Campylobacter and Salmonella levels and chemical composition of commercial whole bird carcass pre-chiller rinses

• Published in: Journal of agriculture and food research Vol. 2; p. 100041
• Main Authors: Blevins, R.E., Dittoe, D.K., Feye, K.M., Bench, L., Bench, B.J., Ricke, S.C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.12.2020; Elsevier
• Subjects: Campylobacter; Chemical composition; Poultry; Pre-chiller; Salmonella; Salmonella; Chemical composition; Pre-chiller; Poultry; Campylobacter
• ISSN: 2666-1543; 2666-1543
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jafr.2020.100041

In order to assess the impact of pre-chiller temperatures on whole bird carcass rinses (WBCR), trials were conducted to analyze the effects of pre-chiller temperatures on the microbial and chemical composition of the pre-chiller water and the incidence of Campylobacter, Salmonella, and total aerobes on WBCR. WBCR and water samples were tested before and after the pre-chiller to assess the microbiological impact of different temperatures on the microbiological quality of the carcasses. Results demonstrated higher pre-chiller temperatures (>70 °F) impacted the microbial load of the WBCR (correlations: P < 0.05). APC populations of WBCR were less at the post pre-chiller sampling location of both systems (2.98 and 2.85 Log10 CFU/mL) than prior (3.34 and 3.24 Log10 CFU/mL) and the load of Salmonella in pre-chiller 1 (65 °F) was higher post pre-chiller (-0.61 to 0.06 Log10 CFU/mL). Campylobacter load of post pre-chiller 2 (>70 °F) was higher than that of both pre-chiller 1 locations. Correlations between time and load of aerobes, Salmonella, and Campylobacter on WBCR taken from post pre-chiller 2 were present (0.04, 0.11, and 0.91 Log10 CFU/mL per 1.5 h; P < 0.05). In addition, there was a correlation between time and load of Campylobacter on WBCR taken from post pre-chiller 1 and pre pre-chiller 2 (0.14 and 0.16 Log10 CFU/mL per 1.5 h; P < 0.05). Salmonella prevalence was higher than the central mean for WBCR collected post pre-chiller 1 and lower in those collected pre pre-chiller 2 (P < 0.05) Campylobacter prevalence was lower in WBCR collected pre-chiller 1 and higher post pre-chiller 2 than the central mean (P < 0.05). These results indicate that there may be a significant microbiological benefit to running the pre-chiller at lower temperatures, specifically for reducing Campylobacter loads. This information should allow processors to reduce the microbiological loads prior to second processing. [Display omitted] •Microbial load in pre-chillers >70 °F did correlate to that in carcass rinsates.•Campylobacter load and prevalence of WBCR was more affected by higher temperatures.•Salmonella and APC load of WBCR were less affected by temperature.•A microbiological benefit to running the pre-chiller at lower temperatures.•Focus on reducing the microbial contamination prior- and post-pre-chiller system.