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Incidence of Listeria monocytogenes on Pre-Scald and Post-Chill Chicken

USDA-ARS, Poultry Processing and Meat Quality Research Unit Russell Research Center, P. O. Box 5677, Athens, GA 30605-5677; Phone: (706) 546-3551; FAX: (706) 546-3633

J. K. Northcutt

University of Georgia, Department of Poultry Science, Athens, GA 30602-4356

Correspondence: M. E. Berrang, E-mail:mberrang{at}saa.ars.usda.gov

Listeria monocytogenes is a human pathogen that can cause serious foodborne disease. For this reason, this pathogen is of great interest to all food manufacturing companies. Recent outbreaks of listeriosis in which poultry products were implicated have focused the attention of the poultry industry on L. monocytogenes. Historically, this pathogen has been isolated from poultry processing plants, especially during the latter stages of processing (post evisceration). This study was designed to survey several plants and determine the incidence of L. monocytogenes on poultry carcasses. Three commercial chicken processing plants were examined for the presence of L. monocytogenes on carcasses from early (pre-scald) and late (post-chill) in the process. Overall, the percentage of positive post-chill samples was lower than that previously reported in earlier studies. Carcasses from two plants maintained a low incidence at both sample sites. Carcasses from the third plant accumulated a significant increase in L. monocytogenes from pre-scald to post-chill. This third plant later replaced the evisceration equipment. A second evaluation, one month after placement of the equipment, revealed much lower incidence on processed carcasses.

Key Words: Chicken • Listeria monocytogenes • processing plant

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