Beef decontamination technologies include
chemical dehairing, knife-trimming, steam-vacuuming,
carcass washing, spraying, or rinsing with chemical
solutions such as organic acids, or with water of low or
high temperatures/pressures, application of pressurized
steam following carcass washing, or use of multiple
decontamination treatments in sequence.
Decontamination treatments can prove useful in
reducing accidental/unnoticed contamination, especially
of fecal origin and that may contain pathogens,
provided that processing and preparation for
consumption also are performed properly using good
hygiene practices. Appropriate implementation of
decontamination technologies and strategies should
lead to consistently cleaner carcasses with minimal
contamination of fecal origin, and product that should
be safe for consumption following adequate cooking.