Cooking chicken at home: Common or recommended approaches to judge doneness may not assure sufficient inactivation of pathogens

Inclusion of Food Safety Information in Home-delivered U.K. Meal-kit Recipes

Home-delivered meal-kit recipe boxes provide consumers with fresh, measured ingredients requiring storage, preparation, and cooking by following a recipe card.Previous literature has suggested that including food safety information within recipes may positively impact behavior. Therefore, there is a need to better understand what food safety information is included on the meal-kit recipe cards. Content analysis was performed on U.K. meal-kit provider recipe cards (n = 359) obtained using citizen science methods. Although 46% of recipes referred to handwashing at the start of recipe preparation, these stated 'wash hands' with no further advice regarding hand hygiene, and half (48%) did not refer to handwashing during recipe preparation. Most recipes included produce (99%) and referred to washing fruit and vegetables (88%). For meal-kits that provided animal proteins (n = 332), 50% referred to storing ingredients in the fridge, and only one recipe referred to recommended temperatures (≤5°C). Where applicable (n = 346), food safety advice to prevent cross-contamination was present in 51% of recipes.Statements concerning cooking adequacy of animal proteins (n = 1306) included subjective cooking guidance, with 35% referring to visual assessment of color and 26% cooking duration. For best practice food safety guidance, two recipes referred to end-point temperature, and one stated to use a temperature probe. While all meal-kit providers provided some food safety-related information in reviewed recipes, information was often not sufficient to inform consumers about food safety risk-reducing behaviors in the domestic setting. Observational research is needed to understand consumer engagement with how food safety information in meal-kit recipes impacts the behavior of consumers.

Surveys as a valid tool for assessing food safety knowledge amongst pregnant women in high-income countries: a rapid review

Pregnancy, being a vulnerable period, is the time when woman are most motivated to change their diet and lifestyle. Ensuring food safety during this susceptible time of life is essential for avoiding the related risks. Although a wealth of recommendations and guidelines have been issued for for pregnant women, further evidence is required regarding their effectiveness in implementing the knowledge and changing behaviour on food safety topics are needed. Surveys are often used as a research tool to investigate knowledge and awareness amongst pregnant women. Our main aim is to analyse and describe the results of an ad hoc research approach developed to characterise the main features of surveys identified in the PubMed database. The three major food safety issues - microbiological, chemical and nutritional- were analysed. We identified eight main key features to provide a summary of the evidence with a transparent and reproducible methodology. Our results help summarise the knowledge on the features of for pregnant women, by focusing on high-income countries over the last five years. We observed a high level of heterogeneity and methodological variability in food safety surveys. This is a novel approach that could be used to analyse surveys utilising a robust methodology. The outcomes are useful for guiding new survey design methodology and/or the modification existing surveys. Our findings could help to fill knowledge gaps by improving the use of innovative strategies for recommendations and guidelines on food safety for pregnant women. Non-high-income countries deserve separate and more comprehensive consideration.

Evaluation of irish consumers' knowledge of salmonellosis and food-handling practices

Salmonella is one of numerous food-borne pathogens that could possibly pose a major threat to global food safety. Salmonella is primarily associated with foods such as poultry, eggs, vegetables, and some dairy products. However, infected food handlers and faecal contaminated environments are also significant sources and reservoirs of this pathogen. This study comprehensively evaluated the Irish consumers' food safety knowledge by exploring their knowledge level, practices and attitudes regarding raw meat handling, cross-contamination while handling different types of food products, and knowledge of Salmonella risk and associated food-handling practices. The online SurveyMonkey tool was used to distribute a quantitative survey titled "Evaluation of Knowledge and Food-handling practices of Irish Consumers" from July to November 2020 and generated a total of 1916 responses. Results indicated that 79.9% of the studied Irish population had a good knowledge of salmonellosis and risk perception related to food handling practices. Knowledge of cross-contamination, hygienic practices and pathogens associated with poultry were also considered high. However, knowledge of meat handling was low at 44.9%. It was also observed that age, gender, marital status, gross annual income, and nationality were influential factors regarding the food safety knowledge of consumers, while age, marital status and gender indicated significant differences regarding awareness of correct food hygiene practices.

Survival of Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes and Temperature Change in Low-Temperature-Longtime-Cooked Chicken Meat

ABSTRACT

Low-temperature and longtime (LT-LT) cooking, also known as sous vide cooking, is the process in which meat is sealed in a bag and cooked in hot water at a relatively low temperature of around 60°C. This cooking method has increased in popularity, and low-temperature cookers for home use are now commercially available. However, after LT-LT cooking, if any foodborne bacteria remain, they could cause infection and foodborne illnesses. Therefore, in the present study, the aim was to determine the appropriate LT-LT cooking methods for chicken by assessing temperature changes and studying the bacteria in LT-LT-cooked chicken meat. At set cooking temperatures of 60 and 65°C, the temperatures were measured at the surface and in the centers of single- and double-layer samples of 300 g of chicken breast meat. The times required to reach 50°C were 5 to 14 min at the surface, 25 min in the center of the single-layer sample, and 33 to 35 min in the center of the double-layer sample. The time taken to reach 50°C was fastest in the surface of single-layer chicken meat, followed by the center of single-layer and double-layer chicken meat (P < 0.05). When the meat was LT-LT cooked at 60 and 65°C for 60 min, color changes in the meat and heating of the meat were observed all the way to the interior. Campylobacter jejuni, Salmonella O7, and Listeria monocytogenes were inoculated into chicken breasts, which were then cooked at set temperatures of 60 and 65°C for 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min. C. jejuni survived for up to 30 min of cooking, Salmonella O7 survived for up to 60 min of cooking at 60°C and 30 min at 65°C, and L. monocytogenes survived for up to 90 min of cooking at 60°C and 60 min at 65°C. Thus, to prevent infection and illness caused by the three tested bacteria species, LT-LT cooking for 120 min at 60°C and 90 min at 65°C is recommended.

HIGHLIGHTS

Effect of Combination of Time and Temperature on Quality Characteristics of Sous Vide Chicken Breast

The use of minimal thermal processing techniques such as sous vide technology to improve the quality of meat-based foods has gained a special focus in recent years. A proper combination of temperature and time parameters in sous vide processing plays an important role in the water-holding capacity, texture properties, and juiciness of the meat. The present study aimed to assess the impact of the one-step and two-step sous vide processing on different quality properties of chicken breast with special emphasis on the cooking loss, color, texture properties, protein solubility, and lipid oxidation. According to the results, chicken breast treated with a two-step temperature (50 and 60 °C) showed improved texture parameters (shear force, hardness, chewiness, and gumminess), lower cooking loss, acceptable redness values, and decreased lipid oxidation levels than the chicken breast treated with the one-step temperature of 60 °C. Moreover, the two-step sous vide technique revealed significantly higher total protein solubility of the chicken breast than the one-step sous vide. Based on pasteurization values, the two-step sous vide technique was equally safe as the one-step sous vide technique for vegetative cells’ inactivation for the main pathogens of interest (C. perfringens and L. monocytogenes).

Kitchen layouts and consumers' food hygiene practices: Ergonomics versus safety

Our paper emphasizes the importance of the kitchen layout in facilitating consumers' food hygiene practices. A significant correlation was found between the sink placement (inside or outside the kitchen) and hygienic practices during food handling based on a survey performed on consumers from ten European countries, indicating that those who had the sink in the kitchen were more likely to perform proper hygiene practices than those who have not. The self-reported practices were supported by observed practices in 64 households from five European countries. The observational study combined with the examination of kitchen layouts revealed that the kitchen work triangle with its apexes represented by the kitchen sink, cooking stove and refrigerator, which is recommended for ergonomic reasons by architects and designers, did not necessarily support food hygiene practices in kitchens. Cross-contamination events were associated with the sink – countertop distances longer than 1 m. Based on this, a new kitchen triangle with its apexes represented by the kitchen sink, working place (usually countertop) and cooking stove, with the distance between the sink and the working place less than 1 m is proposed to be used as norm in kitchen designs for combining ergonomics with safety. This triangle is proposedly named the food safety triangle and is aimed to mitigate the risks of foodborne illnesses by creating an arrangement that facilitates hygiene practices. This study is the first to highlight the importance of implementing the concept of food safety in the kitchen design based on significant correlations between kitchen equipment placement and consumers’ food safety practices.

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Sink placement in kitchens correlates with self-reported food handling practices.

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Sink placement is also correlated with observed cross-contamination events.

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Kitchen layouts based on the work triangle do not support food hygiene practices.

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A new triangle named food safety triangle is suggested for kitchens' organisation.

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Sink – countertop distances ≤1 m favour consumers' food hygiene practices.

Using Risk–Benefit Analysis to Control Salmonella in Chicken Meat

We have created a risk–benefit analysis (RBA) model to assist in food safety decision-making by analyzing Salmonella control in Brazilian chicken meat. First, we described the issues in a risk profile and used a 5×5 matrix to rank the risks associated with Salmonella. We then classified the magnitude of benefits and costs of control measures using another matrix. Finally, we verified the beneficial effects of recommended control measures using Quantitative Microbiological Risk Assessment (QMRA). The RBA classified Salmonella contamination as risk 6, indicating that control measures should be taken in the short and medium terms. It also recommended the adoption of biosecurity measures on farms to reduce the prevalence of Salmonella in birds, better control of carcass washings and chiller tank management, and information placement on packages and campaigns to raise the awareness of the population about the need to control Salmonella contamination before consumption. On the other hand, it did not recommend better controls at scalding and defeathering. QMRA confirmed the beneficial effects of the recommended control measures. For example, as Salmonella prevalence in poultry increased from 4.04 per cent to 50 per cent, the risk of infection per serving also increased from 0.0080 to 0.071. Although better controls in washings and chiller tank management did not affect the risk of infection, it reduced Salmonella counts on carcasses. We assume that the presence of Salmonella on carcasses was due to improper thermal processing or cross-contamination, which increased the risk from 0.0080 to 0.015962. The RBA demonstrated the logic involved in the adoption of control measures, and this can be helpful in the risk management of food safety issues.

Salmonella in eggs: From shopping to consumption-A review providing an evidence-based analysis of risk factors

Nontyphoidal salmonellae are among the most prevalent foodborne pathogens causing gastrointestinal infections worldwide. A high number of cases and outbreaks of salmonellosis are associated with the consumption of eggs and egg products, and several of these occur at the household level. The aim of the current study is to critically evaluate the current status of knowledge on Salmonella in eggs from a consumer's perspective, analyzing the hazard occurrence and the good practices that should be applied to reduce salmonellosis risk. Following a HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) based approach, some steps along the food journey were identified as Critical Consumer Handling (CCH)-steps in which consumers, through their behavior or choice, can significantly reduce the level of Salmonella in eggs and egg products. From shopping/collecting to consumption, each of these steps is discussed in this review to provide an evidence-based overview of risk factors of human salmonellosis related to egg consumption. The main message to consumers is to choose Salmonella-free eggs (those that some official entity or producer guarantees that does not contain Salmonella), when available, especially for dishes that are not fully heat treated. Second, as guaranteed Salmonella-free eggs are only available in a few countries, refrigerated storage from the point of collection and proper cooking will significantly reduce the risk of salmonellosis. This will require a revision of the actual recommendations/regulations, as not all ensure that eggs are maintained at temperatures that prevent growth of Salmonella from collection until the time of purchasing.

Management Strategies for Prevention of Campylobacter Infections Through the Poultry Food Chain: A European Perspective

Numerous studies point out that at present, a complete elimination of Campylobacter species in the poultry food chain is not feasible. Thus, the current aim should be to establish control measures and intervention strategies to minimize the occurrence of Campylobacter spp. in livestock (esp. poultry flocks) and to reduce the quantitative Campylobacter burden along the food chain in animals and subsequently in foods. The most effective measures to mitigate Campylobacter focus on the primary production stage. Nevertheless, measures applied during slaughter and processing complement the general meat hygiene approaches by reducing fecal contamination during slaughtering and processing and as a consequence help to reduce Campylobacter in poultry meat. Such intervention measures at slaughter and processing level would include general hygienic improvements, technological innovations and/or decontamination measures that are applied at single slaughter or processing steps. In particular, approaches that do not focus on a single intervention measure would need to be based on a thorough process of evaluation, and potential combinatory effects have to be modeled and tested. Finally, the education of all stakeholders (including retailers, food handlers and consumers) is required and will help to increase awareness for the presence of foodborne pathogens in raw meat and meat products and can thus aid in the development of the required good kitchen hygiene.

Detecting cooking state of grilled chicken by electronic nose and computer vision techniques

Determination of food doneness remains a challenge for automation in the cooking industry. The complex physicochemical processes that occur during cooking require a combination of several methods for their control. Herein, we utilized an electronic nose and computer vision to check the cooking state of grilled chicken. Thermogravimetry, differential mobility analysis, and mass spectrometry were employed to deepen the fundamental insights towards the grilling process. The results indicated that an electronic nose could distinguish the odor profile of the grilled chicken, whereas computer vision could identify discoloration of the chicken. The integration of these two methods yields greater selectivity towards the qualitative determination of chicken doneness. The odor profile is matched with detected water loss, and the release of aromatic and sulfur-containing compounds during cooking. This work demonstrates the practicability of the developed technique, which we compared with a sensory evaluation, for better deconvolution of food state during cooking.

Cross-contamination events of Campylobacter spp. in domestic kitchens associated with consumer handling practices of raw poultry

Contaminated poultry is the major vehicle for consumer's exposure to Campylobacter. This study aimed to perceive potential cross-contamination events during preparation of raw poultry that can contribute to the spread of Campylobacter spp. in domestic kitchen environments and to understand consumers' meanings and justifications on preparation of a poultry dish at home. A total of 18 households were visited to observe consumers preparing a recipe that included poultry. Poultry samples and swabs from the kitchen surfaces and utensils, such as kitchen cloth, hand towel, sponge, cutting boards and the sink, were collected before and after food preparation and tested for the presence of Campylobacter spp. Genotypic characterization of 72 Campylobacter spp. isolates was carried out through Pulse-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). Fourteen chicken samples were contaminated with Campylobacter spp. (77.8%). Twelve consumers (66.6%) washed the chicken meat under running tap water and eight (44.4%) used cutting boards. Also, only five consumers washed their hands properly prior to or during meal preparation. Cross-contamination events were detected in four kitchens, between the raw chicken and two cutting boards, two sinks and one kitchen cloth. The poultry samples presented different levels of contamination (< 4.0 × 10¹ CFU/g to 2.2 × 10³ CFU/g), being some poultry with lower Campylobacter loads the origin of three cross-contamination events during food preparation. Both C. jejuni and C. coli were recovered. Molecular typing by PFGE showed a high diversity among the isolates. There were different explanations for the practice of cleaning and rinsing chicken, but, in general, it is an habit linked to what they have learned from their families. These results highlight the potential for the dissemination of Campylobacter strains in the domestic environment through the preparation of chicken meat and the need to raise awareness among consumers for an appropriate handling of raw poultry in order to decrease the risk of campylobacteriosis.

Dishwashing sponges and brushes: Consumer practices and bacterial growth and survival

Sponges are frequently used in kitchens and have been shown to harbor large numbers of bacteria, occasionally also pathogens. Less is known about kitchen brushes regarding usage and presence of bacteria. In the present study, the use of sponges and brushes was studied in a survey among 9966 European consumers in ten countries, and growth and survival of bacteria in sponges and brushes were examined in laboratory experiments. Sponges were the preferred hand-cleaning utensils for washing-up in the majority of countries, while brushes were most frequently used in Denmark and Norway. Consumers mostly change their sponges at regular times, but also sensory cues (looks dirty, smelly, slimy) and usage occurrences such as wiping up meat juices may trigger replacement. Besides cleaning the dishes, over a quarter of the dish brush users also use it to clean a chopping board after soilage from chicken meat juices. The water uptake and drying rate varied considerably, both between different sponges and between brushes and sponges, where brushes dried fastest. Campylobacter survived one day in all sponges and Salmonella more than seven days in two of three types of sponges. In the type of sponge that dried slowest, Salmonella grew on the first day and was always found in higher levels than in the other sponges. Non-pathogenic bacteria grew in the sponges and reached levels around 9 log CFU/sponge. In brushes all types of bacteria died over time. Campylobacter and Salmonella were reduced by more than 2.5 log to below the detection limit after one and three days, respectively. Bacteriota studies revealed a tendency for a dominance by Gram-negative bacteria and a shift to high relative prevalence of Pseudomonas over time in sponges. Both enumeration by agar plating and bacteriota analysis confirmed that the pathogens were in a minority compared to the other bacteria. Treatments of sponges and brushes with chlorine, boiling or in the dishwasher were effective to reduce Salmonella. We conclude that brushes are more hygienic than sponges and that their use should be encouraged. Contaminated sponges or brushes should be replaced or cleaned when they may have been in contact with pathogenic microorganisms, e.g. used on raw food spills. Cleaning of sponges and brushes with chlorine, boiling or dishwasher may be a safe alternative to replacing them with new ones.