin
squares (2.5.times.2.5 cm) from drumsticks of freshly frozen,
unprocessed chickens were sterilized by a 45 kGy dose of
irradiation (electron beam from a linear accelerator, Iowa State
University). The source of S. typhimurium was ATCC strain # 14028
or NCTC strain # 12023). All colony counts were performed on
tryptic soy agar (TSA; DIFCO, Detroit, Mich.) plates. Salmonella
storage was on TSA. Inoculum preparation was performed as follows.
A flask containing 50 ml tryptic soy broth was inoculated with S.
typhimurium from a single colony and then incubated (37.degree. C.)
with shaking (150 rpm) overnight. A one ml aliquot of the culture
was washed with 9 ml PBS (4800 rpm, 10 min.) two times. The pellet
was resuspended in PBS to obtain a final cell concentration
(spectrophotometrically, 420 nm) of 1 to 2.times.10.sup.6 colony
forming units (CFU) per ml.
[0088] Chicken skin was excised from drumsticks and placed
epidermal side up in each well of six-well tissue culture plates.
Skin pieces were inoculated with 5 ml of PBS containing 1 to
2.times.10.sup.6 CFU of S. typhimurium per ml, with the exception
of the background control group that was treated only with 5 ml of
PBS. Culture plates with the skin pieces were incubated (30 min.,
35.degree. C.), and then the incubating solution was removed by
aspiration. The inoculated skins were treated with 5 ml of the test
solution. Sets of three pieces of skin were used for each
concentration of test solution, including one set in which the
skins were treated only with 5 ml of 5% (v/v) glycerin in PBS (0
concentration). The plates were incubated at 25.degree. C. with
shaking (100 rpm) for 1, 3, or 10 min. After incubation, each skin
piece was rinsed with aspiration (5 ml PBS), placed in a sterile
plastic bag containing 50 ml of 0.1% (w/v) peptone, and homogenized
for 2 minutes using a Stomacher7 400 laboratory blender (Seward
Medical Co., London, England). A corner of the bag was aseptically
cut and the entire contents were transferred to a sterile
centrifuge tube, which was then spun for 10 min (12,000 rpm,
20.degree. C.). The pellet was resuspended in 5 ml 0.1% (w/v)
peptone/water. One ml of the appropriate dilution was pour plated
onto TSA agar in triplicate and then incubated at 37.degree. C. for
24 hour, after which colonies were counted, corrected for dilution,
and reported as CFU/skin. The results show that Salmonella
reduction was dependent upon both CPC concentration and time of
exposure. Nearly a 5 log.sub.10 decontamination was achieved by
treating with CPC solutions of 4000 and 8000 ppm for contact times
as low as 3 min.
[0089] Skin squares were placed epidermal side up in each well of
six-well tissue culture plates. Skin pieces were treated with 5 ml
of the test solution. Sets of three pieces of skin were used for
each concentration of test solution, including one set in which the
skins were treated only with 5 ml of 5% (v/v) glycerin in PBS (0
concentration). Culture plates with the skin pieces were incubated
at 25.degree. C. with shaking (100 rpm) for 1, 3, or 10 min. The
incubating solution was removed by aspiration, and the skins were
rinsed (5 ml PBS) and then incubated (30 min., 35.degree. C.) with
5 ml of PBS containing 1 to 2.times.10.sup.6 CFU of S. typhimurium
per ml. After incubation, each skin piece was rinsed with
aspiration (5 ml PBS), placed in a sterile plastic bag containing
50 ml of 0.1% (w/v) peptone, and homogenized for 2 minutes using a
Stomacher7 400 laboratory blender. Three aliquots of the
homogenates (1 ml) were pour-plated onto TSA agar and incubated at
37.degree. C. for 24 h and then colonies were counted, corrected
for dilution, and reported as log.sub.10 CFU/skin. The results
indicate that prevention of Salmonella contamination by
pretreatment with CPC also showed concentration and time
dependency. The most marked effects were observed for 10 minute
pretreatment times where a 4.9 log.sub.10 inhibition of Salmonella
attachment was shown at a concentration of 8,000 ppm. This result
is important since prevention of cross-contamination is of
paramount importance in food processing.
[0090] Values of log.sub.10 CFU/skin for controls were within the
range 4.61 to 5.03. Differences between treated samples and
controls were analyzed using ANOVA followed by Newman-Keuls
multiple range analysis and were statistically significant
(p<0.01).
[0091] In another spraying experiment, a 3.3 log.sub.10 reduction
of Salmonella was obtained after a 90 second spraying of chicken
carcasses with a 5,000 ppm solution of CPC.
Example 8
Effects of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds on the Reduction of Viable
Listeria monocytogenes Attached to Chicken Skin
[0092] The steps of Example 2 were followed except that L.
monocytogenes was used to inoculate the chicken skin and the media
in the plastic bag used in the Stomacher 400 contained 0.1%
peptone. At concentrations of CPC of 2000 ppm or higher, there was
greater than a 4 log.sub.10 reduction in L. monocytogenes.
Example 9
Effects of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds on the Inhibition of
Attachment of Viable Listeria monocytogenes Attached to Chicken
Skin
[0093] The steps of Example 3 were followed except that L.
monocytogenes was used to inoculate the chicken skin and the media
in the plastic bag used in the Stomacher 400 contained 0.1%
peptone. The results of this study show a reduction of 82% of
attached bacteria at 50 ppm, reduction of 92% at 100 ppm, and
reduction of 100% at 500 and 1000 ppm.
Example 10
Effects of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds on the Reduction of Viable
Salmonella typhimurium Attached to Catfish, Black Grapes, and
Broccoli
[0094] The effects of CPC on the reduction of viable S. typhimurium
on catfish, black grapes, and broccoli were studied. Test solutions
comprised various concentrations of CPC (Sigma Chemical Co., St.
Louis, Mo.) in 5% (v/v) glycerin in 0.008 M, pH 7.2 phosphate
buffered saline (PBS). The solutions were prepared by dissolving
the appropriate amounts of CPC in the glycerin-PBS mixture.
[0095] Food samples were small intact black grapes, broccoli
florets, and catfish skin squares (2.5.times.2.5 cm) excised from
unprocessed, freshly thawed catfish. The fruit and vegetables were
purchased from a local grocery, while the fish was shipped frozen
from a local catfish supplier. The source of S. typhimurium was
ATCC strain # 14028 or NCTC strain # 12023).
[0096] All colony counts were performed using Salmonella-selective
XLD agar (DIFCO, Detroit, Mich.) plates. Additionally, in the
catfish experiments, total aerobic colony counts were performed
using a non-selective medium, tryptic soy agar (TSA:DIFCO, Detroit,
Mich.). Salmonella storage was on TSA.
[0097] Inoculum preparation for S. typhimurium was performed as
described in Example 7 above. Food samples were placed in each well
of six-well tissue culture plates. The samples were then inoculated
with 5 ml of PBS containing 1 to 2.times.10.sup.6 CFU of S.
typhimurium per ml, with the exception of the background control
group that was treated only with 5 ml of PBS. Culture plates with
the food samples were incubated (30 min., 35.degree. C.), and then
the incubating solution was removed by aspiration. The inoculated
samples were treated with 5 ml of the test solution. Sets of three
food samples were used for each concentration of test solution,
including one set in which the food samples were treated only with
5 ml of 5% (v/v) glycerin in PBS (0 concentration). The plates were
incubated at 25.degree. C. with shaking (100 rpm) for 3 min. After
incubation, each food sample was prepared and placed in a plastic
bag for use with the Stomacher7 400 laboratory blender as described
in Example 7 above. A corner of the bag was aseptically cut and the
entire contents were transferred to a sterile centrifuge tube,
which was then spun for 10 min (12,000 rpm, 20.degree. C.). The
pellet was resuspended in 5 ml 0.1% (w/v) peptone/water. One ml of
the appropriate dilution was pour plated onto XLD agar for the
grape and broccoli experiments and onto both XLD and TSA agar for
the catfish in triplicate. After incubation at 37.degree. C. for 24
hour, colonies were counted, corrected for dilution, and reported
as CFU/skin for catfish and as CFU/gram for the other food samples.
The results of these experiments are shown in FIGS. 2-5. As the
catfish were not irradiated, FIG. 2 shows the total aerobic
bacterial count on non-selective media whereas FIG. 3 shows only
Salmonella counts.
Example 11
Effect of Spraying Quaternary Ammonium Compounds on the Reduction
of Viable Bacteria on Whole Chickens
[0098] These experiments tested the effect that spraying QACs on
whole chicken carcasses using a commercial sprayer would have on
the reduction of viable bacteria. The bacterial inoculating
solutions were made as follows: E. coli (ATTC # 25922) was grown in
brain heart infusion broth (BHI) for 20-24 h and then diluted to a
1:1000 concentration by adding 0.5 ml of E. coli culture to 500 ml
of physiological saline solution (PSS). S. typhimurium was grown in
BHI for 20-24 h and then diluted to a 1:5000 concentration by
adding 0.1 ml of S. typhimurium culture to 500 ml of physiological
saline solution (PSS). The CPC treatment solution was prepared to a
concentration of 5,000 ppm. Prechill chicken carcasses were
obtained from a local poultry processing plant for each trial. The
carcasses were placed on a shackle line and 1 ml of the bacterial
inoculating solution was sprayed on the breast of the carcass, and
1 ml was sprayed on the back. The bacteria were allowed to attach
for 30 min at room temperature. After attachment the carcasses were
rinsed on the shackle line with tap water for 20 seconds. The
carcasses were divided into groups of ten. For each run, there was
a group of ten chickens that was sprayed with 5,000 ppm CPC and
there was a group of ten chickens that was sprayed with only tap
water. In the S. typhimurium tests, there was also a group that was
not sprayed after inoculation to evaluate the effect of the
spray.
[0099] For all of the bacteria, one group of carcasses were treated
with the Johnson.TM. washer for 20 seconds at 60 psi with 35 cups
of tap water. After the rinse, the carcasses were allowed to set
for 90 seconds, and then rinsed with 20 cups of tap water for 20
seconds at 80 psi. This rinse cycle was repeated either two or
three times. The interval of each rinse was also 90 seconds.
Another group of carcasses were treated with 5,000 ppm CPC for 20
seconds at 60 psi in the Johnson.TM. washer, then allowed to set
for 90 seconds, and then rinsed with 20 cups of tap water for 20
seconds at 80 psi. This rinse cycle was repeated either two or
three times.
[0100] After treatment the carcasses were placed in plastic bags
and 100 ml of 0.1% buffered peptone water (BPW) was added to each
bag. The bags were mechanically shaken and the rinse collected for
most probable number (MPN) technique. Petrifilm.TM. was also
employed for evaluation of total aerobic plate counts (TPC).
Preexisting (not inoculated) C. jejuni was enumerated by the MPN
technique and E. coli by Petrifilm.TM..
[0101] The results presented below show that the CPC treatment is
effective in reducing the number of C. jejuni, E. coli, and S.
typhimurium. The wash water for the S. typhimurium runs were tested
and it was found that CPC in the wash water reduced the Salmonella
by 1 log. Thus, the kill data presented below for Salmonella can be
reduced by 1 log.
TABLE-US-00004 BACTERIA PRESENT 5,000 ppm Reduction in Water
Control CPC Log.sub.10 C. jejuni Trial 1 2.613 0 2.613 Trial 2
2.643 0.629 2.014 E. coli Trial 1 1.974 0.386 1.588 Trial 2 1.380
0.460 0.920 Reduction in Log.sub.10 CFUs No Spray Spray vs. No
Spray Spray 5,000 ppm vs. CPC CPC S. typhimurium Control Control
CPC Treatment Treatment 1 (Dec. 02, 96) 5.342 5.039 4.295 1.047
0.744 2 (Dec. 09, 96) 5.304 4.932 1.977 3.327 2.955 3 (Dec. 16, 96)
5.001 5.154 2.606 2.395 2.548 4 (Jan. 27, 97) 4.72 4.48 1.03 3.69
3.45 5 (Feb. 03, 97) 4.185 4.212 1.426 2.76 2.79
Example 12
[0102] Effect of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds on Foodborne
Fungi
[0103] This study tested the effect of CPC on foodborne fungi.
Slant cultures of Aspergillus flavus and Penicillium chrysogenum
were streaked onto a potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates. Thirty
minutes after inoculation or 24 h after inoculation (and incubation
at room temperature, two round filters (7 mm in diameter) were put
on the surface of each plate. CPC solutions of 200 ppm, 1000 ppm,
5000 ppm, and 25,000 ppm or distilled and deionized (DD) water were
added to the filters, 10 .mu.l per filter. All plates were
incubated lid side up at room temperature for 48 hours. The
diameters of the inhibition rings were measure. The results
presented below show that CPC is effective against foodborne
fungi.
TABLE-US-00005 Inhibition Ring (mm) Immediate Delayed Concentration
of CPC (ppm) Treatment Treatment Effect of CPC on Aspergillus
flavus 25,000 1.63 1.00 5,000 2.00 0.92 1,000 0.38 1.00 200 0.25
0.33 0 0 0 Effect of CPC on Penicillium chrysogenum 25,000 4.13
1.83 5,000 3.38 1.92 1,000 1.00 1.67 200 0 1.17 0 0 0 CPC is
effective against foodborne fungi tested.
Example 13
Effect of Quaternary Ammonium Compounds on Chicken Carcasses Using
Short Application Times
[0104] In two trials conducted in a commercial broiler processing
facility, the Cecure.theta., formulation (0.2 to 0.5% CPC), that is
diluted from a concentrate of CPC containing CPC (40%), propylene
glycol (57%) and water (3%), all components on a weight to weight
basis, was used to treat post-chill chicken carcasses. In these
studies, the final rinse cabinet or "fecal failure" cabinet that is
positioned prior to grading and packaging, but after immersion
chilling, was modified for application of the CPC formulation.
Cabinet modifications included changing the nozzles to allow for
only small volumes (1 to 6 ounces) of the formulation per carcass,
and modification of the spray pattern on the carcasses to allow for
total coverage of maximum surface area. In addition, the length of
the cabinet was extended and cabinet exhaust mechanisms were
installed. The concentrated Cecure.theta. formulation was either
diluted to the correct use concentration at the point of direct
application to the carcass, or was diluted and held in large
vessels prior to application. The dilute Cecure.theta. solution was
applied to each carcass for about 1.5 seconds. The temperature of
the solution was at ambient room temperature or slightly above or
below depending on storage conditions.
[0105] After carcass treatment with the dilute Cecure.theta., the
carcasses were allowed to drip for approximately 3 minutes prior to
microbiological sampling. Carcasses were sampled using a whole
carcass rinse technique in 400 mL of buffered peptone water.
Samples were evaluated for Campylobacter, Salmonella, non-toxin
producing E. coli, and aerobic plate count that estimates the total
organisms. Control carcasses were also evaluated for these same
organisms, but these carcasses were collected, just prior to the
modified fecal failure cabinet. In both trials, Campylobacter, E.
coli, and aerobic (total aerobic bacteria) plate counts were
significantly reduced by greater than 99%. In both trials, the
incidence of Salmonella was significantly reduced to less than 10%
positive while control carcass Salmonella incidence rates were in
some cases greater than 60%.
[0106] The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of
the present invention was presented for illustrative purposes and
not meant to limit the invention to specific compositions used in
the examples because various modifications to the disclosed
invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The present
invention is based upon the discovery that QAC significantly
prevents and reduces bacterial contamination by a broad spectrum of
foodborne microbial contamination than was previously known. The
concentrated QAC formulation provides many advantages for use on a
large scale in a food processing plant. The invention is intended
to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be
included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by
the appended claims.
* * * * *