V.MFS.0451 - Alternate time/temperatures for the sanitation of knives
| Project start date: | 15 August 2020 |
| Project end date: | 30 December 2025 |
| Publication date: | 05 June 2024 |
| Project status: | Completed |
| Livestock species: | Grain-fed Cattle, Grass-fed Cattle, Sheep, Goat, Lamb |
| Relevant regions: | National |
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Summary
Traditionally knives and other items of equipment that contact carcases prior to inspection are first rinsed to remove gross contamination and then immersed briefly in 82°C (180°F) water. This process is carried out in knife ‘sterilisers’ distributed along the slaughter chain. It is generally acknowledged that the term ‘steriliser’ is misleading, and that sanitiser is a more appropriate term.
Sanitising of knives is carried out between carcases to help prevent cross-contamination between potentially diseased carcases and trailing carcases. The origin for use of 82°C water appears to be the US where in the 1950s the USDA determined that dipping carcase-splitting saws in 82°C water killed sufficient numbers of microorganisms to satisfy regulatory requirements.
However, what constitutes a satisfactory reduction in microorganisms has not been articulated. Further, it is well understood that the effectiveness of thermal interventions is dependent on both the temperature of treatment and the exposure time. The time of emersion in 82°C water necessary to achieve the desired food safety outcome has never been reported. This report summarises published studies on knife sanitation in meat establishments and proposes alternate time/temperatures that provide an equivalent outcome to traditional practices.
Benefits to industry
A critical review of published peer reviewed papers on knife sanitation using both traditional and alternate regimes was undertaken. Based on the results of this review recommendations are made for the use of alternate time/temperatures for the sanitation of knives in Australian slaughterhouses.
More information
| Project manager: | Angelica Pickup |
| Contact email: | reports@mla.com.au |
| Primary researcher: | Vanderlinde Consulting Pty Ltd |
