Two samples of frozen beef were received at the Expert Veterinary Laboratory of the Omsk Reference Center of the Rosselkhoznadzor (Omsky Biocluster member) as part of the control and surveillance activities.
Experts after tests in meat samples on microbiological indicators found excess Total microbial numbers (TMN), which does not meet the requirements of the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union 'Safety of meat and meat products.'
TMN is the most common test for microbial safety. This indicator is used everywhere to assess the quality of products, with the exception of those that use special microbial cultures (for example, beer, kvass, dairy products, etc.). TMN contains various taxonomic groups of microorganisms - bacteria, yeast, mold fungi. Their total number indicates the sanitary-hygienic condition of the product, the degree of its dissemination by microflora.
Products containing a large number of bacteria, even non-pathogenic and not changing their organoleptic characteristics, cannot be considered full-fledged. A significant content of viable bacterial cells in food products (with the exception of those used in the manufacture of starter cultures) indicates either insufficient heat treatment of the raw materials, poor cleaning of the equipment, or poor storage conditions of the product. Increased bacterial contamination of the product also indicates its possible spoilage.
