NDR Minced meat with salmonella and germs

Partly high germ contamination in minced meat from the counter of the supermarket

10/09/2012

The NDR consumer magazine "Markt" sampled six different supermarket chains. The laboratory showed that every second mince purchased was contaminated with germs. Food experts even found dangerous salmonella in a sample.

The NDR magazine tested in the course of a sample of minced meat in northern Germany in six different supermarkets. The result: every second minced meat was contaminated with germs. Minced meat is one of the most sensitive foods because it is often freshly processed. If the meat is contaminated with pathogens can result in serious health consequences for the consumer.

Good conditions for germs and pathogens
When the meat is turned through a meat grinder, the surface of the meat greatly increases. Compared to a normal piece of meat that is not riddled, bacteria and pathogens on the surface of the minced meat are ideally placed to multiply. In addition, minced meat is usually made from different cuts of meat. Only a piece of meat must be contaminated with bacteria or viruses and already an entire batch is contaminated because the germs multiply in no time at all.

In the supermarket, customers have the choice between minced meat sold at the counter or shrink-wrapped minced meat from the refrigerated shelves. After a few scandals on labeling, many consumers find the meat off the shelf "less fresh". For this reason, many are more likely to buy the minced meat at the meat counter. But as the small study showed, the fresh purchase is no guarantee for non-contaminated meat.

Partly worrying results
The editors therefore examined the meat from the counter. They bought the meat products in the markets of Rewe, Toom, Edeka, Real and Sky. Retaining the cold chain, the samples were taken to the experts of the Institute for Food and Environmental Analysis. There, the "hack" was laboratory tested for germs and bacteria. According to the magazine, the "following results were worrying".

"Worst of all in our sample was Toom's minced meat," the authors report. Not only was the germ count highest, the laboratory also found salmonella. "These pathogens are particularly dangerous to health", as microbiologist and infection epidemiologist Prof. Dr. med. Hinrik von Wulffen explained. "Like other diarrhea pathogens, salmonella primarily causes diarrhea, often accompanied by fever. And it can also come to vomiting. They can also enter the bloodstream through the mucous membrane, so that in some cases they can sometimes lead to blood poisoning. "

Salmonella can multiply relatively quickly, especially in minced meat. In humans, Salmonella infection (also called salmonellosis) causes discomfort such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. In addition, fever, this is an indication of a serious disease course. Due to a massive fluid loss and a drastic decrease in weight threatening further complications. Then a hospital admission is usually unavoidable.

Lack of hygiene as a cause?
According to the expert, the find could indicate inadequate hygiene or non-compliance with the cold chain. Particularly at risk are so-called risk groups with a weaker immune system such as infants, pregnant women, the sick or the elderly. The mentioned groups of people may even die from salmonella poisoning, as has often happened in retirement homes.

However, three samples were also harmless. In mince samples from Edeka, Real and a butcher, the guidelines were not exceeded. Also, no Salmonella could be found.

Best always good roast
For consumers, it is a problem to detect germs in mincemeat. If the meat already smells or is clearly recognizable as dark spots, the food should never be used any more. Basically, consumers are on the safe side if they do not eat the meat raw. At a temperature of 70 degrees Celsius, most pathogens and bacteria die. If you're frying meatballs, you should try a sample first. The flesh should not be reddish on the inside but dark. If the meat is still pink, the germs can continue to spread unabated. If the meat is heavily contaminated, then health complaints can occur. If you still do not want to do without minced meat in raw form, you should process and consume the hack the same day you buy it. "Toddlers, pregnant women, seniors and Immungeschwächte should, however, always refrain from raw meat." The show "market" will be broadcast today at 20.15 clock on NDR television. (Sb)

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