Assessing Airborne Bacteria and the Impact of Air Decontamination Systems in a Chicken Slaughterhouse

Microbial bioaerosols consist of airborne particles that carry microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In poultry slaughterhouses, multiple stages of processing, including scalding, defeathering, and carcass washing, create manifold opportunities for bioaerosol formation and microbial dissemination. Ensuring poultry meat hygiene and preventing the spread of foodborne pathogens remain ongoing global challenges. In this study, we assessed air quality within the slaughterhouse by collecting air samples at various points, including the evisceration and processing areas. These samples were analyzed for total aerobic colony counts and the presence of specific bacterial taxa. Additionally, we evaluated the efficacy of a preinstalled air decontamination system that utilized ozonation, ultraviolet C irradiation, and ionization to reduce microbial loads in the air. Our results revealed that the bacterial concentration in both slaughterhouse areas was relatively low, with a mean concentration of 2.78 log₁₀ CFU/m³ in the evisceration area and 2.28 log₁₀ CFU/m³ in the processing area. However, the air decontamination system in the processing area did not produce a statistically significant reduction in airborne bacterial levels. Notably, there was a statistically significant increase in bacterial concentration in the processing section as the day progressed. Our study offers new insights into air quality in poultry slaughterhouses and the limitations of air decontamination systems. These findings indicate that further investigation is required to understand the reasons for the system's ineffectiveness and to explore enhanced strategies for improving its performance.