Mixed culture biofilms of Salmonella Typhimurium and Escherichia coli O157:H7 and meat processing surface bacteria (MPB)

This study investigated the impact of meat processing surface bacteria (MPB) on the biofilm formation by O157 (a non-biofilm former; NF) and ST (a strong biofilm former; BF). MPB were from contacting surface (CS), non-contacting surface (NCS), and the roller surface (RS) of a beef plant conveyor belt after sanitation. The two pathogens were co-inoculated with MPB (CO) or delayed by 48 h (IS) into biofilm reactors containing stainless steel coupons and incubated for up to 144 h.