Methods and compositions for the reduction of pathogenic microorganisms from meat and poultry carcasses, trim and offal

摘要

The invention includes a method of preparing hypochlorite-activated solutions of hypobromous acid and/or hypobromite ion. The method includes the steps of mixing a solution of a source of bromide ion with a solution of a source of hypochlorite ion to activate the bromide ion, allowing sufficient time to maximize the activation of the bromide ion, and storing the solution before use. The invention also includes a method of using the solution to wash meat and poultry carcasses, trim, and offal to reduce pathogenic microorganisms. The solutions may also be used to reduce pathogenic microorganisms in industrial cooling water and on food contact hard surfaces and equipment. The solutions may be stored for up to about three hours before use and are stable for that period of time.