Performance metrics for Slaughter and Dressing Hygiene at Australian Beef Export Establishments

What is it about?

The hygiene of beef carcasses at the end of the slaughter and dressing process is critical to the safety of beef, when consumed without thorough heat treatment. This survey, conducted in Australia, looks at the contamination that is found on the carcass soon after the hide is removed, and again after dressing and any antimicrobial treatments have been applied. The results show that the level of contamination on carcasses due to the hide removal process is low. Subsequently, the level of contamination is significantly reduced, but since initial levels of contamination are low, the differences are not large. If specifications were to be set for the performance of the slaughter and dressing process, the specification should be on the end product (carcass ready for chilling) rather than specifying the process (ability to reduce contamination).

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