AIMS: The potential use of bifidobacteria as indicators for faecal contamination was studied along a @entity742 meat production and processing chain. The levels of bifidobacteria were compared with those of @entity526 . Total viable counts were followed along the chain (244 samples). METHODS AND RESULTS: Forty-three per cent of the samples contained bifidobacteria, of which 15% were solely detected using a PCR method based on the hsp60 gene and not by a culture-based method. Bifidobacteria were detected in only three of nine @entity742 faeces samples using one or the other method. However, carcasses (types C and E) were highly contaminated. These sample types (30% and 28%, respectively) were positive for bifidobacteria and negative for @entity526 . The species @entity51979 and Bif. thermophilum, isolated from faecal samples, were predominant. @entity51979 choerinum were found in C, D, E and F sample types. CONCLUSIONS: Bifidobacteria were shown more efficient than @entity526 in carcasses samples. The presence of Bif. choerinum suggested a faecal pork contamination. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Detection and identification of bifidobacteria, in correlation with @entity526 counting, should improve hygiene quality of mutton processing chains.

Bifidobacteria as indicators of faecal contamination along a XXXX meat production chain.

@entity51979 :: ('1694', 'Species') :: ['Bifidobacterium pseudolongum', 'Bifidobacterium'] @entity742 :: ('9940', 'Species') :: ['sheep'] @entity526 :: ('562', 'Species') :: ['Escherichia coli', 'E. coli']
@entity742 :: (9940,Species) :: ['sheep']
