Processing Plants (processing + plant)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


An efficient nonlinear programming strategy for PCA models with incomplete data sets

JOURNAL OF CHEMOMETRICS, Issue 6 2010
Rodrigo López-Negrete de la Fuente
Abstract Processing plants can produce large amounts of data that process engineers use for analysis, monitoring, or control. Principal component analysis (PCA) is well suited to analyze large amounts of (possibly) correlated data, and for reducing the dimensionality of the variable space. Failing online sensors, lost historical data, or missing experiments can lead to data sets that have missing values where the current methods for obtaining the PCA model parameters may give questionable results due to the properties of the estimated parameters. This paper proposes a method based on nonlinear programming (NLP) techniques to obtain the parameters of PCA models in the presence of incomplete data sets. We show the relationship that exists between the nonlinear iterative partial least squares (NIPALS) algorithm and the optimality conditions of the squared residuals minimization problem, and how this leads to the modified NIPALS used for the missing value problem. Moreover, we compare the current NIPALS-based methods with the proposed NLP with a simulation example and an industrial case study, and show how the latter is better suited when there are large amounts of missing values. The solutions obtained with the NLP and the iterative algorithm (IA) are very similar. However when using the NLP-based method, the loadings and scores are guaranteed to be orthogonal, and the scores will have zero mean. The latter is emphasized in the industrial case study. Also, with the industrial data used here we are able to show that the models obtained with the NLP were easier to interpret. Moreover, when using the NLP many fewer iterations were required to obtain them. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Incidence and sources of Listeria monocytogenes in a traditional hot-smoked rainbow trout processing plant in Turkey,

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 11 2007
Duygu K
Summary In recent years, microbial fish safety is getting a close attention from regulatory agencies and consumers. Therefore, fish farm raising rainbow trout and affiliated slaughterhouse and smoking plants were evaluated for the occurrence of Listeria monocytogenes. Samples including raw fish, swabbings of equipment or other surfaces, as well as processing water, salt, fish feed and fish samples taken after various stages of processing were collected from thirty different locations in the plant. For the detection of L. monocytogenes, both conventional and Listeria Rapid Test (LRT) were used. L. monocytogenes was detected in thirty out of sixty samples (50%) by LRT, while it was detected in thirty-four out of sixty samples (57%) by conventional method. No L. monocytogenes was detected from raw fish, smoked fish (before handling) and processing water, but it was detected in all environmental samples including swabbings of equipment or other surfaces and smoked fish samples after filleting. [source]


Characterization of antimicrobial susceptibility and virulence genes of Salmonella serovars collected at a commercial turkey processing plant

JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2008
C.W. Nde
Abstract Aims:, To determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, distribution of class 1 integrons, virulence genes and genes encoding resistance to tetracycline (tetA, tetC, tetD and tetE) and streptomycin (strA, strB and aadA1) in Salmonella recovered from turkeys. Methods and Results:, The antimicrobial susceptibility of 80 isolates was determined using National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System. The distribution of resistance genes, class 1 integrons and virulence genes was determined using PCR. Resistances to tetracycline (76·3%) and streptomycin (40%) were common. Sixty-two (77·5%) isolates displayed resistance against one or more antimicrobials and 33 were multi-drug resistant. tetA was detected in 72·5% of the isolates, while tetC, tetD and tetE were not detected. The strA and strB genes were detected in 73·8% of the isolates. Two isolates possessed class 1 integrons of 1 kb in size, containing the aadA1 gene conferring resistance to streptomycin and spectinomycin. Fourteen of the virulence genes were detected in over 80% of the isolates. Conclusions:, This study shows that continuous use of tetracycline and streptomycin in poultry production selects for resistant strains. The Salmonella isolates recovered possess significant ability to cause human illness. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Information from this study can be employed in guiding future strategies for the use of antimicrobials in poultry production. [source]


Electrolytic removal of ammonia from brine wastewater: scale-up, operation and pilot-scale evaluation

JOURNAL OF CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY & BIOTECHNOLOGY, Issue 3 2004
Catalino G Alfafara
Abstract Brine wastewater with a high ammonia content from an iodine processing plant (commonly called kansui in Japan) was treated by electrolysis. The system, which can be considered as an indirect electrolytic treatment process, generates chlorine at the anodes and initiates the formation of mixed oxidants like hypochlorous acid. The oxidants then act as agents for ammonia destruction. Laboratory-scale experiments showed that high ammonia concentrations (as much as 200 mg dm,3) could be completely removed within a few minutes, and could be considered a good alternative for efficient ammonia removal from saline wastewaters. From laboratory-scale experiments in the batch and continuous modes, the charge dose was analyzed and used as the operating and scale-up factor. The value of the charge dose was not severely affected by changes in operating conditions such as electrode spacing and temperature. The charge dose from batch and continuous runs was found to be in the range of 23 C (mg NH4 -N removed),1 to 29 C (mg NH4 -N removed),1. Using the charge dose obtained from laboratory-scale continuous electrolysis experiments as the scale-up factor, a pilot-scale reactor was designed, and the operating conditions were calculated. In the pilot-scale reactor tests at different flow rates, the effluent ammonia concentrations were reasonably close to the calculated values predicted from the charge dose equation. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


REDUCTIONS OF ESCHERICHIA COLI, COLIFORMS, AEROBIC PLATE COUNTS AND CAMPYLOBACTER JEJUNI BY A SMALL-SCALE, HIGH-PRESSURE SYSTEM DEVISED TO CLEAN A MINIATURIZED POULTRY GIBLETS TRANSPORT SYSTEM

JOURNAL OF FOOD SAFETY, Issue 4 2009
OMAR A. OYARZABAL
ABSTRACT The efficacy of using direct high-pressure hot water (60C, 140F) and a quaternary ammonium compound to clean the inside of stainless steel pipe used to transport chicken giblets was evaluated. The giblets were collected from a commercial processing plant and were inoculated with Campylobacter jejuni. The cleaning system was effective in reducing the numbers of inoculated C. jejuni and naturally occurring mesotrophic bacteria (aerobic plate counts) on the inside surface of the stainless steel pipe used to transport the giblets. However, the decreases in naturally occurring Escherichia coli and coliforms were not significant. These results suggest that additional improvements are needed to better disinfect the piping system used to transport giblets to reduce the potential for cross-contamination with C. jejuni and E. coli. The devised cleaning system could be optimized to reduce the use of chemical agents, the cleaning time and the cost of cleaning pipes in poultry processing facilities. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS These experiments suggest that the traditional use of hot water and quaternary ammonium compounds to clean the inside of the piping system used to transport chicken giblets may not be sufficient to reduce the contamination with Campylobacter jejuni and mesotrophic bacteria (aerobic plate count). Poultry processors should be aware of the limitations of cleaning closed piping systems and develop and test high-pressure systems to thoroughly clean the pipes used to transport giblets after processing to avoid potential sources of cross-contamination with C. jejuni and mesotrophic bacteria. [source]


Mathematically Assessing the Consequences of Food Terrorism Scenarios

JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE, Issue 7 2008
Y. Liu
ABSTRACT:, We derive mathematical expressions for the mean number of casualties resulting from a deliberate release of a biological or chemical agent into a food supply chain. Our analysis first computes the amount of contaminated food as a function of the network topology and vessel sizes in the food processing plant. A probabilistic analysis, in which each potential consumer of contaminated food has his own random purchase time, infectious dose, and incubation period, determines the number of people who consume enough tainted food to get infected or poisoned before the attack is detected and food consumption is halted. These simple formulas can be used by the U.S. government and the food industry to develop a rough-cut prioritization of the threats from food terrorism, which would be a 1st step toward the allocation of appropriate prevention and mitigation resources. [source]


Influence of the season on the relationships between NMR transverse relaxation data and water-holding capacity of turkey breast meat

JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 12 2004
Maurizio Bianchi
Abstract In the last few years the poultry industry has seen a significant deterioration in meat quality properties during the summer season. The objective of this study was to evaluate the seasonal effect (summer and winter) on turkey meat quality assessed by both conventional and low-resolution nuclear magnetic resonance (LR-NMR) analysis. Eighty-eight breast muscle samples (35 winter and 53 summer) from BUT-Big 6 turkeys belonging to 16 different flocks, were randomly collected from a commercial processing plant. The samples were analysed for transverse relaxation times (T2) by LR-NMR and for initial pH (15 min post mortem), ultimate pH (24 h post mortem) and pH after cooking, temperature at 15 min post mortem, water-holding capacity (WHC, drip loss, filter paper press wetness and cooking loss) at 24 h post mortem, colour of raw and cooked meat and chemical composition (moisture, lipids and proteins). The results indicate that, during the summer season, turkey breast meat undergoes a relevant WHC decrease. Cluster analysis of the raw LR-NMR data evidenced the presence of two groups corresponding to samples harvested in each different season. Correlations between the LR-NMR signal and the conventional parameters measuring WHC were obtained by a recently proposed type of principal component regression (PCR) termed relative standard deviation PCR. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry [source]


Comprehensive Review of Campylobacter and Poultry Processing

COMPREHENSIVE REVIEWS IN FOOD SCIENCE AND FOOD SAFETY, Issue 2 2004
K.M. Keener
ABSTRACT Campylobacter has been recognized as a leading bacterial cause of human gastroenteritis in the United States, with 40000 documented cases annually. Epidemiological data suggest that contaminated products of animal origin, especially poultry, contribute significantly to campylobacteriosis. Thus, reduction of contamination of raw poultry would have a large impact in reducing incidence of illness. Contamination occurs both on the farm and in poultry slaughter plants. Routine procedures on the farm such as feed withdrawal, poultry handling, and transportation practices have a documented effect on Campylobacter levels at the processing plant. At the plant, defeathering, evisceration, and carcass chillers have been documented to cross-contaminate poultry carcasses. Carcass washings and the application of processing aids have been shown to reduce populations of Campylobacter in the carcasses by log10 0.5 log10 1.5; however, populations of Campylobacter have been shown to enter a poultry processing plant at levels between log10 5 colony-forming units (CFU)/mL and log10 8 CFU/mL of carcass rinse. The purpose of this article is to review Campylobacter, the infection that it causes, its association with poultry, contamination sources during processing, and intervention methods. [source]


Milk yields, physico-chemical properties and composition of milk from indigenous Malawi goats and their Saanen half-breds

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSUMER STUDIES, Issue 3 2003
P.P. Mumba
Abstract A study to compare milk yield, some physico-chemical properties and the chemical composition of milk from 23 indigenous Malawi goats and 10 Malawi local × Saanen crosses was carried out from January to March 2000. The results showed that the average milk yield from the crosses (102.0 ± 11.21 kg) was higher (P < 0.01) than that from the indigenous goats (37.1 ± 4.79 kg). However, the pH and specific gravity of both milk samples did not differ significantly from each other. The latter was attributed to the fat and total solids contents, which did not differ significantly in the two milk samples. Although the crude protein content was not significantly different, lactose and minerals, namely calcium, sodium, magnesium, potassium and chloride, were higher (P < 0.01) in milk from the crosses than in milk from the indigenous goat. The results have shown that the levels of nutrients in goat milk are high, and this is indicative of its potential to improve the diets of rural Malawians. Also, as smallholder farmers sell raw unheated milk to the processing plants, such milk should not be kept for> 33 h in the cool dry season and for not> 20 h in the hot dry season. Farmers can also adopt a charcoal cooler to save the milk for an even longer time than they can at room temperature. In this case, the raw milk can only be stored for not> 20 h in the cool dry season and not> 16 h in the hot dry season. [source]


Psychrophilic and psychrotrophic clostridia: sporulation and germination processes and their role in the spoilage of chilled, vacuum-packaged beef, lamb and venison

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, Issue 8 2010
Katharine H. Adam
Summary Spoilage of beef, lamb and venison by psychrophilic and psychrotrophic clostridial species renders meat unacceptable resulting in financial losses and reduced consumer confidence. A number of clostridial strains, including Clostridium algidicarnis, Clostridium algidixylanolyticum, Clostridium estertheticum, Clostridium frigidicarnis and Clostridium gasigenes, have been implicated in red meat spoilage. Unlike other spoilers, these clostridia are able to grow in anaerobic conditions and at chilled temperatures (some at ,1.5 °C the optimal storage temperature for chilled red meat). The spoilage they cause is characterised by softening of the meat, production of large amounts of drip (exudates), offensive odours and in the case of C. estertheticum and C. gasigenes production of gas. Spoilage occurs following the introduction of clostridial spores into vacuum packages during processing. Germination of spores is necessary for the growth of vegetative cells, which cause spoilage. Current mitigation strategies focus on good management practice within meat processing plants. However, this is not always sufficient to prevent spoilage. This review summarises the issues associated with meat spoilage because of psychrotolerant clostridia and discusses areas that require further study. [source]


Effect of N Fertilization Rate on Sugar Yield and Non-Sugar Impurities of Sugar Beets (Beta vulgaris) Grown Under Mediterranean Conditions

JOURNAL OF AGRONOMY AND CROP SCIENCE, Issue 5 2005
J. T. Tsialtas
Abstract For three successive growing seasons (1999,2001), a completely randomized block design experiment was established at the surrounding area of each of four sugar beet processing plants of Hellenic Sugar Industry SA, Greece (a total of 12 experiments). Nitrogen was applied at five rates (0, 60, 120, 180 and 240 kg N ha,1) and six replications per rate. Nitrogen fertilization had site-specific effects on quantitative (fresh root and sugar yields) and qualitative (sucrose content, K, Na, , -amino N) traits. When data were combined over years and sites, fresh root and sugar yields were maximized at high N rates (330.75 and 295 kg N ha,1 respectively), as derived from quadratic functions fitted to data. In three trials, increased N rates had negative effects on root and sugar yield. These sites were characterized by high yield in control plots, light soil texture (sand > 50 %) and low CEC values. When data were converted into relative values (the ratio of the trait values to the control mean of each experiment), root and sugar yield was found to be maximized at higher N rates (350 and 316 kg N ha,1, respectively). Sucrose content was strongly and linearly reduced by the increased N rates when data were combined but a significant reduction with increasing N rates was found in only two sites. Non-sugar impurities (K, Na, , -amino N) were positively related to the increased N rates when data were combined. Sodium and , -amino N showed to be most affected by N fertilization as positive relationships were found in six and eight of 12 locations, respectively. Increased N supply resulted in higher soil NO3 -N concentrations (0,90 cm depth) at harvest which were related with amino N contents in sugar beet roots (in 1999 and 2001). [source]


Factors affecting the attachment of micro-organisms isolated from ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis membranes in dairy processing plants

JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2009
X. Tang
Abstract Aims:, To identify the types of micro-organisms involved in the formation of biofilms on dairy ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis membranes and investigate factors affecting the attachment of those isolates. Methods and Results:, Micro-organisms isolated from industrial membranes following standard cleaning were identified using the API culture identification system. Thirteen different isolates representing eight genera were isolated and their ability to attach to surfaces was compared using a microtitre plate assay. Three Klebsiella strains attached best, while mixed strains of Pseudomonas and Klebsiella attached better than individual strains. Whey enhanced the attachment of the isolates. The micro-organisms were characterized according to cell surface hydrophobicity using the microbial adhesion to hydrocarbon (MATH) test, and cell surface charge by measuring the zeta potential. These cell surface characteristics did not show a clear relationship with the attachment of our strains. Conclusions:, A variety of different micro-organisms is associated with dairy ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis membranes after cleaning, suggesting several possible sources of contamination. The cleaning of these membranes may be inadequate. The attachment of the different isolates is highly variable and enhanced in the presence of whey. Significance and Impact of the Study:, Knowledge of persistent microflora colonizing dairy membrane systems will help develop strategies to mitigate biofilm development in this environment, improving hygiene in membrane processing plants. [source]


Fate of Salmonella in dry confectionery raw materials

JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 6 2009
E. Komitopoulou
Abstract Aims:, To study the behaviour of salmonellae inoculated in the dry, raw materials, related to chocolate confectionery manufacture, as affected by the strain, cell preparation method and storage temperature. Methods and Results:, Outbreak and non outbreak-associated salmonellae were used for the inoculation of cocoa butter oil, crushed cocoa and hazelnut shells, cocoa beans and almond kernels. Dry matrices were inoculated with lawn-collected and broth-grown cells and were stored at 5 and 21°C for 21 days. Results demonstrated that all strains survived in all dry matrices. Lawn-collected cells survived considerably better than broth-collected cells, at either temperature, and outbreak-associated strains of Salmonella serotype Enteritidis PT30 and Salmonella serotype Oranienburg appeared to be among the best surviving strains. Conclusions:, The work demonstrated that salmonellae can survive storage for 3,4 weeks in dry raw materials and that survival is dependent on the source of strains, cell preparation and inoculation methodology, and storage temperature. Significance and Impact of the Study:, The data contributes to understanding the parameters to consider when assessing the risk of dry raw materials as the most likely source of salmonellae in chocolate processing plants. It also demonstrates the importance of implementing effective lethal processes and segregation procedures to prevent cross-contamination to ensure the safety of confectionery products regarding Salmonella. [source]


Tracing Salmonella in Alheira processing plants

JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 1 2007
A. Esteves
Abstract Aims:, To investigate the sources of Salmonella spp. in Alheira and how to trace it, by studying the way that Salmonella spp. is distributed across production lines, by applying multifactorial correspondence analysis to occurrence data, and through the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) molecular typing methods. Methods and Results:, Four production lines, four batches of Alheira and 14 sampling sites were analysed over four sampling periods. Eighty-five Salmonella spp. isolates were obtained from the 896 microbial analyses performed. The basic occurrence analysis values, multiple correspondence analysis and PCR molecular typing methods confirmed that the presence of Salmonella spp. in Alheira was directly related to it being present in casings. Results obtained from PCR molecular typing added a measure of detail, highlighting potential cross-path contamination caused by contaminated surfaces. Conclusions:, The presence of Salmonella spp. in Alheira was a result of the use of contaminated casings, as well as cross-path contamination caused by contaminated surfaces. An analysis of the occurrence data indicated that these casings were the source of Salmonella spp. contamination in Alheira. PCR molecular typing methodology, which is known to have a greater discriminatory power and tracing capacity, indicated the presence of cross-path contamination. Significance and Impact of this Study:, Increased awareness of Salmonella spp. contamination sources and their spread across the production line helps shape the development of new strategies for controlling this pathogen. [source]


SPLITTING AND BREAKING OF PISTACHIO NUTS WITH STRIKING AND HEATING

JOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESS ENGINEERING, Issue 3 2008
H.I. CEM BILIM
ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of heating process and striking on splitting and breaking of pistachio nuts and obtaining their kernels without damage. For this purpose, heating process (350C) was applied to pistachio nuts. Heated nuts were dropped onto the rotating disk and then thrown to strike the wall of the container by centrifuge effect . Striking velocity was adjusted with a rotating disk that was driven by an electrical engine. Three different disk rotations (400, 500 and 600/min) with three different moisture contents of pistachios (6.5, 22.0 and 42.5%) were evaluated in the experiments. Results indicated that the highest splitting rate was obtained as 29.33% at 22.0% moisture content with 400 1/min disk velocity. The most healthy kernel percentage obtained from unsplit pistachio nuts was 25.76% at 6.5% moisture content with 500 1/min disk velocity. Additionally, the study results showed that only the heating process had no affect while heating and crushing combinations increased splitting and obtaining the kernels. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Consumption of healthy foods is very important for human health. Kirmizi variety of pistachio nuts contains a high ratio of unsplit pistachio nuts after harvest. These pistachio nuts are either consumed as appetizers or used in the sweets sector after extracting the inner part (kernel). The economical value of unsplit pistachio nuts is very low. For this reason, pistachio nut processing plants try to split them or extract the inner part without causing any damage. Unsplit pistachio nuts are split by hand or by primitive hand tools, such as hammer or pliers, and then extracted. This method is not healthy. This study is one of the limited studies concerning automatic, quick and economic splitting and extraction of pistachio nuts. After handling problems like splitting and extracting the kernel of pistachio nuts, pistachio nut processing plants will achieve a healthy pistachio nut production. This study offers a new system for healthy pistachio nut production, with low initial cost, lower wages and in less time. [source]


SCALE-UP and FIELD TEST of the VACUUM/STEAM/VACUUM SURFACE INTERVENTION PROCESS FOR POULTRY,

JOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESS ENGINEERING, Issue 5 2003
MICHAEL KOZEMPEL
ABSTRACT The Vacuum/Steam/Vacuum surface intervention pilot plant processor was scaled up to a mobile unit that can be transported to close proximity of chicken processing plants. After several modifications to the mandrel that supports the broiler carcass in the treatment chamber to minimize mechanical damage, the unit was capable of 1.1 log cfu/mL kill of inoculated Listeria innocua and 1.4 log cfu/mL kill of inoculated E. coli K-12. Field tests achieved 1.4 log kill of E. coli and 1.2 log kill of Campylobacter on freshly processed chicken using 3 cycles and 138C saturated steam. But, there was extensive mechanical damage. the mandrel was modified in the Eastern Regional Research Center pilot plant to eliminate the mechanical damage. With mechanical damage eliminated, the bacteria kill was 1.1,1.5 log of inoculated E. coli K-12 with a total process time of 1.1 s. [source]


PROPERTIES OF DIFFERENT FISH PROCESSING BY-PRODUCTS FROM POLLOCK, COD AND SALMON

JOURNAL OF FOOD PROCESSING AND PRESERVATION, Issue 2 2003
PETER J. BECHTEL
Individual fish processing waste stream components can be used to make feed ingredients or other products. Waste stream components obtained from commercial fish processing plants included heads, viscera, frames, and skins from Alaska pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) and Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus); and heads, and viscera from pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha). The protein content of heads from all three species ranged from 13.9 to 16.4%; and the fat content ranged from 0.9 to 10.9%. Viscera protein content ranged from 13.0 to 15.3%, and the fat content from 2.0 to 19.1%. After heating to 85C the percent soluble protein in salmon heads was different (P < 0.05) from pollock or cod heads. Percent soluble protein of pollock and cod skin increased 8fold (P<0.05) after the 85C heat treatment. Connective tissue content was calculated from chemical determination of hydroxyproline content, and large differences in percent connective tissue content were found (1% for pollock viscera to 46% for skin). Estimated rat PER values ranged from a low of 2.1 for skin to a high of 3.1 for viscera and fillet samples (P<0.05). [source]


ASSESSMENT OF MICROBIAL CONTAMINANTS PRESENT ON VACUUM LOADERS IN SHELL EGG PROCESSING FACILITIES

JOURNAL OF FOOD SAFETY, Issue 3 2008
D.R. JONES
ABSTRACT This study was conducted to determine the pathogen prevalence on vacuum loader cup surfaces. An off-line (birds housed off-site) and a mixed (birds housed on-site and eggs brought from outside production) operation shell egg processing facility were sampled three times each. Twenty vacuum loader cups were randomly rinsed with sterile saline per visit. Total aerobic microorganisms and Enterobacteriaceae were enumerated, and the prevalence of Salmonella, Campylobacter and Listeria was determined. Aerobic microorganisms were ,5 log cfu/mL, with higher levels noted in the mixed operation. Enterobacteriaceae levels averaged 2.5 log cfu/mL but were higher in the off-line facility. Campylobacter was detected in 1.6% of the samples. Salmonella was detected in 3.3% of the samples with isolates serotyped as Salmonella anatum and Salmonella heidelberg. There was a high prevalence of Listeria (72%). Confirmed isolates were identified as Listeria innocua (98.8%) and Listeria monocytogenes (1.2%). Identification of the populations present on the cup surfaces will allow for the development of more effective cleaning and disinfection programs. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS Vacuum loaders have previously been determined to be reservoirs for microorganisms in shell egg processing plants. Assessing the prevalence of prominent foodborne pathogens (Salmonella, Campylobacter and Listeria) on the vacuum loader cup surface would allow for more targeted approaches to cleaning and sanitation. High levels of aerobic organisms and Enterobacteriaceae were detected (,5 and 2.5 log cfu/mL, respectively). Furthermore, Campylobacter and Salmonella were also found, but at low prevalence. Listeria was detected in 72% of the samples. Cleaning and sanitation programs currently utilized in shell egg processing facilities need to be reassessed, and new technologies need to be developed to address the presence of Salmonella, Campylobacter and Listeria. [source]


THE USE OF TOMATO PULP POWDER AS A THICKENING AGENT IN THE FORMULATION OF TOMATO KETCHUP

JOURNAL OF TEXTURE STUDIES, Issue 2 2008
A. FARAHNAKY
ABSTRACT In this current study, tomato pulp powder, the main waste of the tomato processing industry, was used as a thickening agent in the formulation of a commercial tomato ketchup at different levels (1, 2, 5, 7 and 10% w/w). Color parameters (L and a/b) and rheologic properties of the formulated ketchups with and without added tomato pulp powder were determined and compared. The addition of the pulp powder caused a significant increase in the L value of the samples, while a/b ratio decreased notably. The rheologic data obtained were fitted using a power law equation. The analysis of the data obtained revealed that low levels of tomato pulp powder can compete with other hydrocolloids in improving the consistency of tomato ketchup. All ketchup samples in this study were non-Newtonian fluids and the apparent viscosity of the ketchups increased significantly with increasing concentration of tomato pulp powder and decreased with temperature increase. Chemical composition (protein, total fat, reducing and total sugars, fiber, ascorbic acid and ash contents) and some physicochemical properties of the tomato pulp powder, including water absorption and solubility, were determined and the data were used for the interpretation of the rheologic and color changes as a result of the inclusion of the pulp powder in the formulation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The direct use of food industry wastes in food formulations can help in reducing the production costs by decreasing raw material and disposal costs. The classic design of the tomato processing plants results in generating a large amount of tomato pulp. The results of this research confirmed that tomato pulp powder can be used instead of other hydrocolloids in tomato-based products. The reuse of tomato pulp powder in foods can be beneficial to producers and the environment. [source]


Evidence of organizational injustice in poultry processing plants: Possible effects on occupational health and safety among latino workers in North Carolina

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 1 2009
Antonio J. Marín MA
Abstract Background Over 250,000 workers are employed in poultry processing, one of the most dangerous industries in the US. These jobs are increasingly held by immigrant workers who are frequently undocumented, lack knowledge of workers' rights to workplace safety, and who are reluctant to pursue their rights. This situation creates the potential for organizational injustice, made visible through abusive supervisory practices, and leads to situations in which occupational illnesses and injuries are likely to occur. Methods This paper draws on data collected during the research phases of a community-based participatory research and social justice project. Two hundred survey interviews and 26 in-depth interviews were collected in representative, community-based samples in western North Carolina. Analyses describe associations between one aspect of organizational injustice, abusive supervision, and worker injuries. Results Workers' reports of abusive supervision are associated with a variety of specific and summary health indicators. The associations are stronger for women than for men. These suggest that the use of relative power within the plant may be the basis for injuries and illnesses. Three types of power relations are described that form the basis for these abusive interactions in the plant: ethnicity (American vs. Latino), immigration status ("good papers" vs. undocumented), and rank (supervisor vs. worker). Two factors modify these relations: kinship (preferences and privileges for family members) and gender. Conclusions Among Latino immigrants working in poultry plants, power differences reflecting organizational injustice in the form of abusive supervision may promote occupational illnesses and injuries, particularly for women. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:37,48, 2009. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Occupational allergy and asthma among salt water fish processing workers

AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE, Issue 12 2008
Mohamed F. Jeebhay MBChB
Abstract Background Fish processing is a common economic activity in Southern Africa. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and host determinants of allergic symptoms, allergic sensitization, bronchial hyper-responsiveness and asthma among workers processing saltwater fish. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 594 currently employed workers in two processing plants involved in pilchard canning and fishmeal processing. A modified European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) questionnaire was used. Skin prick tests (SPT) used extracts of common airborne allergens, fresh fish (pilchard, anchovy, maasbanker, mackerel, red eye) and fishmeal. Spirometry and methacholine challenge tests (MCTs; tidal breathing method) used ATS guidelines. Results Work-related ocular-nasal symptoms (26%) were more common than asthma symptoms (16%). The prevalence of atopy was 36%, while 7% were sensitized to fish species and 26% had NSBH (PC20,,,8 mg/ml or ,12% increase in FEV1 post-bronchodilator). The prevalence of probable occupational asthma was 1.8% and fish allergic rhino-conjunctivitis 2.6%. Women were more likely to report work-related asthma symptoms (OR,=,1.94) and have NSBH (OR,=,3.09), while men were more likely to be sensitized to fish (OR,=,2.06) and have airway obstruction (OR,=,4.17). Atopy (OR,=,3.16) and current smoking (OR,=,2.37), but not habitual seafood consumption were associated with sensitization to fish. Conclusions Based on comparison with previous published studies, the prevalence of occupational asthma to salt water fish is lower than due to shellfish. The gendered distribution of work and exposures in fish processing operations together with atopy and cigarette smoking are important determinants of occupational allergy and asthma. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:899,910, 2008. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


Monitoring chloramines and bromamines in a humid environment using selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry

RAPID COMMUNICATIONS IN MASS SPECTROMETRY, Issue 12 2010
Wan-Ping Hu
The selectivity and sensitivity of selected ion flow tube mass spectrometry (SIFT-MS) for individual breath analysis of haloamines has been improved by heating the flow tube in a commercial instrument to around 106°C. Data is presented showing the marked reduction in the number density of water clusters of product ions of common breath metabolites that are isobaric with the product ions from monochloramine and monobromamine that are used to monitor the haloamine concentrations. These results have direct relevance to the real-time monitoring of chloramines in drinking water, swimming pools and food processing plants. However, once the isobaric overlaps from water cluster ions are reduced at the higher temperatures, there is no conclusive evidence showing the presence of haloamines on single breath exhalations in the mid parts per trillion range from examination of the breaths of volunteers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]


Life-cycle toxicity of dibutyltin to the sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus) and implications of the ubiquitous tributyltin impurity in test material

APPLIED ORGANOMETALLIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 9 2003
Thomas F. Lytle
Abstract Dibutyltin (DBT) is used in the plastics polymerization process as a catalyst in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products and is the primary degradation product of tributyltin (TBT), an antifoulant in marine paint. DBT and other organotin compounds make their way into the environment through antifoulants, PVC processing plants, and PVC products maintained in water and water-handling systems. A flow-through saltwater life-cycle toxicity test was conducted to determine the chronic effect of DBT to the sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatus Lacepede), an estuarine species. Embryos were monitored through hatch, maturation, growth, and reproduction in DBT concentrations of 158, 286, 453, 887, and 1510 µg l,1. Progeny were monitored for survival as embryos and fry/juveniles, and growth for 30 days post-isolation. Mean length of parental generation fish was significantly reduced on day 30 at DBT concentrations ,887 µg l,1, setting the lowest observable effect concentration (LOEC) at 887 µg l,1 and the no observable effect concentration (NOEC) at 453 µg l,1. Fecundity, as egg viability, was significantly reduced at the LOEC. Survival of parental and progeny generation embryos and mean length, wet weight and dry weight of progeny generation juveniles were not significantly affected at concentrations ,LOEC. TBT, a toxic impurity in DBT reversibly produced in DBT by the process of comproportionation, was also monitored throughout this study. Comparing measured levels of TBT in this study with levels exerting toxic effects in an earlier TBT life-cycle study with C. variegatus suggests biological responses in this study were likely due to the TBT impurity and not to DBT alone. Results indicate that TBT impurity as low as 0.1% may have a significant influence on the perceived toxicity of DBT and that spontaneous production of TBT in DBT may be the major source of biological toxicity of DBT. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source]