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.