CJD disinfection by autoclave:
Standard gravity displacement steam sterilization at 121°C has been studied with different strains of CJD, BSE, and scrapie and has been shown to be only partially effective, even after exposure times of 120 min. As the temperature and exposure time was increased, greater inactivation of the prion agents was achieved (table 5). Although there is some disagreement about the ideal time and temperature cycle [26], the recommendations of 121°C–132°C for 60 min (gravity) and of 134°C for ⩾18 min (prevacuum) are reasonable on the basis of the scientific literature. These methods should result in a decrease of >5 logs, and cleaning should result in a 4-log reduction, which provides a significant margin of safety (brain tissue concentration 105 prions/g) [13]. Other steam sterilization cycles, such as 132°C for 15 min (gravity), have been shown to be only partially effective [36].
ping
Yet another excuse to raise the price of beef.
I don’t think you can rely on pressure cooking alone to eliminate the threat from prions. Typically it needs to be combined with some extremely harsh phenol/chlorine/etc.
“20,000 ppm (2% sodium hypochlorite) available chlorine for 1 hour with sodium hypochorite as the chlorine releasing agent.”
“autoclave at 121°C for 30 minutes in sodium hydroxide.”
“The most effective chemical treatment for decontaminating formalin-fixed tissue is 96% formic acid for 1 hour.”
N.B.: Once infected, death is typically within six months.