Combined Stochastic Modelling of Pathogenic and Spoilage Microorganisms
Author Information
Author(s): Maciejewska Nikola, Stefanou Constantine‐Richard, Stathas Leonardos, Koutsoumanis Konstantinos
Primary Institution: Department of Food Quality, Prof. Waclaw Dabrowski Institute of Agriculture and Food Biotechnology State Research Institute Lodz Poland
Hypothesis
Ignoring spoilage and product rejection in QMRA may result in an overestimation of risk.
Conclusion
The developed spoilage-informed QMRA model suggests that listeriosis risk can be overestimated when excluding product spoilage.
Supporting Evidence
- The study integrates QMRA and QMSRA to assess listeriosis risk.
- Results indicate significant differences in predicted listeriosis cases between baseline and spoilage-informed approaches.
- Consumer rejection of spoiled food can lead to an overestimation of health risks.
Takeaway
This study shows that if food spoils before its expiration date, it can lead to a misunderstanding of how dangerous it is to eat that food.
Methodology
The study involved microbiological and physicochemical analysis of pre-packaged RTE cooked ham, along with consumer surveys to assess spoilage perception.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in consumer survey responses regarding eating habits.
Limitations
The study is based on a limited sample size and may not fully represent all RTE deli meats in Poland.
Participant Demographics
184 inhabitants from three voivodeships in central Poland.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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