E. coli STEC · The Current Challenge for the Processed Meat Industry.
SterilFood K™: Comprehensive Solution for E. coli STEC Control in the Industry.
E. coli STEC is a variety of the bacterium Escherichia coli that produces Shiga toxins (hence its name: Shiga Toxin-Escherichia coli). These toxins are very potent and can cause serious illnesses in humans.
www.intabiotech.com
What does STEC mean?
STEC
Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli.
VTEC
Verocytotoxin-producing E. coli (alternative designation in certain contexts).
EHEC
Enterohemorrhagic E. coli (another designation used in specific contexts).
INTABIOTECH SL has developed SterilFood K™, a 100% natural mineral solution, formulated from mineral salts and substances from EC Regulations 1925/2006 and 1170/2009 (Annexes II and III respectively), with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial function specifically designed to combat this and other pathogens in the meat industry. It does not require registration as a biocide, it is a Clean-Label solution, and it leaves no active residues, except for a very special saline touch.
Key Characteristics of STEC E. coli
- Normally lives in the intestines of ruminant animals (cows, sheep, goats) without causing them illness.
- Produces Shiga toxins (Stx1 and/or Stx2), which damage intestinal cells and other organs.
- Can cause:
- Hemorrhagic colitis (bloody diarrhea)
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure, especially in children and the elderly.
INTABIOTECH SL's SterilFood K™ offers an effective barrier against this pathogen, protecting both consumers and your company's reputation in terms of quality perceived by your client and the consumer.
Most Relevant E. coli STEC Strains and Their Active Combat with Our Natural Solutions.
The best known is E. coli O157:H7, but there are many other pathogenic serotypes (O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, O145…).
All are grouped under STEC if they produce Shiga toxin.
SterilFood K™ has demonstrated efficacy against all relevant STEC strains, providing destruction of the microorganism within 24 hours.
For this type of processed food, we recommend consolidating the results obtained by adding a natural preservative product (PreserFood™ Meat) that helps create a hostile environment that blocks the proliferation of microbiology after the application of SterilFood K™, thus ensuring comprehensive protection for your processed meat products.
Transmission Routes of E. coli STEC
Contaminated Meat
Especially undercooked ground beef, one of the main transmission vehicles in foodborne outbreaks.
Unpasteurized Dairy Products
Raw milk and dairy products without adequate heat treatment can contain viable STEC.
Fruits and Vegetables
Contaminated by irrigation water or contact with manure from carrier animals.
Contaminated Water
Both for consumption and for use in food washing processes.
Contact with Animals
Direct contact with carrier animals or their environment can transmit the bacteria.
SterilFood K™ from INTABIOTECH SL acts as a critical barrier at multiple control points, significantly reducing the risk of contamination. Its action begins from the moment of application and is maintained for approximately 24 hours, after which recontamination processes can be triggered again through various routes (new handling, oxygenation, exposure, etc.), which is why we recommend combining this solution with other products that help maintain the microbiological status achieved through the powerful action of SterilFood K™.
Importance in Food Safety
Regulatory and Sanitary Relevance
- It is a notifiable pathogen in the EU (Regulation (EU) 2019/627 and derived standards).
- In the food industry, the presence of STEC in meat, milk, fresh vegetables, and ready-to-eat products is a critical risk.
- In official inspection, the detection of stx and eae genes is usually the alert and recall criterion.
INTABIOTECH SL has developed SterilFood K™ in response to this regulatory requirement, offering a technical reference framework on E. coli STEC adapted for use in quality control and audits in the EU.
🔍 Note for Quality Control:
In the EU, the most critical criterion is "absence in 25 g" in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods. In products intended for cooking, risk is assessed based on the expected thermal reduction, but findings in official controls can equally lead to immobilization or preventive recall.
In the EU, the most critical criterion is "absence in 25 g" in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods. In products intended for cooking, risk is assessed based on the expected thermal reduction, but findings in official controls can equally lead to immobilization or preventive recall.
SterilFood K™ from INTAZBIOTECH SL has been specifically developed to comply with these demanding regulatory requirements.
Non-Thermal Elimination Processes
SterilFood K™ from INTABIOTECH SL offers an effective alternative or complement to these processes, with the advantage of being more accessible and easier to implement in existing production lines.
99.999%
Bacterial Reduction
SterilFood K™ achieves reductions of up to 5 log (99.999%) in STEC load on the surface of meat products.
100%
Compatible
Compatible with all existing non-thermal processes, enhancing their efficacy and providing an additional barrier.
0
Toxic Residues
Safe formulation that leaves no toxic residues in the final product, complying with all EU regulations.
Integration of SterilFood K™ into Your Production Process
a) Direct Food Applications
- Spraying or immersion in fresh meat or ready-to-eat vegetables before packaging.
- Expected STEC reductions: 3–5 log in surface load depending on concentration and contact time.
- Compatible with spray chilling systems.
b) Surface and Equipment Applications
- CIP (Cleaning In Place) in processing lines, conveyor belts, and blades.
- Elimination of biofilms, where STEC can persist.
c) Preventive Control
- Use in fruit or vegetable wash waters.
- Prevents cross-contamination.
99.9%
Antimicrobial Efficacy
Against E. coli STEC on meat surfaces
100%
Regulatory Compliance
With EU regulations for food contact
85%
Risk Reduction
In audits and official controls
Integrated Control Strategy with SterilFood K™
1. Raw Material Reception
Certified suppliers + random STEC analysis.
Preventive application of SterilFood K™ on contact surfaces.
2. Processing with Thermal / Non-Thermal Control
Selection according to final product (cooked, HPP, etc.).
Monitoring of critical points with periodic validation.
3. Application of SterilFood K™
In post-processing phase to eliminate surface contamination and prevent recontamination.
Precise dosing through automated systems.
4. Surface and Environment Control
Scheduled nebulization or CIP application with SterilFood K™.
Effective elimination of biofilms and environmental contamination.
5. Verification
Periodic sampling following ISO/TS 13136.
Complete documentation for audits and official control.
INTABIOTECH SL offers complete technical advice for the implementation of SterilFood K™ in your production process, adapting to your specific needs and guaranteeing the best results in STEC E. coli control.
Contact our technical team for a personalized evaluation and a demonstration of the effectiveness of SterilFood K™ in your facilities.