[Cross-infection during scalding and plucking of broiler chickens (author's transl)]

In two poultry-processing plants, experiments were carried out to detect cross-infection during scalding and plucking of broiler chickens. These trials showed that cross-infection was only detectable when experimental infection with the indicator micro-organism Escherichia coli K12 was applied externally to the broiler chickens. When infection was applied internally, only a small degree of transmission was observed. Indicator micro-organisms applied externally to broiler chickens prior to scalding and plucking, were present on the cooled product in larger numbers than those applied internally in the intestines of broilers. The number of carcasses which were positive after cooling was found to have decreased in poultry-processing plant B compared with the situation after plucking, whereas this number was not affected to any appreciable extent in processing plant A.