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Microorganisms
Special Issues
Evaluation of Risks of Microbiological Origin Associated with Food Consumption
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Evaluation of Risks of Microbiological Origin Associated with Food Consumption

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Food Microbiology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2021) | Viewed by 24214

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Elena González-Fandos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Food Technology Department, CIVA Research Center, University of La Rioja, Madre de Dios 53, 26006 Logroño, La Rioja, Spain
Interests: campylobacter; poultry; Listeria; foodborne pathogens
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In order to evaluate microbiological risk, knowledge of food consumption patterns is essential. Food consumption data is often taken from food consumption surveys designed to obtain epidemiological data on risk factors for chronic diseases or nutritional intake. In the last several years, changes in food consumption patterns have been observed (a preference for raw foods, RTE foods…). It will be of great interest to obtain data on consumption of ready to eat foods (RTE) and the consumption of raw milk or raw fish, among others, especially in high risk populations. On other hand, storage time-temperature, cooking preferences, handling and preparation of foods play an important role in food safety.

The aim of this Special Issue is to present research on the effect of food consumption patterns and food handling and preparation at consumer level on microbiological food safety. Original research articles, as well as review articles, are invited.

Prof. Dr. Elena González-Fandos
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Food safety
  • Food consumption
  • Food preparation
  • Food handling
  • Microbiological risk assessment
  • Predictive microbiology

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 1882 KiB  
Article
A Farm-to-Fork Quantitative Microbial Exposure Assessment of β-Lactam-Resistant Escherichia coli among U.S. Beef Consumers
by Yangjunna Zhang, John W. Schmidt, Terrance M. Arthur, Tommy L. Wheeler, Qi Zhang and Bing Wang
Microorganisms 2022, 10(3), 661; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10030661 - 19 Mar 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3118
Abstract
Integrated quantitative descriptions of the transmission of β-lactam-resistant Escherichia coli (BR-EC) from commercial beef products to consumers are not available. Here, a quantitative microbial exposure assessment model was established to simulate the fate of BR-EC in a farm-to-fork continuum and provide an estimate [...] Read more.
Integrated quantitative descriptions of the transmission of β-lactam-resistant Escherichia coli (BR-EC) from commercial beef products to consumers are not available. Here, a quantitative microbial exposure assessment model was established to simulate the fate of BR-EC in a farm-to-fork continuum and provide an estimate of BR-EC exposure among beef consumers in the U.S. The model compared the per-serving exposures from the consumption of intact beef cuts, non-intact beef cuts, and ground beef. Additionally, scenario analysis was performed to evaluate the relative contribution of antibiotic use during beef cattle production to the level of human exposure to BR-EC. The model predicted mean numbers of BR-EC of 1.7 × 10−4, 8.7 × 10−4, and 6.9 × 10−1 CFU/serving for intact beef cuts, non-intact beef cuts, and ground beef, respectively, at the time of consumption. Sensitivity analyses using the baseline model suggested that factors related to sectors along the supply chain, i.e., feedlots, processing plants, retailers, and consumers, were all important for controlling human exposure to BR-EC. Interventions at the processing and post-processing stages are expected to be most effective. Simulation results showed that a decrease in antibiotic use among beef cattle might be associated with a reduction in exposure to BR-EC from beef consumption. However, the absolute reduction was moderate, indicating that the effectiveness of restricting antibiotic use as a standalone strategy for mitigating human exposure to BR-EC through beef consumption is still uncertain. Good cooking and hygiene practices at home and advanced safety management practices in the beef processing and post-processing continuum are more powerful approaches for reducing human exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria in beef products. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Risks of Microbiological Origin Associated with Food Consumption)
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17 pages, 2265 KiB  
Article
Reduction in Biogenic Amine Content in Baechu (Napa Cabbage) Kimchi by Biogenic Amine-Degrading Lactic Acid Bacteria
by Junsu Lee, Young Hun Jin, Alixander Mattay Pawluk and Jae-Hyung Mah
Microorganisms 2021, 9(12), 2570; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9122570 - 13 Dec 2021
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3442
Abstract
This study was performed to mine biogenic amine (BA)-degrading lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from kimchi and to investigate the effects of the LAB strains on BA reduction in Baechu kimchi fermentation. Among 1448 LAB strains isolated from various kimchi varieties, five strains capable [...] Read more.
This study was performed to mine biogenic amine (BA)-degrading lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from kimchi and to investigate the effects of the LAB strains on BA reduction in Baechu kimchi fermentation. Among 1448 LAB strains isolated from various kimchi varieties, five strains capable of considerably degrading histamine and/or tyramine were selected through in vitro tests and identified as Levilactobacillus brevis PK08, Lactiplantibacillus pentosus PK05, Leuconostoc mesenteroides YM20, L. plantarum KD15, and Latilactobacillus sakei YM21. The selected strains were used to ferment five groups of Baechu kimchi, respectively. The LB group inoculated with L. brevis PK08 showed the highest reduction in tyramine content, 66.65% and 81.89%, compared to the control group and the positive control group, respectively. Other BA content was also considerably reduced, by 3.76–89.26% (five BAs) and 7.87–23.27% (four BAs), compared to the two control groups, respectively. The other inoculated groups showed similar or less BA reduction than the LB group. Meanwhile, a multicopper oxidase gene was detected in L. brevis PK08 when pursuing the BA degradation mechanism. Consequently, L. brevis PK08 could be applied to kimchi fermentation as a starter or protective culture to improve the BA-related safety of kimchi where prolific tyramine-producing LAB strains are present. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Risks of Microbiological Origin Associated with Food Consumption)
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15 pages, 1909 KiB  
Article
Behavior of Listeria monocytogenes and Other Microorganisms in Sliced Riojano Chorizo (Spanish Dry-Cured Sausage) during Storage under Modified Atmospheres
by Elena Gonzalez-Fandos, Maria Vazquez de Castro, Alba Martinez-Laorden and Iratxe Perez-Arnedo
Microorganisms 2021, 9(7), 1384; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9071384 - 25 Jun 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3091
Abstract
Sliced ready-to-eat meat products packaged under modified atmospheres are often marketed since they cover consumer demands. The slicing process could be a potential risk for consumers since contamination with Listeria monocytogenes could occur during this stage. The current study evaluated the behavior of [...] Read more.
Sliced ready-to-eat meat products packaged under modified atmospheres are often marketed since they cover consumer demands. The slicing process could be a potential risk for consumers since contamination with Listeria monocytogenes could occur during this stage. The current study evaluated the behavior of L. monocytogenes and other microorganisms in commercial sliced Riojano chorizo. This meat product was sliced and inoculated with L. monocytogenes (3.5 log CFU/g) before packaging under different atmospheres (air, vacuum, 100% N2, 20% CO2/80% N2 and 40% CO2/60% N2) and stored at 4 °C for up to 60 days. Samples were taken on days 0, 7, 21, 28 and 60 of storage. L. monocytogenes, mesophiles, Enterobacteriaceae, lactic acid bacteria, Micrococcaceae, molds and yeast counts were evaluated. Additionally, water activity, humidity and pH were determined. L. monocytogenes counts decreased in inoculated sliced chorizo during storage. Packaging conditions and day of storage influenced microbial counts. After 60 days, a significant reduction (p ≤ 0.05) in the initial Listeria contamination levels (3.5. log CFU/g) between 1.1 and 1.46 logarithmic units was achieved in the sausages packaged in modified atmosphere. The highest reductions were observed in slices packaged in 40% CO2/60% N2 after 60 days of storage at 4 °C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Risks of Microbiological Origin Associated with Food Consumption)
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21 pages, 3007 KiB  
Article
Comparative Analysis of Consumer Exposure to Resistant Bacteria through Chicken Meat Consumption in Germany
by Carolina Plaza-Rodríguez, Octavio Mesa-Varona, Katja Alt, Mirjam Grobbel, Bernd-Alois Tenhagen and Annemarie Kaesbohrer
Microorganisms 2021, 9(5), 1045; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9051045 - 12 May 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2716
Abstract
Human exposure to bacteria carrying antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes through the consumption of food of animal origin is a topic which has gained increasing attention in recent years. Bacterial transmission can be enhanced, particularly in situations in which the consumer pays less attention [...] Read more.
Human exposure to bacteria carrying antimicrobial resistance (AMR) genes through the consumption of food of animal origin is a topic which has gained increasing attention in recent years. Bacterial transmission can be enhanced, particularly in situations in which the consumer pays less attention to hygiene practices, and consumer exposure to foodborne resistant bacteria through ready-to-eat foods could be increased. It has been demonstrated that even methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria, which have low prevalence and concentration in raw chicken meat in Germany, may reach the consumer during barbecue events after failures in hygiene practices. This study aimed to quantify the consumer exposure to extended-spectrum beta-lactamase- (ESBL) or ampicillinase class C (AmpC) beta-lactamase-producing E. coli in Germany through the consumption of chicken meat and bread during household barbecues. The study considered cross-contamination and recontamination processes from raw chicken meat by using a previously-developed probabilistic consumer exposure model. In addition, a comparative analysis of consumer exposure was carried out between ESBL-/AmpC-producing E. coli and MRSA. Our results demonstrated that the probability of ESBL-/AmpC-producing E. coli reaching the consumer was 1.85 × 10−5 with the number of bacteria in the final serving averaging 332. Given the higher prevalence and concentration of ESBL-/AmpC-producing E. coli in raw chicken meat at retail compared to MRSA, comparative exposure assessment showed that the likelihood and extent of exposure were significantly higher for ESBL-/AmpC-producing E. coli than for MRSA. ESBL-/AmpC-producing E. coli was determined to be 7.6 times likelier (p-value < 0.01) than MRSA to reach the consumer, with five times the concentration of bacteria in the final serving (p-value < 0.01). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Risks of Microbiological Origin Associated with Food Consumption)
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14 pages, 1317 KiB  
Article
New Antifungal Microbial Pigment Applied to Improve Safety and Quality of Processed Meat-Products
by Hatem Ali Salama, Ahmed Noah Badr, Manal F. Elkhadragy, Ahmed Mohamed Said Hussein, Ibrahim Abdel-Salam Shaban and Hany M. Yehia
Microorganisms 2021, 9(5), 989; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9050989 - 4 May 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3715
Abstract
Minced meat is involved within numerous products, where their color attributes are affected by consumer preferences. This study was aimed to ameliorate processed meat color, using a microbial red pigment. Antibacterial, antifungal, citrinin-free, and toxicity of pigment were determined. Meatballs and burgers were [...] Read more.
Minced meat is involved within numerous products, where their color attributes are affected by consumer preferences. This study was aimed to ameliorate processed meat color, using a microbial red pigment. Antibacterial, antifungal, citrinin-free, and toxicity of pigment were determined. Meatballs and burgers were manufactured using pigment at 3 mg/g of meat. Texture, color, shelf life extension, and organoleptic properties were estimated for treated meats. Results were expressed by a real antimicrobial for pigment, even via several extracting systems. The MIC and MFC of pigment were 320 µg/g and 2.75 mg/g media, respectively. Bioactive components of pigment were detected using the GC–MS and the FTIR apparatus. The bioactive carbohydrates include oligo and polysaccharides were manifested with real curves. Secretion of ochratoxin A and aflatoxins in fungal media receives pigment was decreased by up to 54% and 45%, respectively. The presence of bioactive carbohydrates may trap mycotoxin out of the recovered amounts. The manufactured products were enhanced for their color and taste with fine texture changes. The shelf life of colored-frying meat was recorded by an extension compared to the control. In conclusion, the results were recommended microbial red-pigment implementation in meats manufacturing for ameliorating recorded of color, as antimycotoxigenic, and shelf life extension. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Risks of Microbiological Origin Associated with Food Consumption)
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Graphical abstract

12 pages, 774 KiB  
Article
Predictive Modeling for the Growth of Salmonella spp. in Liquid Egg White and Application of Scenario-Based Risk Estimation
by Mi Seon Kang, Jin Hwa Park and Hyun Jung Kim
Microorganisms 2021, 9(3), 486; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9030486 - 25 Feb 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2903
Abstract
The objective of the study was to develop a predictive model of Salmonella spp. growth in pasteurized liquid egg white (LEW) and to estimate the salmonellosis risk using the baseline model and scenario analysis. Samples were inoculated with six strains of Salmonella, [...] Read more.
The objective of the study was to develop a predictive model of Salmonella spp. growth in pasteurized liquid egg white (LEW) and to estimate the salmonellosis risk using the baseline model and scenario analysis. Samples were inoculated with six strains of Salmonella, and bacterial growth was observed during storage at 10–37 °C. The primary models were developed using the Baranyi model for LEW. For the secondary models, the obtained specific growth rate (μmax) and lag phase duration were fitted to a square root model and Davey model, respectively, as functions of temperature (R2 ≥ 0.98). For μmax, the values were satisfied within an acceptable range (Af, Bf: 0.70–1.15). The probability of infection (Pinf) due to the consumption of LEW was zero in the baseline model. However, scenario analysis suggested possible salmonellosis for the consumption of LEW. Because Salmonella spp. proliferated much faster in LEW than in egg white (EW) during storage at 20 and 30 °C (p < 0.01), greater Pinf may be obtained for LEW when these products are stored at the same conditions. The developed predictive model can be applied to the risk management of Salmonella spp. along the food chain, including during product storage and distribution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Risks of Microbiological Origin Associated with Food Consumption)
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24 pages, 1078 KiB  
Article
Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment Based on Whole Genome Sequencing Data: Case of Listeria monocytogenes
by Patrick Murigu Kamau Njage, Pimlapas Leekitcharoenphon, Lisbeth Truelstrup Hansen, Rene S. Hendriksen, Christel Faes, Marc Aerts and Tine Hald
Microorganisms 2020, 8(11), 1772; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8111772 - 11 Nov 2020
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4066
Abstract
The application of high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies (WGS) data remain an increasingly discussed but vastly unexplored resource in the public health domain of quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA). This is due to challenges including high dimensionality of WGS data and heterogeneity of microbial [...] Read more.
The application of high-throughput DNA sequencing technologies (WGS) data remain an increasingly discussed but vastly unexplored resource in the public health domain of quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA). This is due to challenges including high dimensionality of WGS data and heterogeneity of microbial growth phenotype data. This study provides an innovative approach for modeling the impact of population heterogeneity in microbial phenotypic stress response and integrates this into predictive models inputting a high-dimensional WGS data for increased precision exposure assessment using an example of Listeria monocytogenes. Finite mixture models were used to distinguish the number of sub-populations for each of the stress phenotypes, acid, cold, salt and desiccation. Machine learning predictive models were selected from six algorithms by inputting WGS data to predict the sub-population membership of new strains with unknown stress response data. An example QMRA was conducted for cultured milk products using the strains of unknown stress phenotype to illustrate the significance of the findings of this study. Increased resistance to stress conditions leads to increased growth, the likelihood of higher exposure and probability of illness. Neglecting within-species genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity in microbial stress response may over or underestimate microbial exposure and eventual risk during QMRA. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Evaluation of Risks of Microbiological Origin Associated with Food Consumption)
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