Microbiological quality of raw beef imported into the European Union from third countries

Abstract

Raw beef imported into the European Union (EU) from third countries must fulfill the same legal requirements as products from EU member states. Recently, the microbiological quality of 100 raw beef samples imported from third countries into the EU was investigated. Samples were quantitatively analyzed according to DIN ISO standard methods for aerobic mesophilic colony counts (ACC), counts of Enterobacteriaceae, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, coagulase-positive staphylococci and qualitatively for L. monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. Samples were also screened for the presence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). Detected STEC isolates were subjected to whole genome sequencing. An E. coli prevalence of 3 % was detected, with one sample exceeding the critical value of the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM). Coagulase-positive staphylococci were found in one sample, but at a level below the DGHM guidance value. In three samples, L. monocytogenes were detected quantitatively, but none of these surpassed the critical value. Salmonella spp. were not detected, but Enterobacteriaceae were present in 83 % of the samples, of which 40 % surpassed the critical value. Combined with detected high values of ACC, this may indicate hygiene deficiencies. Additionally, STEC-screening showed a prevalence of 2 % and both STEC isolates harbored stx1 and stx2. Overall, the occurrence of foodborne pathogens in the samples analyzed was low, but DGHM requirements for raw beef were not completely fulfilled. In combination with the detection of STEC, this may represent a potential health hazard for consumers.