Protecting the safety and quality of live oysters through the integration of predictive microbiology in cold supply chains ...

• Main Author: Fernandez-Piquer, J
• Format: Thesis
• Language: unknown
• Published: University Of Tasmania 2023
• Subjects: Pacific; Crassostrea gigas
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.25959/23210726; https://figshare.utas.edu.au/articles/thesis/Protecting_the_safety_and_quality_of_live_oysters_through_the_integration_of_predictive_microbiology_in_cold_supply_chains/23210726

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a bacterial species indigenous to marine environments and can accumulate in oysters. Some V. parahaemolyticus strains are pathogenic and seafoodborne outbreaks are observed worldwide. This pathogen can reach infectious levels in oysters if post-harvest temperatures are not properly controlled. The aim of this thesis was to support oyster supply chain management by developing predictive microbiological tools to improve the safety and quality of oysters in the market. A predictive model was produced by injecting Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) harvested in Tasmania with a cocktail of pathogenic and non-pathogenic V. parahaemolyticus strains, and measuring population changes over time at static storage temperatures from 4 to 30ºC. In parallel, the total viable bacteria count (TVC) was measured. The V. parahaemolyticus and TVC growth models were then evaluated with Pacific and Sydney Rock oysters (Saccostrea glomerata) harvested in New South Wales containing natural populations ...