Source: GREAT EASTERN MUSSEL FARMS, INC. submitted to NRP
USE OF LACTIC ACID BACTERIA TO INHIBIT THE GROWTH OF CLOSTRIDIUM BOTULINUM IN A NOVEL MUSSEL PACK
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0196298
Grant No.
2003-33610-13026
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
2003-00304
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
May 15, 2003
Project End Date
Nov 14, 2004
Grant Year
2003
Program Code
[8.5]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
GREAT EASTERN MUSSEL FARMS, INC.
P.O. BOX 141 LONG COVE ROAD
TENANTS HARBOR,ME 04860
Performing Department
(N/A)
Non Technical Summary
Mussels are packed live in a non-permeable, drip-free package with a proprietary mixture of gases in order to improve freshness, improve processing yields and increase retail sales. Prior to regulatory approval, a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) analysis of the package has identified the potential formation of botulism in packages exposed to temperature abuse as a serious hazard. The U.S. FDA recommends that at least two methods be used to prevent hazards, i.e. that the mussels will be spoiled beyond consumer acceptance before they are toxic to consumers, and that agents be added to the mussel pack to prevent the growth of Clostridium botulinum. Preliminary botulism challenge studies at the Center for Food Safety at the University of Georgia isolated lactic acid bacteria naturally present in the package which may inhibit the growth of Clostridium botulinum. We anticipate isolating a strain of lactic acid bacteria which can be added to our mussel package to prevent the growth of Clostridium botulinum. This will result in regulatory approval of a live mussel MAP technology in the U.S. We anticipate a doubling of retail sales when consumers experience added freshness and a drip-free package. Higher processing yields (by 10%) will result in a higher price to mussel aquaculturists and wild harvesters in the U.S. MAP mussel packs will also reduce the need for ice, waxed boxes and liners, resulting in greater environmental sustainability for the industry.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
100%
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
7123724110050%
7124010110050%
Goals / Objectives
We propose to develop a Modified Atmosphere Pack (MAP) technology for selling live mussels in retail markets in the U.S.
Project Methods
We propose to screen lactic acid bacteria isolates for cold-tolerant strains and compare their efficacy in preventing growth of Clostridium botulinum relative to a packages without the added isolates.

Progress 05/15/03 to 11/14/04

Outputs
Mussels were packed in a modified atmosphere package (MAP) and a variety of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains were added to the proprietary MAP formula (gas mixture, vacuum settings and buffer). One strain grew both aerobically and anaerobically and demonstrated inhibition to the growth of C. botulinum in spot on the lawn tests. A phase II SBIR project will perform botulism challenge studies with the purpose of gaining regulatory approval of the novel mussel pack for sales in the U.S.

Impacts
If approved by the FDA, the MAP mussel live package will provide consumers with a more attractive, fresher and drip-free package which will increase sales of cultivated mussels in the U.S., in line with expected increases in volumes of bottom and rope-grown mussels from Maine.

Publications

  • No publications reported this period