|
Statement of Research Problem:
Research is needed to assess whether the 60-day aging process of cheese made from unpasteurized milk is adequate to
eliminate foodborne pathogens. Cheddar cheese will be made from milk inoculated with food pathogens
(Escherichia coli O157:H7 or S. typhimurium DT 104). Food pathogen levels will be monitored during
the cheese making and aging period. Heat treatment of 64.4 °C for 16s in combination with 60-day aging will also be
evaluated. The data will be incorporated into microbial risk assessment models to assist in validating that the control
measures used in the cheese making practice provide an adequate level of public health protection.
Statement of Project Objective(s):
Anticipated Impact on FDA Regulatory Program:
In the event that 60-day aging is found to be inadequate to provide the appropriate level of public health protection,
an evaluation of alternative control measures would assist the agency in the development of policy in this area.
Validation of the effectiveness of current or alternative process control measures used in the manufacture of aged hard
cheese would result in a greater assurance of a safe food supply and enhanced public confidence in these products.
Project Priority Changes During FY2000:
Work on E. coli O157:H7 survival in unpasteurized milk cheese is being continued. Three to five-strain cocktail
of E. coli O157:H7 have been inoculated into the unpasteurized whole milk to give a final cell concentration
of 105-6 cells per mil. Work on L. monocytogenes survival in unpasteurized milk cheese
has been dropped because of the need to focus on running lower levels of E. coli O157:H7. Levels of E. coli
O157:H7 will be inoculated into the unpasteurized whole milk to give a final cell concentration of
103-4cells per ml.
Research Personnel:
Name | Office/Division | FTE [00, 01, 02] | Component |
---|---|---|---|
J. E. Schlesser | OPDFB/DFFP | 0.8, 0.8, 0.8 | 1 |
Total FDA FTE's: |
0.8, 0.8, 0.8 | ||
Non-FDA NCFST scientist support | 2.0, 2.0, 2.0 | 1 |
Hypertext updated by jms/dav 2001-OCT-02