Innovative detection methods for the zoonotic pathogens Campylobacter and Salmonella in the slaughterhouse industry

Food poisoning from bacterially contaminated meat also occurs in Germany, despite very high hygiene standards. To minimize this in the future, the foundations for new detection methods are to be developed that allow the microbial contamination of slaughtered meat to be monitored during production. This can further reduce the risk of microbially contaminated meat reaching the market.

Within the framework of the funding initiative “Photonic Methods for the Detection and Control of Microbial Contamination” by the BMFTR, the “Fast Meat Control” project aims to research and develop new photonic analytical methods capable of detecting bacterial communication molecules (autoinducers, AI) during the slaughtering process. Two strategies are being pursued:

1. On-site bioassay (offline analysis): This approach enables the analysis of poultry pathogens in sample batches.

2. Integrated in-line analysis: Analytical methods based on ion mobility spectrometry are to be established for routine monitoring directly within the slaughtering process.

These methods will be combined with a novel automated sampling system, which rinses carcasses, defined areas, or equipment. Bacteria present in the rinse liquid are selectively separated and concentrated using specially functionalized magnetic nanosensors. A mobile analysis system will be developed as a demonstrator to ensure sampling, detection, and traceability of contamination. By implementing this analytical technology in poultry and pig slaughtering and expanding it to other food sectors, food hygiene can be improved, and microbially caused illnesses minimized.

Fraunhofer IME’s role in the project includes biofunctionalization of magnetic nanosensors that specifically bind to Campylobacter and Salmonella. Fraunhofer IME will develop an immuno-magnetic separation method to isolate and enrich target pathogens from samples, achieving high efficiency in separating background noise and accompanying flora. Furthermore, the functionalized nanosensors will be used to enrich bacterial biomolecules and detect them effectively during the slaughtering process using photonic methods, thereby enhancing overall slaughter hygiene and food safety.