Inactivation of Campylobacter jejuni in Raw Beef Liver by Gamma Irradiation

Abstract

Irradiation of ground beef and beef liver inoculated with Campylobacter jejuni was performed with gamma rays from a cobalt 60 source. Samples were packaged in gas barrier bags, sealed in air or under vacuum, and irradiated under refrigerated or frozen conditions. D₁₀ values (dose required to inactivate 90% of a microbial population) ranged from 0.21 to 0.46kGy in ground beef and from 0.26 to 0.69kGy in beef liver. The D₁₀ value for beef liver was higher than for ground beef under each irradiation condition, with the highest values being obtained under vacuum and frozen conditions.