36E-58

G. BOBE¹, D. J. Thede¹, K. L. Harris¹, T. A. Ten Eyck², and L. D. Bourquin¹. (1) Dept. of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State Univ., 9 G. Malcolm Trout FSHN Bldg., East Lansing, MI 48824-1224, (2) Dept. of Sociology, Michigan State Univ., National Food Safety and Toxicology Center, 433-B Berkey Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824-1111

In response to foodborne illnesses associated with consumption of juice products, the FDA adopted the Juice HACCP regulation. Starting January 2004 all juice processors that sell wholesale are required to implement a step that leads to a 5-log reduction of pertinent pathogens. Elevated bacterial counts in end-product cider samples treated with thermal pasteurization or Ultra-Violet (UV) light irradiation suggested that the equipment was not operated properly or that post-processing contamination occurred. Our objectives were 1) to survey end-product samples from Michigan cider mills for bacterial levels, and 2) to determine whether pasteurization or UV-light treatment effectively reduced bacterial counts. In the Fall of 2003 and 2004, 469 end-product samples from 114 Michigan cider mills were obtained. Additional in-line samples were taken at different steps during cider processing from 15 mills that used thermal pasteurization or UV-light irradiation. All samples were analyzed for E. coli O157:H7, generic E. coli, total coliforms, and total aerobic plate counts. None of the samples contained detectable levels of E. coli O157:H7. However, 32 samples (including five pasteurized or UV-light treated samples) contained generic E. coli, indicating fecal contamination. Aerobic plate counts of samples of in-line samples demonstrated increased bacterial counts after grinding (P £ 0.001) and in some mills after bottling (P £ 0.10). Aerobic plate counts of samples taken before and after pasteurization or UV-light treatment indicated that cider from four mills had aerobic plate counts >1,000 CFU/mL and only minor (<1 log) bacterial reductions by treatment. No E. coli O157:H7 was detected in random samples of apple cider obtained from 114 mills in 2003 and 2004. Prevalence and concentrations of indication organisms, including generic E. coli, were higher than desired. Observations from in-line samples indicate a subset of mills did not have adequate control over their pathogen-reduction measures.

Session 36E, Fruit & Vegetable Products: General
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM, Monday AM Room Hall I-2

2005 IFT Annual Meeting, July 15-20 - New Orleans, Louisiana