E. Coli
A Practical Approach to the Organism and its Control in Foods
Practical Food Microbiology
1. Edition March 1999
200 Pages, Softcover
Wiley & Sons Ltd
Recent outbreaks of fatal food-borne illness associated with Vero
cytotoxin-producing E.Coli (VTEC) have highlighted the need
for thorough and coherent information to be provided to the food
industry.
The book details the causes of selected incidents and assesses
the lessons that can be learnt from them. It examines the
characteristics of E.Coli and VTEC and identifies factors
which make foods susceptible to contamination by these pathogens.
Specific product sectors are used to indicate practical measures
that can be applied to control VTEC in foods and minimise its
potential to cause harm to the consumer. It also provides guidance
in selecting effective sampling plans and test methods to monitor
and detect the organism and offers pragmatic advice on action taken
when the organism is detected during monitoring programmes.
This information is designed for use by the food industry,
particularly personnel working in manufacturing, safety and quality
control. It will also be useful for Environmental Health Officers
and food research institutions.
1. Background.
Introduction.
Taxonomy of E. coli.
Illnesses caused by E. coli.
Sources of E. Coli..
2. Outbreaks: causes and lessons to be learnt.
Introduction.
Coked meat products: Scotland.
Mettwurst: Australia.
Unpasteurized apple juice: USA and Canada.
Pasteurized milk: Scotland.
Soft ripened French cheese: USA.
Beefburgers: USA.
Sprouting vegetables: USA and Japan..
3. Factors affecting the growth and survival of E.
coli.
General.
Temperature.
pH, water activity and other factors..
4. Industry focus: control of E. coli.
Introduction.
Raw fermented and dry-cured meat products.
Raw-milk mould-ripened soft cheese.
Fresh-pressed fruit juices.
Cooked meat products.
Raw comminuted meat products: Beefburgers.
Ready-to-eat salads and vegetables and sprouted.
salad vegetables.
Generic control of E. coli 0157 and other VTEC..
5, Industry action and reaction.
Introduction.
Legislation and standards.
Guidelines.
Specifications.
Monitoring for E. coli and E.coli 0157.
6. Test methods.
Conventional methods.
Alternative methods.
Other methods..
7. The future.
Glossary of terms.
References.
Index.
Kyriakides is the Company Microbiologist of Sainsbury Supermarkets
Ltd.