RESUMEN

This research aimed to analyze scientific information regarding the prevalence of generic and pathogenic E. coli in the production and supply chain of pork meat, considering different types of samples, places of sampling, and pathotypes using a systematic review and meta-analysis tools. The meta-analysis for the prevalence of generic and pathogenic E. coli was conducted by estimating the effects within subgroups. Data subsets were analyzed using the DerSimonian-Laird method for binary random effects. The average prevalence of generic E. coli in different types of pork meat samples was determined to be 35.6% (95% CI 19.3-51.8), with no significant differences observed between pork meat and carcasses. Conversely, the average prevalence of E. coli pathotypes in samples related to the supply chain of pork meat was found to be 4.7% (95% CI 3.7-5.7). In conclusion, these findings suggest the possibility of establishing an objective threshold for E. coli prevalence as a benchmark for comparison within the meat industry. By utilizing this data, it becomes possible to propose a standardized limit that can serve as a reference point for evaluating and improving processes in the industry.

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RESUMEN

Spoilage in cooked ham is one of the main challenges where microbial contamination can play a fundamental role. This study aimed to characterize pork-cooked ham's microbial community changes among different food production conditions (formulation and processing) using 16S rRNA sequencing and also to investigate the spoilage bacteria in order to elucidate their contamination route. Samples of three pork-cooked ham references with and without post-pasteurization treatment and in contact with the slicing-packaging conveyor belt and slicer and packager surfaces were performed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. In order to clarify the contamination route, surfaces were sampled by conventional microbiological methods. Results showed that Leuconostoc spp. was the principal genera in spoiled cooked ham and had no relation neither to formulation nor contact with the slicing-packaging conveyor belt. The contamination route found for Leuconostoc spp. was associated with the storage and packaging zone. In addition, the calculated shelf-life decreased to 57.5% independently of the environment interaction minimization when ham casing permeability was changed and linked to contamination of spoilage bacteria during the slicing and packaging process. This research illustrates how the combined approach provides complementary results to implement suggestions in the facility to reduce the cross-contamination with spoilage bacteria. It also generates tools to comprehend and propose transference models understanding the environmental and intrinsic factors related to microbial transfer rate.