August 13, 2013
EU has restricted the use of lactic acid to reduce microbiological surface contamination of bovine and bison carcasses.
According to official regulations, lactic acid solutions can only be applied on entire carcasses, half-carcasses or quarters of meat from domestic bovine animals (including Bison species). The process will be conducted through spraying or misting using 2% to 5% of lactic acid solution in potable water at temperatures of up to 55°C.
The application is permitted under controlled and verifiable conditions integrated as part of the hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP) plan which includes verification by periodic monitoring, documenting and recording lactic acid concentration during treatment, continuous monitoring by instrumental measurements, and documenting and recording the temperature of the lactic acid solution during treatment. The regulations forbids lactic acid to be applied to carcasses with visible faecal contamination.
In accordance to standards, the proccess must not caused any irreversible physical modification of the meat.
Establishments utilising lactic acid within a HACCP-based management system are also required to maintain documentation that validates the antimicrobial efficacy of the lactic acid treatments under their specific processing conditions and verify lactic acid concentration, temperature of application and other factors affecting the efficacy of lactic acid as a decontaminating agent. The establishments are to inform receiving EU facilities of such use.
