Abstract: A meat processing tool comprises a metal tool component and a dissolvable polymeric component. The dissolvable polymeric component comprises a biologically compatible, dissolvable polymer that dissolves in aqueous media at a temperature of from 20° C. to 130° C. in 45 minutes or less when measured according to the Polymer Pellet Dissolution Test. The meat tool is used in a method of processing meat to remove contaminates sourced from meat processing tools where the meat is processed and meat portions are comminuted and heat-treated. A metal detection screening is conducted to identify and segregate any metal present in the heat-treated meat composition, and the resulting heat-treated meat composition is substantially free of particulate matter derived from the dissolvable polymeric component.

Abstract: An antimicrobial treatment is administered to an animal in a meat processing operation by stunning an animal by striking a site on an animal skull with a device having a percussive head configured to deliver a concussive blow to the site, and applying an antimicrobial treatment composition to the site before, during or after delivering the concussive blow to the site, In an aspect, an antimicrobial treatment is administered to the lymphatic system of an animal in a meat processing operation by stunning an animal by striking a site on an animal skull with a device having a percussive head configured to deliver a concussive blow to the site, and applying an antimicrobial treatment composition to the site before, during or after delivering the concussive blow to the site.

Abstract: Intervention of contamination of an exposed carcass meat surface during processing of an animal carcass comprises providing a flexible sheet having first and second major surfaces comprising an antimicrobial agent on the first major surface of the flexible sheet, wherein the flexible sheet is food-contact safe; detaching a portion of hide from the carcass, thereby providing an exposed carcass meat surface; and placing the flexible sheet on the exposed carcass meat surface so that the antimicrobial agent contacts the exposed carcass meat surface. The flexible sheet is also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are livestock processing devices that can be dissolved in water or aqueous media during harvesting of livestock, such that products harvested from the livestock are free of particulate matter. In an aspect, the devices are made from a polyvinyl alcohol. In an aspect, the device is a weasand clip.

Abstract: Sampling of food products and/or surfaces can be efficiently carried out by providing an apparatus comprising a bag construction incorporating a sample collection material secured to an inside surface of the bag. The bag is of a size large enough to permit inversion of the bag to expose the sample collection material for collection of samples from surfaces, followed by re-inversion to enclose the sample collection material. Methods for sampling food products and/or surfaces for detection of pathogens, microbial contaminants and/or constituents in products or on surfaces are additionally contemplated.

Abstract: Sampling of food products and/or surfaces can be efficiently carried out by providing an apparatus comprising a bag construction incorporating a sample collection material secured to an inside surface of the bag. The bag is of a size large enough to permit inversion of the bag to expose the sample collection material for collection of samples from surfaces, followed by re-inversion to enclose the sample collection material. Methods for sampling food products and/or surfaces for detection of pathogens, microbial contaminants and/or constituents in products or on surfaces are additionally contemplated.