Purpose: The objectives of this study were to determine the optimal contact time and effectiveness of antimicrobials added to a parts decontamination tank to reduce Salmonella and Campylobacter on chicken parts.
Methods: Skin-on drumsticks (contact time; n = 160) and cut-up poultry parts (pilot plant study; n = 80) were inoculated with Salmonella Typhimurium (108 CFU/ml) and Campylobacter jejuni (108 CFU/ml) with a 30-min attachment period. Antimicrobials (0.003% chlorine, 0.07%, 0.1% peracetic acid; PAA, or 0.35%, 0.60% Cetylpyridinium Chlorine; CPC) were evaluated for effectiveness of contact time (10, 20, 30 s) and used in a decontamination tank (23 s). Drumsticks and parts were then rinsed with 25 or 200 ml of buffered peptone water, respectively. Serial dilutions (0.10 ml) were plated on differential media for enumeration of Salmonella and Campylobacter. Non-inoculated chicken breast meat and wings from each treatment were used for sensory analysis.
Results: Contact time of antimicrobials had no differences in reducing Salmonella and Campylobacter. In the pilot plant, treatment with 0.35% or 0.60% CPC was found to be most effective in decreasing Salmonella and Campylobacter followed by 0.07%, 0.1% PAA. For CPC, the higher concentration was more effective, however, for PAA there were no difference between concentrations. Chlorine at 0.003% was least effective. The only sensory attribute that was affected was juiciness which was perceived as lower for 0.60% CPC and 0.1% PAA.
Significance: Lower concentrations of CPC and PAA combined with a parts decontamination tank are effective for reducing Salmonella and Campylobacter on chicken parts while maintaining product quality.