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The Presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the Integrated Poultry Industry

USDA, ARS, Russell Research Center, Athens GA 30604-5677; Phone: (706) 546-3484; FAX: (706) 546-3771

Correspondence: N. A. Cox

This study attempted to determine if Listeria monocytogenes enters the processing plant on the live bird as presented to the processing plant, and if so, what sources contribute to the contamination of live poultry. Samples were taken at the beginning of the broiler chick's life (in the hatchery), at the end of finished grow-out period (as the broiler chicken entered the processing plant), and as fully processed carcasses in the processing plant. Listeria monocytogenes was found on 6% of the egg fragments and on 1% of the chick transport pads. Only 1 of 115 whole bird rinses and none of the 115 ceca were contaminated upon entering the processing plant. After processing, 27 of 105 (25.7%) carcasses were positive for L. monocytogenes. These data suggest that Listeria infrequently enters the processing plant on the live broiler animals. However, the organism appears to take up residence in the processing plant, a situation which ultimately leads to cross contamination during processing.

Key Words: Hatchery • Listeria • poultry • processing plant • retail outlet

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