HACCP-based quality risk management approach to udder health problems on dairy farms

Against the background of prevailing udder health problems on dairy farms, this paper discusses a new approach to mastitis control. Current udder health control programmes, such as the 'five-point plan', are highlighted and their drawbacks indicated. The concept and principles of hazard analysis critical control points (HACCP) are introduced. The eight core elements of this concept are dealt with by using the example of a dairy herd with a mastitis problem due to Staphylococcus aureus. The various steps to be taken in the development of a HACCP-based quality risk management programme are illustrated through the application of core elements. Finally, it is shown that the HACCP key words, structure, organisation, planning, communication and formalisation; which do not frequently appear in conventional herd health and production management programmes can contribute to better udder health. The role of the veterinarian can be paramount and of added value, if he/she is willing to invest in new knowledge and skills, such as the HACCP concept, farm economics, animal nutrition, and particularly the role of coach to the dairy farmer in the implementation of preventative measures in relation to udder health

Pathogen detection, testing, and control in fresh broccoli sprouts

BACKGROUND: The recent increased interest in consuming green vegetable sprouts has been tempered by the fact that fresh sprouts can in some cases be vehicles for food-borne illnesses. They must be grown according to proper conditions of sanitation and handled as a food product rather than as an agricultural commodity. When sprouts are grown in accordance with the criteria proposed from within the sprout industry, developed by regulatory agencies, and adhered to by many sprouters, green sprouts can be produced with very low risk. Contamination may occur when these guidelines are not followed. METHODS: A one year program of microbial hold-and-release testing, conducted in concert with strict seed and facility cleaning procedures by 13 U.S. broccoli sprout growers was evaluated. Microbial contamination tests were performed on 6839 drums of sprouts, equivalent to about 5 million consumer packages of fresh green sprouts. RESULTS: Only 24 (0.75%) of the 3191 sprout samples gave an initial positive test for Escherichia coli O157:H7 or Salmonella spp., and when re-tested, 3 drums again tested positive. Composite testing (e.g., pooling up to 7 drums for pathogen testing) was equally sensitive to single drum testing. CONCLUSION: By using a "test-and-re-test" protocol, growers were able to minimize crop destruction. By pooling drums for testing, they were also able to reduce testing costs which now represent a substantial portion of the costs associated with sprout growing. The test-and-hold scheme described herein allowed those few batches of contaminated sprouts to be found prior to packaging and shipping. These events were isolated, and only safe sprouts entered the food supply

Assessment of gastronomic heritage quality in traditional restaurants Avaliação da qualidade de patrimônio gastronômico em restaurantes tradicionais

This article discusses the concern with the preservation of gastronomical identity in regional dishes and proposes a methodology to increase the appreciation for these dishes, associating sensory and symbolic quality with current legislation on hygiene and sanitation. METHODS: A qualitative research in the form of a multicase study was done in traditional Azorean restaurants in a Southern, Brazilian city. Data were collected during the preparation of the dishes, using forms based on the systems Nutritional and Sensory Quality Assessment in Meal Production and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points. RESULTS: The results showed that it is difficult to control the process when methodologies and legislation that concerns the degree of hygiene and sanitation are followed, which results in changes to the traditional recipes that could lead to significant heritage losses. CONCLUSION: Thus, by administering the method called Assessment of Gastronomic Heritage Quality, an adequate control of hygiene and sanitation was achieved, preserving the symbolic and sensory character of the typical dish.<br>OBJETIVO: O artigo aborda a preocupação com a preservação da identidade gastronômica das preparações regionais, propondo uma metodologia para fomentar a valorização dessas preparações, associando a qualidade sensorial e simbólica às exigências higiênico-sanitárias vigentes. MÉTODOS: Para tanto, realizou-se uma pesquisa qualitativa, um estudo multicaso em restaurantes tradicionais açorianos, em uma cidade do Sul do Brasil. Os dados foram coletados no acompanhamento do processo produtivo das preparações, utilizando-se formulários baseados nos Sistemas Avaliação da Qualidade Nutricional e Sensorial na Produção de Refeições e Análise de Perigos e Pontos Críticos de Controle. RESULTADOS: Os resultados apontaram dificuldades no controle do processo a partir de metodologias e legislações que busquem a qualidade higiênico-sanitária, ocorrendo modificações nas receitas tradicionais que podem acarretar perdas patrimoniais significativas. CONCLUSÃO: Assim, com a aplicação do método desenvolvido, denominado Avaliação da Qualidade de Patrimônios Gastronômicos, possibilitou-se um controle higiênico-sanitário adequado, preservando o caráter simbólico e sensorial da preparação típica oferecida