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A study on microbial and chemical characterization of mechanically deboned chicken in Tehran, Iran
Aliakbar Dadmehr1, Parisa Sadighara2, Tayebeh Zeinali3
1Food and Drug Organization, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
This study aimed to investigate microbial, chemical, and heavy metal contamination of mechanically deboned chicken (MDC) in Iran. A total of 24 samples of MDC were obtained from meat plants. TBC of the three samples were acceptable. E. coli and S. aureus were detected in 21 and 6 samples, respectively. Three of the samples were contaminated with Salmonella spp. Campylobacter was not detected in any of the samples. The moisture content of MDC was in the range of 41% to 75%. Ash had a range of 0.74% to 1.4%. The maximum protein content of the MDC was 21.98% and fat content was in the range of 2.1% to 20%. The highest PV was 15.18 mEq/kg. All of the samples were polluted with Pb, Cd, and As. In conclusion, MDC had microbial and chemical contamination. It is necessary to develop more strict criteria for control of the chicken paste processing method.
Insights
Mechanically deboned chicken (MDC) in Iran shows significant microbial and heavy metal contamination, including E. coli, S. aureus, Salmonella, lead, cadmium, and arsenic. Stricter processing controls are needed for chicken paste safety.
Area of Science:
- Food Science
- Microbiology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Mechanically deboned chicken (MDC) is a common food product.
- Assessing its safety regarding microbial, chemical, and heavy metal contamination is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate microbial, chemical, and heavy metal contamination in MDC produced in Iran.
- To evaluate the safety and quality of MDC for consumers.
Main Methods:
- Collected 24 MDC samples from Iranian meat plants.
- Analyzed for total bacterial count (TBC), E. coli, S. aureus, Salmonella spp., and Campylobacter.
- Determined moisture, ash, protein, and fat content.
- Measured peroxide value (PV) and heavy metal contamination (Pb, Cd, As).
Main Results:
- E. coli detected in 21 samples, S. aureus in 6, and Salmonella spp. in 3.
- Campylobacter was not detected.
- Moisture (41-75%), ash (0.74-1.4%), protein (max 21.98%), and fat (2.1-20%) were within variable ranges.
- High PV (15.18 mEq/kg) and universal contamination with lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) were observed.
Conclusions:
- MDC in Iran is subject to significant microbial and chemical contamination.
- Heavy metal pollution (Pb, Cd, As) is widespread in the analyzed samples.
- Development of stricter criteria for chicken paste processing is essential to ensure product safety.
