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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #141140
Title: EFFECT OF COMMERCIAL BIRD WASHERS ON BROILER CARCASS MICROBIOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Author
item Northcutt, Julie
item Berrang, Mark
item Smith, Douglas
item Jones, Deana

Submitted to: Journal of Applied Poultry Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/13/2003
Publication Date: 12/3/2003
Citation: Northcutt, J.K., Berrang, M.E., Smith, D.P., Jones, D.R. 2003. Effect of commercial bird washers on broiler carcass microbiological characteristics. Journal of Applied Poultry Research. 12(4):435-438.

Interpretive Summary: A study was conducted to determine the effects of commercial bird washers on broiler carcass microbiological characteristics. Broiler carcasses were removed from the processing line in three different commercial facilities immediately before and after the bird washer. Carcasses were rinsed, and the rinses were analyzed for bacteria. Bacteria counts in the rinses varied among the processing plants. Total aerobic bacteria decreased significantly on carcasses from plant 3 after washing, but this trend did not occur in all of the plants evaluated. These data show that use of a bird washer may not significantly reduce carcass bacteria.

Technical Abstract: A study was conducted to determine the effects of commercial bird washers on broiler carcass microbiological characteristics. Broiler carcasses were removed from the processing line in three different commercial facilities immediately before and after the inside-outside bird washer (IOBW). Whole carcass rinses were analyzed for coliforms, E. coli and total aerobic bacteria. Coliform, E. coli and total aerobic bacteria counts on carcasses varied among the processing plants (P < 0.05); however, no difference was found for carcass coliform or E. coli due to washing in the IOBW. Total aerobic bacteria decreased significantly on carcasses from plant 3 (log10 4.4 versus log10 3.8) after washing in the IOBW, but this trend did not occur in all of the plants evaluated. These data show that use of the IOBW may not significantly reduce carcass coliform or E. coli counts.