ARS | Publication request: Recent results on pathogen intervention during poultry processing

Submitted to: ARS Food Safety and Inspection Service Research Workshop
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: February 17, 2012
Publication Date: February 17, 2012
Citation: Berrang, M.E. 2012. Recent results on pathogen intervention during poultry processing. ARS Food Safety and Inspection Service Research Workshop. February 17-20,2012. Shepardstown, WV.

Technical Abstract: Slaughter plant – focus has been on Campylobacter and Salmonella - Transport: Campylobacter cross contamination in live haul cages can be lessened by drying cages between uses - Applied after spray wash results in undetectable levels of Campylobacter: Time (24-48h), absorbent powder (2 h), hot air (effective within 15 min) - Scalding/Picking: feces borne contamination and cross contamination - High pH scald water: more effective than standard scald on Campylobacter and Salmonella - Chemical spray during picking: chlorine dioxide moderated increase in Campylobacter numbers and Salmonella prevalence - Re-order of processing events: eviscerating prior to scald/pick eliminates feces borne increase during picking - Current and planned work - Chemical treatments post evisceration - Chill tank additives - Prevalence and numbers of pathogens on parts Further processing: focus has been on L. monocytogenes - Largely enters facility on raw product (more so than other potential sources) from slaughter plant – colonizes floor drains - UV light shows promise as raw product treatment prior to shipment to cooking plant (2 log). - Various chemicals (esp. peroxide based) were effective to lower numbers of planktonic (6 log) and surface attached (2 – 4 log) cells in floor drains. - Silver ions not helpful to prevent formation of LM biofilms on plastic surfaces (0 log). - Current and planned work - Current work demonstrates potential for LM to escape floor drains and spread by air during plant wash down