EFSA Issues Opinion on Health Risks of Mechanically Separated Meat

PARMA, ItalyThe risk of microbial growth increases with the use of high-pressure production processes of meat, according to a new scientific opinion published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on public health risks related to mechanically separated meat. EFSAs Panel on Biological Hazards also developed a model to help identify mechanically separated meat and differentiate it from other types of meat.

Mechanically separated meat is derived from the meat left on animal carcasses once the main cuts have been removed. This meat can be mechanically removed and used in other foods. There are two main types of mechanically separated meathigh-pressure" mechanically separated meat, which is paste-like and can be used in products such as hotdogs; and low-pressure" mechanically separated meat, similar in appearance to minced meat.

EFSAs opinion concluded that possible microbiological risks associated with mechanically separated meat are similar to those related to non-mechanically separated meat. Microbiological and chemical risks arise from the contamination of raw materials and from poor hygiene practices during meat processing. However, high-pressure production processes increase the risk of microbial growth. In fact these processes result in greater muscle fiber degradation and an associated release of nutrients which provide a favorable substrate for bacterial growth.

In relation to chemical hazards, experts from EFSAs Panel on Contaminants in the food chain advise that no specific chemical concerns are expected provided that Maximum Residue Levels are respected.

The Panel on Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) considered different parameters to distinguish mechanically separated meat from non-mechanically separated meat. The BIOHAZ Panel found that, based on currently available data, calcium (released from bone during processing) is the most appropriate chemical parameter. EFSAs scientific experts developed a model which uses calcium levels to support the identification of mechanically separated meat products. The model will assist policymakers, as well as food operators and inspectors in differentiating mechanically separated meat from non-mechanically separated meat.

In order to improve the differentiation between mechanically separated meat obtained through low-pressure techniques and hand deboned meat, EFSA recommends the use of specifically designed studies to collect data on potential indicators.