Purpose: We hypothesized that the presence and numbers of Salmonella in spleen may indicate highly contaminated flocks and consequently higher levels of ground chicken contamination. The objective of this study is to determine Salmonella levels (presence and numbers) in broiler spleens as predictor for Salmonella contamination levels in ground chicken.
Methods: In cooperation with a broiler processing plant, ten composite spleen samples (after USDA inspection and evisceration) and ten 25g grab samples of ground chicken were collected per flock. The spleen outside surface was sterilized via dipping in boiling water prior to Salmonella testing. Ground chicken samples were tested for Salmonella (presence and numbers) following the USDA-FSIS methods.
Results: Two hundred and sixty spleen composite samples and 260 ground chicken samples were collected and tested for Salmonella. Overall, 6.9% of spleen samples were Salmonella positive with a mean (log MPN/ sample) of 0.94 (95% CI: 0.77-1.1); whereas 15.4% of ground chicken samples were Salmonella positive with a mean (log MPN/ sample) of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.71-1.06).
Significance: Salmonella is present at a significant level in spleen indicating pathogen internalization in broilers. Salmonella prevalence and numbers in ground chicken were highly variable and did not correlate with the pathogen levels in spleen. This study will be helpful to identify intervention opportunities to reduce Salmonella prevalence in ground chicken products.