E-beam eliminates E. coli in ground beef, researchers say
Low levels of irradiation can reduce pathogen levels, including the potentially deadly E. coli, in carcasses used for ground beef, claim researchers.
A low dose, low penetration electron beam (E-beam) irradiation penetrating 15 millimetres below the surface of a carcass can effectively reduce pathogens, found Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists at the Roman L Hruska Meat Animal Research Centre in the US.
Pathogens are most prevalent on the surface of a carcass, but the risk of sub-surface contamination is high in ground beef because it is mixed so thoroughly.
Penetrating meat with E-beams instead of current methods of washing the surface of carcasses could therefore be more effective in reducing pathogens.
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