Determination of microbial contamination, ph and temperature changes in sheep and cattle carcasses during the slaughter and pre-cooling processes in konya, Turkey

This study was conducted to determine microbial contamination, pH and internal temperature changes in sheep and cattle carcasses during slaughter and chilling stages. Samples were analysed for the presence of Salmonella spp. and Enterobacteriaceae and aerobic colony counts (ACC) were performed. Air sampling was also performed in slaughtering areas and chilling rooms. Mean values of ACCs were between 2.57±0.61 and 4.71±0.24 log CFU/cm2 and between 3.51±0.48 and 5.19±0.28 log CFU/cm2, whereas Enterobacteriaceae counts were between 0.89±0.46 and 2.61±0.10 log CFU/cm2 and between 0.55±0.37 and 3.63±0.39 log CFU/cm2 in cattle and sheep carcasses, respectively. Enterobacteriaceae contamination in the shoulder region of cattle carcasses after washing, Enterobacteriaceae contamination in all regions in sheep carcasses after chilling and ACC in the shoulder region of sheep carcasses after chilling all exceeded the limits of EC regulation (EC No 2073/2005).