Efficacy of intermittent decontamination treatments during processing in reducing the microbial load on broiler chicken carcass

Abstract

Investigations were carried out to assess the efficacy of microbial decontamination treatment at each step during processing of broiler chickens. Treatments with acetic or lactic acid by dipping or spray washing with water containing acid were the decontaminating techniques adopted. Addition of lactic acid to scald water reduced the build up of the microbial load in scald water thus minimising the chances of cross contamination from scald water, as was evident from the lower microbial load on birds scalded in scald water with lactic acid. Acid treatment of carcasses by dipping after each step of processing reduced the microbial load on carcass surfaces. Spray washing of carcasses with water containing acetic or lactic acid after every step of processing reduced the microbial load considerably, compared to spray washing with water alone. Acid treatment at low concentrations did not affect the appearance of carcasses. It is concluded from the study that decontamination by acid treatment either by dipping or spray washing with water containing acetic or lactic acid at every step of processing could minimise the cross contamination and thus improve the microbial quality of broiler carcasses.