Contamination Of Broiler Carcasses Research Articles

Integrating meta-analysis with a quantitative microbial risk assessment model to investigate Campylobacter contamination of broiler carcasses

This study investigated the prevalence and associated risk factors of Campylobacter in South Korean broilers using a random-effects meta-analysis. Subsequently, to facilitate the design of preventive measures, the prevalence estimate from the meta-analysis was incorporated into a stochastic risk assessment model to quantify the Campylobacter contamination levels on broiler carcasses. The baseline model was developed based on the most common practices along the South Korean broiler processing line, with no interventions. Meta-analysis results revealed Campylobacter prevalence across the chicken supply chain in the following order: farms (60.6 % [57.3–63.4]), retail markets (43.90 % [24.81–64.99]), slaughterhouses (27.71 % [18.56–39.21]), and processing plants (14.50 % [3.96–41.09]). The model estimated a 52 % (36.1–70.8) Campylobacter prevalence at the end of chilling, with an average contamination level of 4.62 (2.50–6.74) log CFU/carcass. Sensitivity analysis indicated that Campylobacter fecal shedding (r = 0.95) and the amount of feces on bird exteriors (r = 0.17) at pre-harvest were the main factors for carcass contamination, while soft scalding (r = -0.22) and air chilling (r = -0.12) can serve as critical control points (CCPs) at harvest. Scenario analysis indicated that a combination of hard scalding, inside-outside bird washing, spray washing, and chlorinated water immersion chilling can offer a 30.9 % reduction in prevalence and a reduction of 2.23 log CFU/carcass in contamination levels compared to the baseline model. Apart from disinfection and sanitation interventions carried out during meat processing, the implementation of robust control measures is indispensable to mitigate Campylobacter prevalence and concentration at broiler farms, thereby enhancing meat safety and public health. Furthermore, given the high Campylobacter prevalence in the retail markets, future studies should explore the potential risk of cross-contamination at post-harvest stage.

The Effectiveness of Azolla microphylla Flour Supplementation in Rations on Body Weight, Total Blood Plasma Protein and Total Microbial Contamination of Broiler Carcasses

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Azolla microphylla flour supplementation in broiler feed rations on body weight, total blood plasma protein and total broiler carcass microbial contamination. The study was conducted for 6 months (May-October 2022) in the broiler cage unit at the Integrated Field Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Lampung. This experimental study used four treatments and five replications. Each replicate consisted of five Cobb CP 707broiler strains, bringing a total of 100 broilers. Giving Azolla microphylla flour as a supplement is added to the feed ration with different doses according to broiler body weight, namely P0: ration without Azolla microphylla flour supplementation (control); P1: ration supplemented with 2.5% Azolla microphylla flour; P2 5%; P3 7.5%. Sampling of carcasses and blood serum of 29-day-old broilers was 1 broiler per replication with a total of 20 samples. Samples were sent to the Lampung Veterinary Center to be analyzed for total meat microbial contamination (total plate count) and total plasma protein in blood serum. Data from the test results are arranged in a simple tabular form to be analyzed descriptively. The conclusion of this study wassupplementation with 5% Azolla microphyllaflour in rations were effective to increase body weight gain, maintain total blood plasma protein within the normal range, and maintain total broiler carcass microbial contamination within safe limits for consumption.

Modeling of interventions for reducing external Enterobacteriaceae contamination of broiler carcasses during processing.

This article presents a mathematical model for the Enterobacteriaceae count on the surface of broiler chicken during slaughter and how it may be affected by different processing technologies. The model is based on a model originally developed for Campylobacter and has been adapted for Enterobacteriaceae using a Bayesian updating approach and hitherto unpublished data gathered from German abattoirs. The slaughter process in the model consists of five stages: input, scalding, defeathering, evisceration, washing, and chilling. The impact of various processing technologies along the broiler processing line on the Enterobacteriaceae count on the carcasses' surface has been determined from literature data. The model is implemented in the software R and equipped with a graphical user interface which allows interactively to choose among different processing technologies for each stage along the processing line. Based on the choice of processing technologies the model estimates the Enterobacteriaceae count on the surface of each broiler chicken at each stage of processing. This result is then compared to a so-called baseline model which simulates a processing line with a fixed set of processing technologies. The model calculations showed how even very effective removal of bacteria on the exterior of the carcass in a previous step will be undone by the cross-contamination with leaked feces, if feces contain high concentrations of bacteria.

Genomic diversity, virulence and source of Campylobacter jejuni contamination in Irish poultry slaughterhouses by whole genome sequencing.

The aim was to exploit whole genome sequencing (WGS) to assess genomic diversity, identify virulence genes and deduce the proportion of Campylobacter colonized broilers that directly contaminate their carcasses. Campylobacter jejuni isolates (107) from caeca and carcass neck skin samples (50 pairs from the same batch plus 7 individual caeca) sampled at three poultry slaughterhouses over a one-year period were selected for sequencing (MiSeq; Illumina). FastQ files were submitted to BioNumerics for analysis using the wgMLST scheme for allele calling. Campylobacter cgMLST and hierarchical clustering was performed by applying the single linkage algorithm. Sequence types (STs) were determined in silico from the WGS data and isolates were assigned into clonal complexes (CCs) using the Campylobacter PubMLST.org database. Virulence genes were determined by downloading core sequences from the virulence factor database (VFDB) and the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). A high degree of diversity was observed with 23 different STs identified. ST257 and CC-21 were the most common STs and CCs, respectively. cgMLST analysis suggested that 56% of carcass contamination was a direct result of contamination from caeca from the same batch. Virulence genes known to play a role in human C. jejuni infection were identified such as the wlaN gene and the genes associated with lipooligosaccharide synthesis, which were identified in 30% of isolates. Caecal colonization was the more plausible occurring source of C. jejuni contamination of broiler carcasses, compared with cross-contamination from another batch or the environment. The high rate of genetic diversity observed amongst caecal isolates is consistent with a wide variety of Campylobacter strains circulating in poultry flocks in Ireland. The results will further inform broiler processors and regulators about the influence and importance of on-farm colonization versus slaughterhouse cross-contamination and the relationship between C. jejuni in caeca and carcasses during processing.

Detection and Quantification of Campylobacter in Poultry Slaughterhouses Using Conventional Microbiological Technique, Most Probable Number, and Real-Time PCR.

Campylobacteriosis is one of the most common bacteria causing human gastroenteritis. Poultry is a major reservoir of Campylobacter spp. as well as the main source of transmission. Due to the increased occurrence of campylobacteriosis, poultry slaughterhouses are under pressure to deliver carcasses with low contamination. However, a few studies have been carried out to evaluate Campylobacter contamination of broiler carcasses in Brazilian slaughter lines. Therefore, in this study, we aimed at detecting and quantifying the thermotolerant Campylobacter spp. at different stages of the poultry slaughtering process. The samples were collected from 12 points in three slaughterhouses in southern Brazil, at an interval of 12 months, and were tested for Campylobacter spp. by conventional microbiological technique, the most probable number, and real-time PCR. A total of 432 samples were analyzed. The majority of strains belonged to Campylobacter jejuni (92%), and the flock positivity among the three techniques was similar in most cases. Campylobacter was detected in all slaughtering stages. Although contamination has remained similar (p > 0.05) throughout almost all the slaughter process, evisceration seemed to be an important source of contamination. Our results reinforce the idea that the final carcass quality after the slaughtering process is directly influenced by the level of contamination of the broiler flocks on arrival at the processing plant.

Comparison of Bacterial Cross-Contamination among Broiler Carcasses between Commercial and Non-Commercial Processed System and Its Public Health Implications

Objectives: This study aimed to conduct a comparative assessment of bacterial cross-contamination in commercial and non-commercial processing plants including associated risk factors for bacterial contamination. Study Design: This was analytic cross sectional survey on bacterial contamination of broiler carcasses between different processing systems. Introduction: Zambia, like most African and Asian Countries, still practices “live-open non-commercial broiler carcass processing systems” besides the “closed abattoir based systems”. However, shelf life, spoilage and hygiene levels have been postulated to vary based on the type of processing system. Live-open non-commercial processing systems are popular among majority consumers owing to their perceived “freshness”, compared to commercially dressed chickens. In between, consumers have to balance freshness and quality assurance. Ultimately, this becomes inert, remotely but an important public health issue. However, lack of empirical evidence on safety levels to guide consumer product selection leaves them to speculation. It is this need to close this gap that created an impetus for us to undertake this study. Methods: Biological samples were collected before carcass wash and after carcass wash alongside a structured questionnaire that gathered risk-associated data. Standard microbiological enumeration methods were used to isolate bacteria and enumerate contamination. Results: Broiler carcasses processed from “open” non-commercial systems were more contaminated (45.6%) than “closed-abattoir” commercially processed systems (35%). Escherichia coli were major contaminants (71.3%) and few Salmonella spices (typhi or para-typhi) in 1.3%. Risk analysis indicates washing (method) of carcasses at commercial systems was significantly more risky for contamination than non-commercial ones. Major sources of contamination were “distance from water sources”. Increased volume of slaughters per day (>15,000 birds) for commercial systems accounted for increased cross-contamination, particularly, distance from water source was a ma-jor risk factor for contamination.

Evaluation of effect of chilling steps during slaughtering on the Campylobacter sp. counts on broiler carcasses

Campylobacter spp. play an increasing role as foodborne pathogens, with poultry representing the main vehicle of infection, and control measures at the slaughterhouse have been implemented in the last years. In this study, 2 trials were performed, evaluating the effect of the chilling phases currently applied in an industrial slaughterhouse on the Campylobacter sp. contamination of broiler carcasses. In the first trial, neck skin samples were taken from 13 flocks before and after the on-chain air chilling and submitted to analysis of Campylobacter sp. count; in the second trial, 63 carcasses or cuts stored in the chilling room for variable times, with or without skin, were submitted to analysis of Campylobacter sp. count. A selection of 75 isolates was identified by PCR. All carcass skin samples taken from the first trial showed Campylobacter sp. counts higher than 0.7 log cfu/g. A wide variability in the counts (about 3 logs) was detected, showing a high correlation between the counts obtained before and after chilling. A slight decrease (P = 0.011) was observed after chilling (mean difference of about 0.3 log cfu/g), also if variability was observed among the flocks; the number of samples with high Campylobacter sp. counts (≥3 log cfu/g) was reduced (P = 0.010). In the second trial, low counts were generally detected (almost all lower than 3 log cfu/g). An evident decreasing trend was observed during storage, but the survival rate of Campylobacter on the cuts with skin was higher. All the isolates were identified as Campylobacter jejuni (72%) or Campylobacter coli. The data obtained were compared with the threshold limit set by EC Regulation 2073/2005, evidencing the impact of the sampling point on the counts. Our results highlighted the importance of applying a hurdle strategy including on-chain chilling and strict respect of the cold chain, allowing the food business operator to fulfill the process hygiene criteria and avoiding the delivery of highly contaminated meats.

Effect of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis probiotic supplementation on cecal Salmonella load in broilers challenged with salmonella

The overall objective in this study is to determine the effects of Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis probiotic supplementation on performance and cecal Salmonella load in broilers challenged with Salmonella enterica serovar enteritidis. A total of 360 one-day-old broiler chicks were randomly distributed to 4 experimental groups in a 2 × 2 factorial setup of treatments: control, control + challenge, probiotics (10 mg/kg feed of B. subtilis strain HU58; HU58 plus 100 mg/kg feed of B. licheniformis SC307; Prepro; Microbiome Labs, Saint Augustine, FL), and probiotics + challenge. Each treatment was replicated in 6 pens (n = 6) with 15 chicks per pen. At 21 d of age, all birds in the challenge groups were inoculated orally with 250 μL of 1 × 109 cfu S. enteritidis. At 42 d of age, birds in the control + challenge group had 180-g decrease, whereas birds in the probiotic + challenge groups had only 40-g decrease in the BW gain, compared with the control group. At 28 d of age, birds in the control + challenge group had 220-g decrease, whereas birds in the probiotic + challenge groups had only 140-g decrease in feed consumption compared with that in the control group. Birds in the probiotic + challenge group had 0.73, 1.59, and 1.32 log decrease in Salmonella cfu/g of cecal contents at 5, 12, and 21 d after Salmonella infection, compared with the challenge group. Birds in the challenge group had higher (P < 0.05) titers of anti-Salmonella IgA in the bile. Birds in the probiotic + challenge group had further increased (P < 0.05) anti-Salmonella bile IgA titers compared with the birds in the challenge group. At 21 d after Salmonella infection, birds in the challenge group had 17.3-μm decrease (P < 0.05) in the villus height compared with the control group, whereas birds in the probiotics + challenge group had a comparable villus height to that in the probiotic group. It can be concluded that B. subtilis and B. Licheniformis probiotic can be a tool in decreasing Salmonella loads in the broiler's gastrointestinal tract, and B. subtilis and B. Licheniformis supplementation can be expected to decrease broiler carcass contamination with Salmonella.

Comparison of four sampling methods for microbiological quantification on broiler carcasses

The aim of this study was to evaluate four different sampling methods for quantification of bacterial contamination of broiler carcasses at slaughter. Various sampling techniques are used worldwide for sampling carcass surfaces and the results are often presented with different units of measurement, such as cfu (or log cfu) per mL, per cm2, per carcass, or per gram. Sampling was performed in a commercial abattoir with naturally contaminated carcasses (n = 100). Sampling methods compared were: whole-carcass rinse (WCR) in 200 mL liquid, 10 g of neck skin and breast skin, and gauze cloth swabs (3 sites x 100 cm2). Petrifilms were used for analyses of the samples for total plate count, Enterobacteriaceae, and E. coli. The results were converted into log cfu per cm2.The recoveries of Enterobacteriaceae and E. coli were highest from samples collected by WCR, followed by neck-skin excision (recovered 80–100% of WCR), then breast-skin excision (recovered 50–65% of WCR), and finally swabbing (recovered 40–50% of WCR). In conclusion, the WCR sampling method provides the best reflection of the extent of carcass contamination.

Modeling Salmonella Spread in Broiler Production: Identifying Determinants and Control Strategies.

The presence of Salmonella spp. in broiler production is a food safety concern as the bacterium can be transmitted to humans via contaminated meat and derived products. Salmonella detection in litter at the pre-slaughter period has been linked to increased odds of contaminated broiler carcasses and meat derived products. To determine risk factors related to farm and broiler house characteristics and management practices, this study uses a unique longitudinal data set from a Brazilian integrated broiler enterprise, which contains official results of Salmonella spp. isolation from drag swabs collected at the end of the grow-out period. A Bayesian hierarchical spatio-temporal model found significant spatial and time influence on the odds of isolating Salmonella spp. from litter as well as significant effects from the size of a broiler house, total housing area per farm, type of broiler house, and number of litter recycles. Results indicate that recycling litter beyond 6 rearing cycles significantly increased the odds of isolating Salmonella before slaughter, and the bacterium was more likely to persist in conventional broiler houses, compared to broiler houses with controlled environment. Evidence of a potential principal-agent problem was also found in setting strategies to control the bacterium from litter, which suggests strong incentives to adopt the strategies aiming to reduce prevalence of the bacterium in the integrated enterprise. Our findings could be used to develop alternative measures to reduce the risk of persistence of the bacterium in the broiler production chain.

Prevalence of and Risk Factors for Campylobacter spp. Colonization of Broiler Chicken Flocks in Greece.

The prevalence and risk factors for Campylobacter spp. colonization of broiler flocks and broiler carcass contamination in Greek slaughterhouses were investigated. Over a 14-month period, a pool of 10 ceca and 5 neck skin samples from chicken carcasses were collected from each of 142 batches of broiler flocks slaughtered in 3 different slaughterhouses. Information on potential risk factors for Campylobacter infection in broilers was collected by an on-farm interview and linked according to the Campylobacter contamination status of broiler flocks and differences in farm characteristics and management practices identified from questionnaires. Campylobacter spp. was isolated from 73.94% and 70.42% of ceca (95% CI 65.92-80.94) and carcasses (95% CI 62.19-77.78), respectively. A significant correlation (p < 0.001) between the presence of Campylobacter spp. in broiler ceca and contamination of carcasses was found, suggesting the spread of the microorganism on the skin of carcasses during the slaughtering procedure. A multiple logistic regression showed the disinfection of the poultry house being conducted by unskilled personnel (odds ratio [OR] ¼ = 3.983) as a significant risk factor (p < 0.05) and the use of straw litter as bedding material (OR ¼ = 0.170) and closure of windows during the intervals of production cycles (OR ¼ = 0.396) as significant protective factors (p < 0.05) for broiler flock contamination. These results are important and help further the understanding of the epidemiology of Campylobacter spp. derived from poultry in Greece.

Impact of hygienic slaughter practices on Salmonella contamination of broiler carcasses in Biskra, Algeria

Poultry meat is the primary meat consumed in Algeria, surpassing sheep and beef in the 1980s. However, this product is often at risk of being contaminated by Salmonella. Salmonellosis is a foodborne disease with tens of millions of human cases estimated to occur worldwide, and resulting in more than a hundred thousand deaths per year. According to the World Health Organization, salmonellosis in humans is generally contracted through the consumption of contaminated food of animal origin, including poultry. The main objective of this study was to investigate the risk factors associated with Salmonella contamination of broiler carcasses at the slaughterhouse. Sixty fresh chicken carcasses from six slaughterhouses were subjected to bacteriological analysis in accordance with AFNOR (French Standardization Association) standards. Statistical analyses showed an impact of the hygienic quality of the slaughter process on the likelihood of Salmonella contamination of poultry meat. A correlation (r=0.84) was found between hygienic slaughter practices and Salmonella contamination of chicken carcasses. The average level of TAMB (total aerobic mesophilic bacteria) was high in carcasses positive for Salmonella (t-test = 0.019). Not washing live bird transport crates was associated with an increasing risk of Salmonella contamination carcasses (odds ratio/OR = 28). The mean level of TAMB was higher in the presence of the following risk factors: old and small slaughterhouse, not washing live bird transport crates, manual bleeding, scalding type (soaking), non-renewal of scalding water, no disinfectant in water, no ventilation drying, no sanitary facilities. The identification of risk factors responsible for bacterial contamination of broiler meat is essential to determine the most effective methods of prevention.

Synbiotic supplementation to decrease Salmonella colonization in the intestine and carcass contamination in broiler birds.

In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to study the effects of synbiotic supplementation on Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis (SE) proliferation, cecal content load, and broiler carcass contamination. Lactobacillus reuteri, Enterococcus faecium, Bifidobacterium animalis, and Pediococcus acidilactici culture supernatants decreased (P < 0.05) the in vitro proliferation of SE at 1:1 supernatant: pathogen dilution. A total of 240 Cobb-500 broiler chicks were randomly allotted to three treatment groups (8 replicates/group with 10 birds/replicate): control (basal diet), antibiotic (Virginiamycin at 20 mg/kg feed), synbiotic (PoultryStar® ME at 0.5 g/kg feed containing L. reuteri, E. faecium, B. animalis, P. acidilactici and a Fructooligosaccharide) from day of hatch. At 21 d of age, all birds in experimental groups were orally inoculated with 250 μl of 1 X 109 CFU SE. Antibiotic supplementation increased (P < 0.05) body weight and feed consumption, compared to the control group. Birds in the synbiotic supplementation had intermediate body weight and feed consumption that were not significantly different from both the control and antibiotic group at 42 d of age in SE infected birds. No significant effects were observed in feed efficiency at 42 d of age among the groups. Antibiotic and synbiotic supplementation decreased (P < 0.05) SE load in cecal contents by 0.90 and 0.85 log units/ g and carcass SE load by 1.4 and 1.5 log units/mL of rinsate compared to the control group at 42 d of age (21 dpi). The relative abundance of IL-10, IL-1, TLR-4, and IFNγ mRNA was decreased (P < 0.05) in the antibiotic and synbiotic supplementation groups compared to the control birds at 42 d of age (21 dpi). It can be concluded that synbiotic supplementation decreased SE proliferation in vitro and decreased SE load in the cecal contents and broiler carcass.

Contamination of yellow-feathered broiler carcasses: Microbial diversity and succession during processing

The processing environment of broiler processing plants is a potential major source of bacterial contamination of broiler carcasses. This study investigated the effect of processing water and processing time on the microbial diversity of yellow-feathered broiler carcasses at select stages of slaughter during one commercial processing day using a high-throughput sequencing technique targeting the V3V4 region of the 16S RNA gene. Our results demonstrated that Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were the dominant bacterial phyla of broiler carcasses and processing water in the chiller tank, whereas the processing water in the scalder tank contained a high abundance of Firmicutes and Deinococcus-Thermus. At the genus level, Escherichia-Shigella and Streptococcus were present on broiler carcasses with high abundances after defeathering, but their abundance decreased after washing and chilling. The bacterial community structure was revealed to become more complex at later stages of processing, as indicated by the consistent increase in microbial alpha diversity metrics (Chao 1, Shannoneven and Shannon) throughout the processing stages (p < 0.05). Significantly separate clustering of bacterial communities between scalder tank water and carcasses was revealed by PCoA analysis, indicating the limited effect of scalding water on the bacterial communities of broiler carcasses.

Reduction Of Microbial Contamination Of Whole Broiler Chicken Carcasses During Processing

Contamination of broiler carcasses during processing with several microorganisms as salmonella, campylobacter, E. coli and staphylococcus aureus is frequently occurring. Scalding, defeathering, chilling are critical points at which cross contamination may occur during processing. Recently several interventions for carcass decontamination have been employed in order to reduce the levels of microbial hazards on poultry carcasses during processing; among which chlorine and organic acids are the most common. This study was carried out in a traditional poultry abattoir in Fayoum Governorate in order to improve the microbial quality of broiler carcasses. During 10 replicate a total of 160 carcasses were collected at 4 sampling points in the processing line (scalding, defeathering, final wash and chilling). Bacterial counts recovered from broiler carcasses rinse were lowered by 1.3, 1.3, 0.3 and 0.5 Log10 cfu ml after treatment of scalding water with 100 ppm Calcium hypochlorite in scalding. Adding peracetic acid (PAA) 50 ppm + 0.5 % acetic acid to the defeathering machine spraying system during defeathering lowered the count of coliforms and faecal coliforms significantly (P ≤ 0.05) by 1.5 and 1.6 Log10 cfu ml of carcass rinse, while it wasn't significant for E. coli and staphylococcus counts (1.2 and 0.95 Log10 cfu ml), respectively. Furthermore, significant differences in the reduction of all bacterial counts were observed in the washing stage (P ≤ 0.05) after treatment of broiler carcasses with a mixture of lactic acid 1 % + acetic acid 1 % in the final washing step. At chilling stage Na hypochlorite 50 ppm reduced the bacterial counts by 2, 2.2, 1.3 and 0.8 log10 cfu ml of carcass rinse for coliforms, faecal coliforms, Escherichia coli and staphylococcus aureus, respectively. E. coli, salmonellae, staphylococcus aureus and campylobacter spp. were reduced by different percentages. The used interventions effectively or significantly reduced microbial populations on broiler chicken carcasses during processing.

Impact of Extended Heat Treatment on the Amino Acid Digestibility and TMEn Content of a Formaldehyde-Treated Diet

SUMMARY Eliminating the contamination of broiler carcasses by pathogens such as Salmonella that can cause human illness continues to be a tremendous challenge and concern for the poultry industry and government regulatory agencies. One source for the introduction of these pathogens in poultry production can be the feed. Extended heat conditioning of diets prior to pelleting combined with the addition of preservatives such as formaldehyde has proven effective in reducing the risk of Salmonella in poultry diets. However, there has been a concern that the addition of some forms of formaldehyde to diets subjected to extended heat treatment could decrease the metabolizable energy and amino acid availability of the diet. To partially address this question, the TMEn and digestible amino acid coefficients of a broiler starter diet treated with 0 (control) or 0.3% formaldehyde solution prior to heat treatment at 82°C for 4.5 min were determined. Cecectomized and intact adult Single Comb White Leghorn roosters were used for determining amino acid digestibility and TMEn, respectively. The addition of the formaldehyde compound did not affect either the TMEn or the digestible amino acid content of the diet, except for a marginal (less than 1%) decrease in arginine digestibility. These results indicate that the supplementation of poultry diets with formaldehyde solution prior to extended heat treatment to eliminate Salmonella contamination did not impact the nutritional value of these diets for poultry.

Quantification of the Campylobacter contamination on broiler carcasses during the slaughter of Campylobacter positive flocks in semi-industrialized slaughterhouses

Campylobacter contamination of broiler carcasses has been little studied in semi-industrialized slaughterhouses in developing countries, where several steps are carried out manually or with limited technology. In this study, we performed quantification of the Campylobacter contamination on carcasses at four steps in the slaughter process in three Ecuadorian slaughterhouses. Therefore, 15 Campylobacter positive batches were sampled in three commercial slaughterhouses. For every batch, caecal content and five samples of breast skin were taken and examined for Campylobacter counts at the following steps: after plucking, after evisceration, after final washing and after water chilling. Slaughterhouse C was the only slaughterhouse in which Campylobacter counts increased significantly after evisceration. No significant differences were found between counts after evisceration and after final washing (P > 0.05). In all slaughterhouses, a significant reduction of Campylobacter counts (0.11 to 2.55 log10 CFU/g) was found after the chilling step. The presence of chlorine in the chilling water was associated with the highest reduction in Campylobacter counts on the carcasses. A high variability of Campylobacter counts was found within and between batches slaughtered in the same slaughterhouse. Campylobacter counts in caecal content samples were not correlated with counts on carcasses after plucking nor after evisceration.

Analysis of a poultry slaughter process: Influence of process stages on the microbiological contamination of broiler carcasses.

In a large-scale Swiss poultry abattoir, a microbiological process analysis of broiler carcasses was performed. At each selected process stage (scalding, plucking, evisceration, washing, and chilling), 90 carcasses from 30 flocks were sampled and examined for Campylobacter, Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Enterobacteriaceae, and extended-spectrum b-lactamases-producing Enterobacteriaceae. With regard to Campylobacter counts on carcasses, plucking tended to slightly increase the results (on average by 0.4 log CFU/g), whereas mean counts from plucked and chilled carcasses were comparable (3.1 log CFU/g after plucking, 3.0 log CFU/g in the chiller). The Campylobacter results of chilled carcasses are thereby likely to comply with the newly defined requirements of the European Union (process hygiene criterion for Campylobacter). With regard to Escherichia coli and Enterobacteriaceae counts on carcasses, plucking clearly reduced the results (on average by 0.8 and 0.9 log CFU/g), whereas mean counts from plucked and chilled carcasses were comparable (3.4 and 3.5 log CFU/g after plucking, 3.4 log CFU/g in the chiller). In contrast, Salmonella spp. were not detected on broiler carcasses and extended-spectrum b-lactamases- producing Enterobacteriaceae only rarely (1.8%). Such abattoir-specific data are of central importance for assessment of slaughter process performance and if necessary for the implementation of effective measures in the slaughter process.

Impact of Built-up-Litter and Commercial Antimicrobials on Salmonella and Campylobacter Contamination of Broiler Carcasses Processed at a Pilot Mobile Poultry-Processing Unit.

The small-scale mobile poultry-processing unit (MPPU) produced raw poultry products are of particular food safety concern due to exemption of USDA poultry products inspection act. Limited studies reported the microbial quality and safety of MPPU-processed poultry carcasses. This study evaluated the Salmonella and Campylobacter prevalence in broiler ceca and on MPPU-processed carcasses and efficacy of commercial antimicrobials against Campylobacter jejuni on broilers. In study I, straight-run Hubbard × Cobb broilers (147) were reared for 38 days on clean-shavings (CS, 75) or built-up-litter (BUL, 72) and processed at an MPPU. Aerobic plate counts (APCs), coliforms, Escherichia coli, and yeast/molds (Y/M) of carcasses were analyzed on petrifilms. Ceca and carcass samples underwent microbial analyses for Salmonella and Campylobacter spp. using the modified USDA method and confirmed by API-20e test (Salmonella), latex agglutination immunoassay (Campylobacter), and Gram staining (Campylobacter). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (CadF gene) identified the prevalence of C. jejuni and Campylobacter coli in ceca and on carcasses. In study II, fresh chilled broiler carcasses were spot inoculated with C. jejuni (4.5 log10 CFU/mL) and then undipped, or dipped into peroxyacetic acid (PAA) (1,000 ppm), lactic acid (5%), lactic and citric acid blend (2.5%), sodium hypochlorite (69 ppm), or a H2O2–PAA mix (SaniDate® 5.0, 0.25%) for 30 s. Surviving C. jejuni was recovered onto Brucella agar. APCs, coliforms, and E. coli populations were similar (P > 0.05) on CS and BUL carcasses. Carcasses of broilers raised on BUL contained a greater (P < 0.05) Y/M population (2.2 log10 CFU/mL) than those reared on CS (1.8 log10 CFU/mL). Salmonella was not detected in any ceca samples, whereas 2.8% of the carcasses from BUL were present with Salmonella. Prevalence of Campylobacter spp., C. jejuni was lower (P < 0.05), and C. coli was similar (P > 0.05) in CS-treated ceca than BUL samples. Prevalence of Campylobacter spp., C. jejuni, and C. coli was not different (P > 0.05) on CS- and BUL-treated carcasses. All antimicrobials reduced C. jejuni by 1.2–2.0 log CFU/mL on carcasses compared with controls. Hence, raising broilers on CS and applying post-chilling antimicrobial treatment can reduce Salmonella and Campylobacter on MPPU-processed broiler carcasses.

Campylobacter jejuni Carriage of Broiler Carcasses at Slaughter-house As “An Important Parameter of food Hygiene”

The aim of the study is to evaluate the contamination of poultry meat with Campylobacter jejuni during slaughtering. The study was performed from February to August 2011, at Brno –Czech Republic. Two hundred eighty slaughtered broiler carcasses were examined from 20 farms (at different time intervals), five different samples were collected from each carcass. Swab samples were collected from different parts of the carcass as follows: from outer surfaces of carcass (after defeathering); from inner surfaces after evisceration; from ileum; liver and Bile as well.A total of 139 carcasses were positive from bacteriological isolation of C. jejuni of total carcasses examined. Particularly, the percentage of isolation from different organ samples were as follows: 7.85% of isolates were from the outer surface, 8.21% from internal surface, 28.57% from ileum, 21.07% from liver, and 14.28% from bile.Also the frequency of isolation was varied according to different months and showed maximum level in May (63%), while the minimum isolation rate was reported in August (40%). The present date was indicated a high level of contamination of broiler carcasses with C. jejuni and give us an alarming signal about and preventive measures