Occurrence of four major food - borne pathogens in cattle slaughtered in Poland

A survey was conducted in order to determine the incidence of Campylobacter sp., Salmonella sp., L. monocytogenes, and VTEC in slaughtered cattle in Poland. Overall, 276 swab samples of cattle hides and 276 samples from the corresponding carcasses were analysed. Additionally, 238 beef meat samples, purchased at retail level, were tested. The hides were more frequently contaminated with Campylobacter sp. (24.6%) than with any other pathogens. On the other hand, the carcasses had the highest contamination with VTEC (10.9%). The occurrence of food-borne pathogens in minced beef was between 1.3% (VTEC) and 24.3% (L. monocytogenes). The findings reinforce the importance of controlling zoonotic pathogens in meat through a complete, continuous farm-to-fork test system.