The effect of lactic acid spray application on the microbiological quality of sheep carcasses

This study was conducted to decontaminate sheep carcasses by spraying lactic acid solutions in two different concentrations (1 and 2%). The microbiological quality of carcasses and the effects of lactic acid spraying after slaughter and one day cold storage were determined. Commercial lactic acid solutions (1 and 2%) were sprayed to the sheep carcasses for 30 sec just before cold storage in a commercial slaughterhouse belonged to a private company located in Bursa. Sampling was carried out 30 min after spraying and after 24 h cold storage. A total of 400 samples were examined for Total Viable Count (TVC), the number of coliforms and Escherichia coli. A total of 1.57, 2.69 and 2.06 log cfu cm(-2) reductions in the numbers of TVC, the number of coliforms and E. coli were obtained when 1% lactic acid concentration was applied. The reduction rates for these microorganisms were 1.77, 2.98 and 2.23 log cfu cm(-2), respectively when 2% lactic acid was applied. Following a 24 h cold storage the TVC, the number of coliforms and E. coli numbers reduced 1.30, 2.16 and 1.59 log cfu cm(-2) in the 1% lactic acid treated samples when compared with untreated control samples. The reductions in the numbers of TVC, the number of coliforms and E. coli in 2% lactic acid treated samples after 24 h of cold storage were 1.67, 2.31 and 1.76 log cfu cm(-2), respectively. As a result, application of 2% lactic acid was more effective than 1% lactic acid application on the microorganisms investigated. It could be suggested that 2% lactic acid application with proper hygiene and handling procedures could provide safer meat/meat produc