How can Clostridium perfringens foodborne illness be controlled and prevented?
Since Clostridium perfringens can grow rapidly at elevated temperatures and forms heat-resistant spores, preventing growth is paramount. Foods should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F or higher to inactivate the pathogen's vegetative cells. Additionally, the cooked food must be chilled rapidly to 41°F or less, or kept at hot holding temperatures of 140°F or higher to prevent any activation and growth of C. perfringens spores.
Large portions of meat, broth, gravies, and other foods commonly associated with C. perfringens must meet specific guidelines noted in the 2009 FDA Food Code. These guidelines specify that potentially hazardous food shall be cooled within two hours from 140°F to 70°F, and within six hours from the initial 140°F to 41°F. Large containers of food may take an extended period of time to cool to 41°F and therefore should be separated into smaller portions. Additionally, storage containers should be stacked to encourage good airflow both above and below to facilitate rapid cooling. Leftover foods should be reheated to 165°F or greater, which should inactivate any vegetative cells that have germinated during cooling, as well as other foodborne pathogens which may have cross-contaminated the food (CDC 2013; FDA 2009).
Best Ways to Avoid Illness
The best way to prevent foodborne illness associated with C. perfringens is to observe a few proper control measures in food preparation, storage, and temperature controls. These include measures such as the rapid, uniform cooling of cooked foods; making sure cooked foods remain hot after they’re cooked; and when reheating cooled or chilled foods making sure foods reach a minimum internal temperature of at least 165ºF.