MEAT TREATMENT

Abstract

The present invention relates to microbial safety of meat products. In particular new additives are provided for effective reduction of pathogenic bacteria, such as Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC), on or in meat products. The present inventors found that a combination of a nonionic surfactant and organic acid is particularly effective in the reduction of these and other pathogenic bacteria in meat products. The addition of a thickening agent was found to further enhance the effectiveness of the compositions in eliminating these pathogenic bacteria. The present invention provides these meat preservation compositions, the methods of treating meat with these compositions, the related uses of these compositions, as well as the meat products accordingly obtained.

Claims

1. A meat treatment composition, comprising: (i) a nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of saponins; and (ii) an organic acid selected from the group consisting of C.sub.2-C.sub.8 monocarboxylic acids, lactic acid, citric acid, and mixtures thereof.

2. The meat treatment composition according to claim 1, wherein the saponins are tea saponins.

3. The meat treatment composition according to claim 1, wherein the organic acid is lactic acid.

4. The meat treatment composition according to claim 1, wherein the meat treatment composition further comprises (iii) a thickening agent.

5. The meat treatment composition according to claim 4, wherein the thickening agent is selected from the group consisting of xanthan, carrageenan and alginates.

6. The meat treatment composition according to claim 1, wherein the organic acid and the nonionic surfactant are present in a weight ratio within 300/1-10/1.

7. The meat treatment composition according to claim 1, wherein the organic acid and the nonionic surfactant are present in a weight ratio within 250/1-20/1.

8. The meat treatment composition according to claim 6, having a pH value of below 6.

9. The meat treatment composition according to claim 4, wherein the organic acid and the thickening agent are present in a weight ratio within 200/1-20/1.

10. The meat treatment composition according to claim 4, wherein the organic acid and the thickening agent are present in a weight ratio within 150/1-40/1.

11. The meat treatment composition according to claim 4, which is in the form of a concentrate, comprising the non-ionic surfactant in amount of 0.2-2.5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the concentrate; the organic acid component in an amount of 20-95 wt. %, based on the total weight of the concentrate; and/or the thickening agent in an amount of 0.2-2.5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the concentrate.

12. The meat treatment composition according to claim 4, which is in the form of a ready-to-use liquid, comprising the non-ionic surfactant, the organic acid, and the thickening agent in a combined amount of at least 0.5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the liquid.

13. The meat treatment composition according claim 4, which is in the form of a ready-to-use liquid, comprising the non-ionic surfactant in an amount of 0.01-0.5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the liquid; the organic acid in an amount of 1-20 wt. %, based on the total weight of the liquid; and/or the thickening agent in an amount of 0.01-0.5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the liquid.

14. The meat treatment composition according to claim 4, which is in the form of a ready-to-use liquid, comprising the non-ionic surfactant in an amount of 0.02-0.25 wt. %, based on the total weight of the liquid; the organic acid component in an amount of 1.5-10 wt. %, based on the total weight of the liquid; and/or the thickening agent in an amount of 0.02-0.25 wt. %, based on the total weight of the liquid.

15. A method of reducing microbial and/or bacterial counts on a surface of an animal meat product, comprising contacting the meat surface with a liquid meat treatment composition, comprising: (i) a nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of polyethoxylated sorbitan fatty acid esters; (ii) an organic acid selected from the group consisting of C.sub.2-C.sub.8 monocarboxylic acids, lactic acid, citric acid, and mixtures thereof; and optionally, (iii) a thickening agent, wherein the non-ionic surfactant, the organic acid, and the optional thickening agent are present in a combined amount of at least 0.5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the liquid.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the animal meat product is selected from the group consisting of animal carcasses, animal carcass parts, fresh or raw cut meat pieces and raw processed meat products.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the contacting is by spraying or dipping.

18. The method according to claim 15, comprising the consecutive steps of: (a) contacting the meat product with water; (b) contacting the meat product with the meat treatment composition; (c) rinsing the meat product with water.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein the bacteria are pathogenic species of bacteria from the group consisting of Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157:H7, O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145.

20. A kit of parts, comprising: (a) two or more separate containers, wherein a first container comprises a quantity of organic acid, optionally in combination with a quantity of one of (i) non-ionic surfactant and (ii) thickening agent, and wherein a second container comprises a quantity of one or both of (i) the non-ionic surfactant and (ii) the thickening agent, and optionally, (b) a label or leaflet with instructions for use, the use comprising combining the components held in the containers included in the kit-of-parts, optionally adding a quantity of water and applying the liquid accordingly obtained to an animal meat surface.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] A first aspect of this invention provides a meat treatment composition comprising (i) a non-ionic surfactant, selected from the group of saponins and (ii) an organic acid component.

[0020] The non-ionic surfactants of the present invention constitute a particular, generally known, class of amphipathic glycosides, commonly called saponins. In the art, the term Saponin is the general term for glycosides that are widely distributed in plants. They form a colloidal aqueous solution having a distinctive foaming quality like soap. Generally speaking, saponins are glycosidic compounds which have one non-sugar component, also termed aglycone, and one to several sugar residues attached to said aglycone. Saponins having one sugar residue are called monodesmosidic, saponins having two sugar residues attached are termed bisdesmosidic, three sugar residues tridesmosidic etc. Saponins can be classified according to the type of aglycone they have. The two main types of saponins are steroid saponins and triterpenoic saponins. Many of the triterpenoic saponins are of the oleanane type which is a triterpenoic ring structure having 30 carbon atoms. Saponins may also be classified by origin. For the purposes of the present invention, suitable saponins can be contained in various kinds of plant (parts), such as camellia (seeds and leave), quillaja (bark), ginseng, soybean, bupleurum root, hydrangeae macrophylla (leave), loofah, polygala root, platycodon root, ophiopogon tuber, akebia stem, anemarrhena rhizome, achyranthes root, licorice root, and smilax rhizome. Saponins can be obtained by extracting a saponin-containing component with an organic solvent or water from the saponin containing plant parts and then purifying it by conventional means, such column chromatography, etc. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the meat treatment composition comprises a source of saponin, preferably a crude, partially purified or highly purified extract of saponin containing plant parts, such as the ones recited above.

[0021] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the non-ionic surfactant is selected from the group consisting of tea (camellia sinensis) saponins. The tea saponin includes steroid-based saponin and triterepenoid-based saponin, any of them can be used for the object of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the meat treatment composition comprises a source of saponins, preferably a crude, partially purified or highly purified extract of leaves and/or seed of camellia sinensis. Tea saponin containing compositions that can suitably be used in accordance with the invention are available commercially, such as from the company Changsha Nulant Chem Co., Ltd.

[0022] The meat treatment composition also comprises (ii) an organic acid component, selected from the group consisting of C.sub.2-C.sub.8 monocarboxylic acids, lactic acid, citric acid and salts thereof, most preferably acetic acid, lactic acid, propionic acid. In accordance with the invention, the acid can be partially neutralized, meaning that the meat treatment composition comprises a combination of the organic acid and one or more salts of the organic acid. Whenever, in this document, reference is made to the organic acid component this term encompasses the organic acid as well as any salt thereof as present in the meat treatment composition. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the meat treatment composition comprises an acetate component selected from acetic acid and mixtures of acetic acid and acetic acid salts, preferably in the form of a non-neutralized or partially neutralized vinegar. In another preferred embodiment the preservative combination comprises a lactate component selected from lactic acid and mixtures of lactic acid and lactic acid salts, mixtures of lactic acid with sodium lactate, calcium lactate and/or potassium lactate, preferably in the form of a fermentation product, such as a non-neutralized or partially neutralized lactic acid ferment. In another preferred embodiment the preservative combination comprises a propionate component, selected from propionic acid and mixtures of propionic acid and propionic acid salts, preferably mixtures of propionic acid with sodium propionate, calcium propionate and/or, potassium propionate, preferably in the form of a fermentation product, such as a non-neutralized or partially neutralized propionic acid ferment.

[0023] The term vinegar is used to denote the liquid obtained by the acetous fermentation of an alcoholic liquid, containing at least 4 grams of acetic acid per 100 ml, in particular a vinegar that can be declared natural, e.g. in terms of the FDA guidelines. According to said guidelines natural means minimally processed and containing no synthetic ingredients or processing aids (cf. Food Labeling: Nutrient Content Claims General Principles, Petitions, Definitions of Terms, 56 Fed. Reg. at 60,466). In a preferred embodiment the meat treatment composition comprises a non-neutralized, partly neutralized or completely neutralized vinegar selected from the group consisting of white vinegar, brandy vinegar, alcoholic vinegar, balsamic vinegar, wine vinegar, malt vinegar, beer vinegar, potato vinegar, rice vinegar, apple vinegar, cherry vinegar, and cane vinegar. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the vinegar is cane vinegar. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the acetic acid content of the vinegar is at least 5% (w/w), more preferably at least 7.5% (w/w), even more preferably at least 10% (w/w). It is also possible to make use of vinegar that has been pre-concentrated to a certain extent. Such products are commercially available and typically have an acetic acid content between 20 and 30% (w/w). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the acetic acid content of the vinegar is at least 20% (w/w), more preferably at least 25% (w/w), e.g. about 29 or 30% (w/w). A common measure for indicating the acetic acid content of vinegar is the grain strength. The grain strength is the acetic acid content expressed in g/l, so 50 grain vinegar is about 5% (w/w) acetic acid. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, it is preferred that the vinegar is at least 200 grain, more preferably at least 250 grain. Often, commercial food-grade vinegars are offered at 200 grain and 300 grain. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, a 300 grain vinegar is used.

[0024] Fermentation products, in accordance with the invention, typically are crude or partially purified/clarified ferments. Such fermentation products have favorable organoleptic profiles, which contribute positively to the taste and flavour characteristics of food products to which they are added. Moreover, such fermentation products will provide additional benefits with regard to labeling and regulatory aspects. Fermentation products, in accordance with the invention are obtainable by fermentation of a fermentable substrate with a suitable microorganism, in this case a lactic acid and/or propionic acid producing microorganism, resulting in a composition typically comprising, besides the lactic acid or propionic acid component, traces of the fermentable substrate, other substances produced by the microorganism, and traces of the microorganism itself, e.g. cellular debris and/or cellular components. The lactic acid and/or propionic acid producing micro-organisms may also produce other preservative compounds such as nisin or other bacteriocins, acetic acid, succinic acid, etc. As such, a liquid fermentation product is distinguishable from e.g. highly purified products. The term however does not exclude products which have been subjected to some form of purification/clarification and/or concentration.

[0025] In one embodiment, the fermentation product is the crude product obtainable by fermentation of a fermentable substrate with a lactic acid or propionic acid producing microorganism followed by separating supernatant from (wet) biomass and other solid particles.

[0026] In one embodiment, the fermentation product is the supernatant obtainable by fermentation of a fermentable substrate with a lactic acid or propionic acid producing microorganism followed by separating supernatant from (wet) biomass and other solid particles.

[0027] In one embodiment of the invention, the fermentation product is a concentrated supernatant obtainable by fermentation of a fermentable substrate with a lactic acid or propionic acid producing microorganism followed by separating supernatant from (wet) biomass and other solid particles and concentrating the supernatant.

[0028] In one embodiment of the invention the fermentation product is a partially purified and optionally concentrated supernatant obtainable by fermentation of a fermentable substrate with a lactic acid or propionic acid producing microorganism followed by separation of supernatant from (wet) biomass and other solid particles, purification of the supernatant and, optionally, concentration of the supernatant, with the proviso that the purification does not result in a level of the lactate component or propionate component of more than 97 wt. % on a dry solids weight basis, preferably it does not result in a level of the lactate component or propionate component of more than 96 wt. % on a dry solids weight basis, most preferably it does not result in a level of the lactate component or propionate component of more than 95 wt. % on a dry solids weight basis.

[0029] As will be clear to those skilled in the art, the fermentation product comprises other dispersed or dissolved solids besides the lactate or propionate component. Typical examples of such other dispersed or dissolved solids include sugars, such as lactose, glucose and sucrose; other organic acids and/or salts thereof, such as citric acid, pyruvic acid, malic acid, succinic acid, formic acid and acetic acid; nitrogen containing substances, such as amino acids, peptides and proteins; nucleic acid components such as DNA and RNA fragments, nucleotides and nucleosides; cell membrane phospholipids; vitamins; trace elements; and pigments. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the liquid fermentation product comprises at least one, at least two, at least three, at least four or at least five components selected from the group consisting of lactose, glucose, sucrose, citric acid and salts thereof, pyruvic acid and salts thereof, malic acid and salts thereof, succinic acid and salts thereof, formic acid and salts thereof, acetic acid and salts thereof, amino acids, peptides and proteins. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the liquid fermentation product comprises at least 0.5 wt. % on a dry solids weight basis, preferably at least 1 wt. %, more preferably at least 2 wt. % of one or more components selected from the group consisting of lactose, glucose, sucrose, citric acid and salts thereof, pyruvic acid and salts thereof, malic acid and salts thereof, succinic acid and salts thereof, formic acid and salts thereof, acetic acid and salts thereof, amino acids, peptides and proteins.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment the meat treatment composition also comprises (iii) a thickening agent. The thickener increases the viscosity resulting in longer residence of the spray on the meat surface as gravity acts upon the liquid causing it to run-off the meat. In accordance with the invention, the thickening agent can be any material effective in providing gelling, viscosifying, or thickening properties or which otherwise provide structure to aqueous compositions. These thickening agents may include gelling agents, polymeric or nonpolymeric agents, inorganic thickening agents, or viscosifying agents. The thickening agents may include organic solids, silicone solids, crystalline or other gellants, inorganic particulates such as clays or silicas, or combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of suitable gelling agents include fatty acid gellants, salts of fatty acids, hydroxyl acids, hydroxyl acid gellants, esters and amides of fatty acid or hydroxyl fatty acid gellants, cholesterolic materials, dibenzylidene alditols, lanolinolic materials, fatty alcohols, triglycerides, sucrose esters such as SEFA behenate, inorganic materials such as clays or silicas, other amide or polyamide gellants, and mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred thickening agents are selected from the group consisting of natural polymers and derivatives of natural polymers, such as natural gums, cellulose, cellulose derivatives, pectins, gelatins, carrageenan, alginates, dextran, starch, chitosan, etc. Particularly preferred thickening agents in accordance with the invention include hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and polysaccharides produced by micro-organsims, such as xanthan gum, carrageenan and alginates. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the thickening agent is xanthan gum.

[0031] In an embodiment of the invention, a meat treatment composition as defined herein is provided, wherein the organic acid and the nonionic surfactant are present in a weight ratio within the range of 300/1-10/1, preferably in a weight ratio within the range of 250/1-20/1, more preferably in a weight ratio within the range of 200/1-40/1.

[0032] In a further embodiment of the invention, a meat treatment composition as defined herein is provided, wherein the organic acid and the thickening agent are present in a weight ratio within the range of 200/1-20/1, preferably in a weight ratio within the range of 150/1-40/1, more preferably in a weight ratio within the range of 100/1-50/1.

[0033] A preferred embodiment of the invention concerns a meat treatment composition as defined herein before containing (i) the nonionic surfactant, (ii) an acid component, preferably in the form of a fermentation product and, optionally, (iii) a thickening agent. As will be understood, such a meat treatment composition typically is the product obtained by mixing the nonionic surfactant, the acid component, preferably a fermentation product containing the acid component and optionally a thickening agent. In certain embodiments of the invention the meat treatment composition further comprises a carrier system, comprising one or more solid or liquid carrier materials and optionally one or more additives.

[0034] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, a liquid meat treatment composition is provided comprising a solution or dispersion of the above defined components in a liquid carrier, preferably water. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention a liquid meat treatment composition is produced by combining the above defined components with water or an aqueous solvent and optional further additives. Such liquid meat treatment compositions are suitable for direct application, although embodiments are envisaged wherein such compositions are further diluted before applying them.

[0035] In an embodiment of the invention, a meat treatment composition as defined herein is provided, wherein the composition is formulated as a concentrate. The concentrate typically comprises the non-ionic surfactant, the organic acid component and optionally the thickening agent in combination with water. Such concentrates are typically intended for dilution with water before use. Such concentrated slurries will typically comprise the non-ionic surfactant, the organic acid component and, optionally, the thickening agent in a combined amount of at least 20 wt. %, based on the total weight of the concentrated slurry, more preferably in a combined amount of at least 40 wt. %, most preferably in a combined amount of at least 50 wt. %. In certain embodiments of the invention, the meat treatment composition is provided as a concentrate comprising the nonionic surfactant at a level of 0.2-2.5 wt. %, more preferably 0.25-2.0 wt. %, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In certain embodiments of the invention the meat treatment composition is provided as a concentrate comprising the organic acid component at a level of 20-95 wt. %, more preferably 40-90 wt. %, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In certain embodiments of the invention, the meat treatment composition is provided as a concentrate comprising the thickening agent at a level of 0.2-2.5 wt. %, more preferably 0.25-2.0 wt. %, based on the total weight of the concentrate.

[0036] In an embodiment of the invention, a meat treatment composition as defined herein is provided, wherein the composition is formulated as a ready-to-use liquid. This liquid typically comprises the non-ionic surfactant, the organic acid component and optionally the thickening agent in combination with water. Such liquids will typically comprise the non-ionic surfactant, the organic acid component and the optional thickening agent in a combined amount of at least 0.5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the liquid, preferably in a combined amount of 1-20 wt. %, more preferably in a combined amount of 1.5-10 wt. %, most preferably in a combined amount of 2.5-7.5 wt. %. In an embodiment of the invention, this ready-to-use liquid comprises the nonionic surfactant in an amount within the range of 0.01-0.5 wt. %, preferably in an amount within the range of 0.02-0.25 wt. %, most preferably in an amount within the range of 0.05-0.1 wt. %, based on the total weight of the liquid. In an embodiment of the invention, the ready-to use liquid comprises the organic acid component in an amount within the range of 1-20 wt. % more preferably in an amount within the range of 1.5-10 wt. %, most preferably in an amount within the range of 2.5-7.5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the liquid. In an embodiment of the invention, this ready-to-use liquid comprises the thickening agent in an amount within the range of 0.01-0.5 wt. %, preferably in an amount within the range of 0.02-0.25 wt. %, most preferably in an amount within the range of 0.05-0.1 wt. %, based on the total weight of the liquid.

[0037] In an embodiment of the invention, the ready-to-use liquid has a pH value of less than 6, preferably a pH value within the range of 1.5-5, more preferably within the range of 2-4.

[0038] In accordance with an embodiment of this invention, the meat treatment composition as defined herein further comprises (iv) an agent that stabilizes the concentrate and/or ready-to-use liquid. Especially with a view to storage stability of the concentrate forms of the present meat treatment compositions, the addition of a (iv) dispersing agent that is capable of keeping all the components (homogenously) dispersed in the acid, may be advantageous. In an embodiment of the invention the meat treatment composition comprises (iv) a dispersing agent selected from the group consisting of glycerin fatty acid esters (monoglycerides), acetic acid esters of monoglycerides, lactic acid esters of monoglycerides, citric acid esters of monoglycerides, succinic acid esters of monoglycerides, diacetyl tartaric acid esters of monoglycerides, polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, polyglycerol polyricinoleate, sorbitan esters of fatty acids, propylene glycol esters of fatty acids, sucrose esters of fatty acids, calcium stearoyl di lactate and lecithin (including enzyme digested/treated lecithins). In certain embodiments of the invention the meat treatment composition is provided as a concentrate comprising the dispersing agent at a level of 0.2-2.5 wt. %, more preferably 0.25-2.0 wt. %, based on the total weight of the concentrate. In certain embodiments of the invention the meat treatment composition is provided as a ready-to-use liquid comprising the dispersing agent in an amount within the range of 0.01-0.5 wt. %, preferably in an amount within the range of 0.02-0.25 wt. %, most preferably in an amount within the range of 0.05-0.1 wt. %, based on the total weight of the liquid

[0039] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the meat treatment composition does not contain substantial amounts of components other than (i) the nonionic surfactant, (ii) the acid component, (iii) the optional thickening agent, and carrier materials such as water. In an embodiment of the invention the meat treatment composition essentially consists of the combination of (i) the nonionic surfactant, (ii) the acid component, (iii) the optional thickening agent and optional carrier materials. In an embodiment of the invention, the meat treatment composition is substantially free of other preservative agents. In an embodiment of the invention, the meat treatment composition is entirely free of other preservative agents. In an embodiment of the invention, the meat treatment composition comprises less than 10 ppm, less than 1 ppm or less than 0.1 ppm of antimicrobial metal ions selected from silver ions, copper ions and zinc ions. In an embodiment of the invention, the meat treatment composition is substantially free of antimicrobial metal ions selected from silver ions, copper ions and zinc ions. In an embodiment of the invention, the meat treatment composition is entirely free of antimicrobial metal ions selected from silver ions, copper ions and zinc ions.

[0040] It is envisaged that compositions according to the present invention can also suitably be provided in a kit-of-parts wherein one or more of (i) the nonionic surfactant, (ii) the acid component and (iii) the optional thickening agent is packaged separately from the other.

[0041] Hence, in an embodiment of this invention, a kit of parts is provided comprising two or more separate containers, wherein a first container holds a quantity of (ii) the organic acid component, typically as a liquid, optionally in combination with a quantity of one of (i) the non-ionic surfactant and (iii) the thickening agent and wherein a second container holds a quantity of one or both of the (i) the non-ionic surfactant and (iii) the thickening agent. In an embodiment of this invention, a kit of parts is provided comprising two or more separate containers wherein a first container holds a quantity of (i) the non-ionic surfactant and a second container holds a quantity of (ii) the organic acid component and optionally (iii) the thickening agent. In an embodiment of this invention, a kit of parts is provided comprising two or more separate containers wherein a first container holds a quantity of (i) the non-ionic surfactant and (ii) the organic acid component and a second container holds a quantity of (iii) the thickening agent. In an embodiment of this invention, a kit of parts is provided comprising at least three containers, wherein a first container holds a quantity of (i) the non-ionic surfactant, a second container holds a quantity of (ii) the organic acid component, and a third container holds a quantity of the thickening agent.

[0042] The compositions held in the various containers may be in liquid or dry form, depending on, amongst others, the suitability of the respective component or mixture of components to be dried, stored in dry form and/or to be re-dispersed for use, as the person skilled in the art can readily determine. If components or mixtures of components are provided in liquid form, e.g. in the form of an aqueous dispersion of solution, they will typically be at concentrations that allow for the production of a ready-to-use liquid as defined herein before by simple mixing of the components, i.e. without having to remove water or any other solvent. In preferred embodiments of the invention, components or mixtures of components provided in liquid form, will preferably take the form of a concentrate so that use of the kit-of-parts will entail the combining of the components held in the various containers and the addition of a quantity of (tap) water.

[0043] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the kit of parts further comprises a label or leaflet with instructions for use, said use comprising combining the components held in the containers included in the kit-of-parts, optionally adding a quantity of (tap) water, and applying the liquid accordingly obtained to an animal meat surface that is to be treated in accordance with the invention.

[0044] A further aspect of the invention concerns a method of treating a meat product, said method comprising contacting the meat product with (i) a nonionic surfactant, as defined herein before and (ii) organic acid. In a preferred embodiment a method of treating a meat product is provided, said method comprising contacting the meat product, in particular a surface thereof, with the meat treatment composition as described herein before.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the method of treating a meat product described herein comprises contacting the meat product with the meat treatment composition as described herein, by spraying, dipping or submersion. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the method of treating a meat product described herein comprises contacting the meat product with the meat treatment composition as described herein, wherein the meat treatment composition has a temperature of 0-80 C., preferably 10-60 C., most preferably 20-55 C.

[0046] In certain embodiments of the invention, it is preferred that following application of the meat treatment composition to the surface of the meat product, said surface is subjected to treatment resulting in complete or partial removal of the preservative components from the surface of the meat product. Hence, in another embodiment of the invention, the method of treating a meat product comprises the consecutive steps of:

(a) contacting the meat product, in particular a surface thereof, with water, typically with water having a temperature within the range of 0-80 C., preferably 10-60 C., most preferably 20-55 C.;
(b) contacting the meat product, in particular said surface thereof, with the meat treatment composition of the present invention, wherein the meat treatment composition preferably has a temperature of 0-80 C., preferably 10-60 C., most preferably 20-55 C.;
(c) rinsing the meat product, in particular said surface thereof, with water.

[0047] In accordance with the invention, the meat product typically is at a temperature of 40-70 C., preferably 20-60 C., most preferably 0-45 C., when the meat treatment is carried out.

[0048] As discussed herein, this treatment is effective to induce a bacteriocidal effect in respect of species of bacteria that can contaminate the meat in the slaughtering process. In accordance with the invention, the bacteriocidal effect preferably refers to the killing of bacteria on a meat surface and/or to reduce the number of (viable) bacteria on a meat surface.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the invention the bacteriocidal effect is in respect of pathogenic species of bacteria. In another preferred embodiment of the invention the bacteriocidal effect is in respect of spore-forming species of bacteria. In another preferred embodiment the bacteriocidal effect is in respect of one or more species of bacteria selected from the group of mesophilic bacteria, psychrotrophic bacteria and psychrophilic bacteria. In another preferred embodiment of the invention the bacteriocidal effect is in respect of aerobic species of bacteria. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the bacteriocidal effect is in respect of one or more species of bacteria selected from the group consisting of Enterobacteriaceae, lactic acid bacteria, Clostridium spp., Salmonella spp., Listeria spp., Bacillus spp., Staphylococcus spp., E. coli, Streptococcus spp, Lactobacillus spp, Balantidium coli, Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejune, Francisella tularensis, Sarcocystis, Taenia saginata, Taenia solium, Toxoplasma gondil, Trichinella spiralis, Yersinia enterocolinea, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, Brucella, Chlamydia petechia and Leptospira, in particular from Escherichia coli, Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium perfringens, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes and/or Bacillus cereus. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the bacteriocidal effect is in respect of one or more species of bacteria selected from the group consisting of Escherichia coli, especially Shiga toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC), such as O157:H7, O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145.

[0050] Hence, in an embodiment, the method of the present invention is performed with the aim of reducing microbial counts on an animal meat surface.

[0051] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the meat treatment compositions are applied at an amount sufficient to achieve the above described bacteriocidal effects. In the context of the present invention, a treatment is considered bacteriocidal if an effect can be shown in direct comparison with a suitable control, typically an otherwise similar meat product that has not undergone the treatment of the present invention.

[0052] In one preferred embodiment the method comprises applying the meat treatment composition in a quantity (expressed as volume of the composition per area of meat surface) within the range of 0.001-50 ml/cm.sup.2, preferably 0.005-5 ml/cm.sup.2, more preferably 0.01-1 ml/cm.sup.2.

[0053] In one preferred embodiment the method comprises applying the non-ionic surfactant at a level (expressed in grams of the composition per area of meat surface) within the range of 0.005-250 g/m.sup.2, preferably within the range of 0.01-50 g/m.sup.2, preferably within the range of 0.025-10 g/m.sup.2, preferably within the range of 0.05-5 g/m.sup.2.

[0054] In one preferred embodiment the method comprises applying the organic acid component, as defined herein before, at a level within the range of 0.1-25000 g/m.sup.2, preferably 0.5-5000 g/m.sup.2, more preferably 1-1000 g/m.sup.2.

[0055] In one preferred embodiment the method comprises applying the thickener at a level within the range of 0.005-250 g/m.sup.2, preferably within the range of 0.01-50 g/m.sup.2, preferably within the range of 0.025-10 g/m.sup.2, preferably within the range of 0.05-5 g/m.sup.2.

[0056] As noted herein before, the meat treatment composition is particularly suited, and intended, for application in surface treatment of meat.

[0057] Historically, the term meat has typically been used to refer to the muscular flesh of animal species living on land, i.e. to the exclusion of aquatic and avian animal species. The term is often considered to additionally refer to other edible tissues, such as offal, of said animal species. In more recent times, the term meat is more casually used in the sense of animal species in general, i.e. as including also avian and aquatic species. For ease of reference, in the context of this invention, the edible parts of (land) animals, fish, poultry crustaceans and shellfish are all referred to as (animal) meat. This means that, for example, the term poultry meat refers to the edible tissue of poultry and, as such, these terms can be interchanged without changing the scope of the invention in any way. The term fish meat similarly refers to (and is interchangeable with) the edible tissue of fish, etc. Hence, in accordance with the invention, the meat can be obtained from any species generally used in the food industry, including livestock species such as cattle (beef), pigs (porc), sheep/lamb, deer, etc.; avian species such as chicken, turkey, etc.; and aquatic species such as salmon, catfish, trout, flounder, haddock, cod, mackerel, tuna, swordfish, shark, etc.

[0058] In the art, a distinction is usually made between processed and non-processed meat products. The term processed meat typically is used to refer to meat products, the preparation of which involves processing steps in addition to merely skinning the carcass, dismembering the carcass and/or boning of the meat. Processed meat and poultry products are a very broad category of many different types of products all defined by having undergone at least one further processing or preparation step such as grinding, adding an ingredient, subjecting to heat-treatment, smoking, fermenting, drying, etc. Such treatment significantly change the appearance, texture and/or taste of the meat. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the meat product (to be) treated with the meat treatment compositions of the invention is a fresh or non-processed meat product, preferably a fresh or non-processed meat product selected from the group consisting of (skinned) animal carcasses, animal carcass parts and fresh or raw meat cuttings or trimmings, such as the primal cuts or the subprimal cuts. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the meat product (to be) treated with the meat treatment compositions of the invention is a (skinned) animal carcasses and animal carcass parts.

[0059] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, (muscle) meat surfaces can typically be categorized as either fat side, containing appreciable quantities of adipose tissue, or lean surface, which is substantially free of adipose tissue, depending on where from the carcass it originates. Although the present inventors have established that the meat treatment compositions can advantageously be used for the treatment of either surface, the effectiveness may differ depending on the type of surface, due to the presence or absence of adipose tissue and the way the preservative components interact with the tissues. Hence, embodiments are envisaged where the methods of the invention comprise the treatment of the lean side or lean surface of a meat product as defined herein. Alternatively, embodiments are envisaged where the methods of the invention comprise the treatment of the fat side or fat surface of a meat product as defined herein.

[0060] An aspect of the invention is directed to the meat products obtainable by the methods of this invention. The meat products benefit from the treatment with the meat treatment compositions as defined herein, in that it reduces the counts of potentially pathogenic bacteria on the surface thereof, aiding to food-safety and shelf-life of the meat product.

[0061] Another aspect of the invention concerns the use of the combination of the nonionic surfactant, organic acid and other optional components, preferably in the form of the meat treatment compositions as defined herein, for reducing bacteria counts on the surface of a meat product.

[0062] Another aspect of the invention concerns the use of the combination of the nonionic surfactant of the invention, organic acid, and other optional components, preferably in the form of the meat treatment compositions as defined herein, for use as a meat surface treatment agent and/or for use in surface treatment in meat processing.

[0063] In a preferred aspect the bacteriocidal effects are in respect of bacteria known to contaminate meat surfaces during the slaughtering of animals and/or the skinning and deboning of animal carcasses, as defined herein elsewhere. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the bacteriocidal effect is in respect of at least two, most preferably at least three of the species of bacteria defined herein.

[0064] The details and preferred embodiments of these aspects of the invention will be readily understood by those skilled in the art based on the foregoing detailed descriptions of the meat treatment composition.

[0065] Thus, the invention has been described by reference to certain embodiments discussed above. It will be recognized that these embodiments are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms well known to those of skill in the art.

[0066] Many modifications in addition to those described above may be made to the structures and techniques described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, although specific embodiments have been described, these are examples only and are not limiting upon the scope of the invention.

[0067] Furthermore, for a proper understanding of this document and in its claims, it is to be understood that the verb to comprise and its conjugations is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. In addition, reference to an element by the indefinite article a or an does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements. The indefinite article a or an thus usually means at least one.

[0068] All patent and literature references cited in the present specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0069] The following examples are offered for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way.

EXAMPLE

[0070] Experimental setup

[0071] Antimicrobial efficacy of different compositions according to the inventions and disclosures described herein has been tested in the form of a ready to use solution and compared to the antimicrobial performance of a 5% lactic acid solution. Water treatment was used as a control. Experiments were done on 0.7 kg cuts of beef brisket sub-primal. Each brisket has two sides: a fat side with adipose tissue and a lean side with no adipose tissue. Each piece was trimmed for any surface fat from the lean side to get a uniform fat and lean side.

[0072] All brisket pieces were kept at 55 C. for approximately 3 hours until a 34-37 C. surface temperature is reached, in order to reflect freshly slaughtered hot carcass surface. All brisket subprimals were spray inoculated with a 7-strain (O157:H7, O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145) rifampicin-resistant Shiga toxin producing E. coli (STEC) cocktail on each side independently (fat and lean side) and allowed to attach for 30 min. at 37 C. to reach approximately 5-6 log CFU/cm.sup.2 counts (analyzed for each sample). At this point, a 42.45 cm.sup.2 sample was taken from the lean and fat side, later referred to as post-inoculation sample, and processed as described below.

[0073] Subsequently, the antimicrobial treatment or control was sprayed onto each of the two sides (fat and lean) of the brisket sub-primal surface with uniform application of treatment volume per side, applying 7 mL per side of the brisket subprimal. After 10 min contact time, a 42.45 cm.sup.2 sample was taken from the lean and fat side, later referred to as post-treatment spray sample, and processed as described below.

[0074] Subsequently, each the beef brisket sub-primal was vacuum packaged and stored for 24-hours at 4 C. At this point, a 42.45 cm.sup.2 sample was taken from the lean and fat side, later referred to as post-24 h chill sample, and processed as described below.

[0075] Two experiments were performed. In each experiment, a set of formulations according to the invention and disclosures described herein, in the form of ready to use solutions, one 5% lactic acid solution and one water control were tested.

Sample Processing

[0076] Immediately after sampling, the sample is combined in a stomacher bag with 75 ml 0.1% D/E (Dey/Engley) neutralizing broth (to inactivate any residual activity of antimicrobial treatments) and stomached for 1 min. Samples were serially diluted using 0.1% peptone water and plated onto tryptic soy agar (TSA) supplemented with 0.1 g/L rifampicin.

Results

[0077] The antimicrobial performance results are represented as Log CFU/cm.sup.2 in terms of log reductions, as compared to the post-inoculation sample. Values>0 indicate a reduction in the bacterial counts, and thus an increase in antimicrobial performance. Values<0 indicate an increase in the bacterial counts, and thus a decrease in antimicrobial performance.

[0078] Performance over benchmark is calculated as <formulation performance><benchmark performance>. Values>0 indicate an increase in antimicrobial performance of the formulation compared to the benchmark. Values<0 indicate a decrease in antimicrobial performance of the formulation compared to the benchmark.

[0079] The results are summarized in tables 1 and 2 below. As will be obvious from the data presented in this table, the formulations according to the invention provide improved antimicrobial performance compared to a 5% lactic acid benchmark. More in particular, the 5% lactic acid, 0.05% tea saponin solution according to the invention provides improved lean and fat side antimicrobial activity for both the post-treatment spray sample as the post-24 h chill sample compared to the benchmark.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Post- Post-24 h treatment chill spray sample- sample- Post- Post-24 h performance performance treatment chill over over spray sample sample benchmark benchmark Log Lean Fat Lean Fat Lean Fat Lean Fat CFU/cm.sup.2 Side Side Side Side Side Side Side Side Deionized 0.27 0.26 0.11 1.21 water (Control) 5% lactic 1.08 2.11 0.08 1.25 acid (Benchmark) 5% lactic 1.28 3.37 1.29 5.46 0.20 1.26 1.37 4.21 acid 0.05% Tea saponin

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Post- Post-24 h treatment chill Post- spray sample- sample- treatment Post-24 h performance performance spray chill over over sample sample benchmark benchmark Log Lean Fat Lean Fat Lean Fat Lean Fat CFU/cm.sup.2 Side Side Side Side Side Side Side Side Deionized 0.86 0.00 0.81 0.36 water (Control) 5% lactic 0.38 0.44 0.34 1.60 acid (Benchmark) 5% lactic 0.78 1.85 0.98 1.52 0.40 1.40 0.65 0.08 acid 0.05% Tea saponin 0.05% Xanthan gum 5% lactic 0.28 0.52 0.37 0.77 0.10 0.08 0.03 0.83 acid 0.05% tea saponin 0.03% xanthan gum