US 5,855,940 A · Method for the broad spectrum prevention and removal of microbial contamination of poultry and meat products by quaternary ammonium compounds

Abstract

A composition and a method of using the composition for removal and prevention of broad spectrum foodborne microbial contamination in meat products. The method uses quaternary ammonium compounds for inhibiting attachment of and removing a broad spectrum of foodborne microbial contamination from poultry and meat products. The method uses quaternary ammonium compounds for inhibiting attachment of and removing Escherichia coli O157:H7 contamination from meat and poultry products. One of the treatment methods is spraying quaternary ammonium compounds on the poultry and meat products to prevent broad spectrum foodborne microbial contamination. The treatment methods can contact the meat products with the quaternary ammonium compounds for less than 10 minutes and still obtain significant reduction of viable foodborne microorganisms. New formulations of quaternary ammonium compounds combined with glycerin and/or ethyl alcohol provides a concentrated formulation for industrial use and a more viscous formulation for use in spraying methods.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method for reducing foodborne microbial contamination from poultry and meat products comprising:

contacting said poultry or meat product with an effective amount of a quaternary ammonium compound for about 0.5 minute to about 2 minutes to remove attached foodborne microorganisms responsible for said microbial contamination from said poultry or meat product, wherein said quaternary ammonium compound is selected from the group consisting of an alkylpyridinium salt represented by the structural formula (I):
##STR4## wherein n is 9-21, and X is a halide;
a tetra-alkylammonium salt represented by the structural formula (II):
##STR5## wherein n is 9-21, and R is selected from the group consisting of CH.sub.3 and C.sub.2 H.sub.5, and X is a halide;
and
an alkylalicyclic ammonium salt represent by the structural formula (III):
##STR6## wherein n is 9-21, Z is 4-5, R is selected from the group consisting of CH.sub.3 and C.sub.2 H.sub.5, and X is a halide;
and said foodborne microorganisms are selected from the group consisting of Salmonella, Staphylococcus, Campylobacter, Arcobacter, Listeria, Aeromonas, Bacillus, non-toxin producing Escherichia, pathogenic toxin-producing Escherichia and combinations thereof.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method for the broad spectrum prevention and removal of microbial contamination of poultry and meat products by quaternary ammonium compounds

Life of this patent

Method for the broad spectrum prevention and removal of microbial contamination of poultry and meat products by quaternary ammonium compounds

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20