P3-16 Evaluation of Inoculation and Carcass Rinse Methods on the Recovery of Salmonella Enteritidis and Campylobacter jejuni from Broiler Carcasses

Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Exhibit Hall (Charlotte Convention Center)
Jacob Smith, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Luxin Wang, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Christy Bratcher, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Sacit Bilgili, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Manpreet Singh, Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Introduction: Salmonella and Campylobacter continue to be major foodborne pathogens associated with poultry. Current USDA-FSIS protocol uses a 400 ml carcass rinse for microbiological analysis of these organisms on poultry carcasses; however, enhanced sensitivity may be achieved using a lower rinse volume such as 200 ml. In addition, mixed culture inoculations of broiler carcasses with Salmonella and Campylobacter may also have an impact on recovery of each of these pathogens.  

Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate independent and combined bacterial inoculation (Salmonella Enteritidis and Campylobacter jejuni, either alone or combined), attachment period (0 and 30 min), and carcass rinse volumes (200 and 400 ml) on the recovery of S. Enteritidis and C. jejuni from inoculated broiler carcasses. 

Methods: Commercially processed broiler carcasses were purchased and held at 4°C. S. Enteritidis was grown aerobically at 37°C for 18 h in BHI broth and C. jejuni was grown microaerobically in Campylobacter Enrichment Broth at 42°C for 18 h. Carcasses were inoculated with ­­10 ml of S. Enteritidis or C. jejuni, either alone or mixed, and allowed either 0 or 30 min bacterial attachment period. Carcasses were transferred to a sterile rinse bag and rinsed using the USDA-FSIS carcass rinse method with either a 200 or 400 ml Buffered Peptone Water rinse. 

Results: Recovery of S. Enteritidis and C. jejuni were enhanced in mixture in both the 200 and 400 ml carcass rinses, irrespective of bacterial attachment period (P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was an increased recovery of both pathogens with the 200 ml rinse compared to the 400 ml rinse (P < 0.05).

Significance: A mixture of S. Enteritidis and C. jejuni can be used for broiler carcass inoculation instead of separate inoculation simulating in-plant contamination scenarios and a 200 ml rinse provides high recovery of both pathogens.