Beefxide®
Birko’s New, Antimicrobial Intervention for Beef Processing
Up to a 2.4 log reduction (99.6%) of gram negative enteric bacteria has been demonstrated.
You owe it to your plant and your customers to give Birko Beefxide® a try.
- Stops gram negative pathogens up front and keeps them from traveling deeper into your operation.
- Broad spectrum reductions in both enteric and aerobic bacteria.
- Comparable to lactic acid with a lower application cost-per-head.
- Beefxide® is “green” and all components of the formula are GRAS.
- Accepted by the USDA for direct application to beef carcasses during processing.
- Formulated from FDA-approved ingredients.
- Can be applied using a variety of standard industry methods.
- No perceived discoloration to meat when used as directed.
- No perceived taste profile when used as directed.
- Beefxide® is a “processing aid” and does not require a label declaration.
- Non-corrosive to tanks and equipment.
- Shipped as a concentrate and requires no special water conditioning for mixing.
Background
In an effort to further provide beef processors with an effective intervention to control problem pathogens
on post-mortem beef carcasses Birko has tested several products both in-plant and in studies at a well-known university. The results have indicated that Birko’s new Beefxide® is comparable in log reduction kill of pathogenic bacteria and is lower in application cost due to a lower mix ratio requirement than ordinary lactic acid. Unlike PAA, it provides longer lasting protection throughout the processing procedure.
Beefxide® provides quick reductions in both enteric and aerobic bacteria with a long lasting residual effect.
If carcasses are exposed to bacteria through processing Beefxide® is there to help out.
Validated for Effectiveness
In recent plant tests Birko Beefxide® produced significant log reductions in pathogenic bacteria. Inoculation tests at a leading university on raw beef also produced good reductions on Salmonella spp. and E. coli 0157:H7. Aerobic plate counts were reduced as well. The full research report will be distributed on publication.
Application Flexibility
Beefxide® can be applied in an existing spray cabinet without modification or, in smaller operations, by handheld wand immediately after the hide is removed and after any wash or rinse step the plant may have in place. Birko recommends a 2.5% mix ratio and application at temperature to insure effectiveness.
Cost
Given the marginal profitability the beef processing industry is experiencing, Birko’s key consideration in the development of Beefxide® was a reasonable application cost. Depending on plant volume and application method Beefxide® application can be up to 25% less expensive than ordinary lactic acid and just as effective.
Contact Your Birko Technical Representative to set up an in-plant test of Beefxide®.
US and International Patents Pending.
Beefxide® is a Registered Trademark of Birko Corporation, Henderson, CO USA.