Lactic acid as an alternative for decontamination of bovine carcasses in Basque abattoirs

The DELAC project, led by Leartiker S.Coop in collaboration with the Urkaiko S.Coop abbatoir, has been successfully completed after 13 months of applied research.

This initiative, part of the Basque Government's BERRIKER 2023 programme, had as its main objective to evaluate the use of lactic acid as a technique for decontaminating bovine carcasses, with the aim of improving the hygienic quality of the meat and enabling the production of meat preparations without additives.

Meat industry, safety and quality

Cleaning and disinfection are key operations in the food industry, and in the specific case of the meat industry, they are crucial to guaranteeing the safety and quality of the meat that reaches consumers' tables. For this reason, Leartiker's Food Design specialisation launched this initiative to help improve the hygienic quality of beef after slaughter and cutting. This improvement could subsequently enable the development of meat preparations without the use of preservative additives, with guarantees of quality and safety.

During slaughter and subsequent butchering, contamination of carcasses increases in abattoirs. This contamination occurs on the surface of the carcass and increases as the animal is cut up. For this reason, abattoirs are the meat production centres with the highest number of controls. Currently, there are various technologies permitted for the decontamination of carcasses in abattoirs, one of which is the use of lactic acid, a practice permitted and regulated by the EU since 2013.

Pilot study under real conditions with successful results

During the development of the project, a pilot study was carried out under real conditions, applying lactic acid solutions to beef carcasses and analysing their effect on reducing the microbial load. The results have demonstrated the effectiveness of the treatment, opening the door to new lines of innovation in the local meat industry.

Knowledge transfer to operators in the sector

To conclude the project and as a significant milestone, presentations were given to operators in the sector through technical sessions. This action made it possible to share the knowledge generated, promote interest in implementing the technique in abattoirs in the region and conclude the project with a direct impact on the agri-food value chain.

Leartiker thus reaffirms its commitment to applied research and improving the competitiveness of the Basque agri-food sector, contributing to safer, more sustainable production in line with current consumer trends.

Results available to everyone

As part of our commitment to transparency, collaboration and open innovation, we have made the complete results of the project available to the entire interested community, which can be freely consulted on our website.

•  DELAC project results report

The DELAC project has been funded through the BERRIKER 2023 programme (Basque Government - Department of Food, Rural Development, Agriculture and Fisheries).