Low-dose irradiation as a measure to improve microbiological quality of Turkish raw meat ball (cig kofte)

Raw meat ball is a traditional food, which is prepared by adding ground meat, spices and different supplements and consumed without any cooking process. The effect of low-dose gamma irradiation application on microbiological quality of raw meat ball was examined. In this study, 1, 2, and 3 kGy irradiation doses have decreased or eliminated the microorganism counts in raw meat ball, parallel with the increased doses. Coliform bacteria counts were reduced under detectable value after application of 2 kGy irradiation doses; Staphylococcus aureus, sulphite-reducing Clostridia, yeast and mould by the application of 3 kGy. It has been concluded that the low-dose gamma irradiation applications have increased the hygienic quality of raw meat balls and possible public health risks can be prevented