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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Ames, Iowa » National Animal Disease Center » Food Safety and Enteric Pathogens Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #221848
Title: Food Safety Issues and the Microbiology of Poultry

Author
item WESLEY, IRENE

Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/20/2008
Publication Date: 4/20/2009
Citation: Wesley, I.V. 2009. Food Safety Issues and the Microbiology of Poultry. In: Heredia, N., Wesley, I., Garcia, J.S., editors. Microbiologically Safe Foods. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley & Sons, Inc. p. 169-183.

Interpretive Summary: Campylobacter and Salmonella are the #1 and #2 causes of human food-borne illness, respectively. Consumption of contaminated poultry is their major mode of transmission to humans. This chapter reviews the major steps in poultry production ---from day of hatch through lariage—and processing. Critical control points during production (day of hatch bird to market weight bird) and distribution are reviewed. Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Point program has contributed to the significant decline in food-borne illness. Future initiatives in the poultry sector will continue to yield microbiologically safe, wholesome and high quality poultry to the global customer.

Technical Abstract: Microbial food safety has emerged as a global concern because of its effect on health of the consumers and the economic impact on the food industry. The economic impact of food-borne illness is estimated at $20-43 billion annually. Campylobacter and Salmonella are the #1 and #2 causes of human food-borne illness, respectively. Consumption of contaminated poultry is their major mode of transmission. This chapter reviews the major steps in poultry production ---from day of hatch through lariage—and processing. To minimize the risk of food-borne illness associated with poultry consumption, microbial pathogens must be properly controlled. Critical control points during production (day of hatch bird to market weight bird) and distribution are reviewed. The impact of the federally mandated Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Point program, with accompanying monitoring to determine effectiveness, is described. Future initiatives in the poultry sector will continue to yield microbiologically safe, wholesome and high quality poultry to the global customer.