Evaluation of MicroTally Mitts for Detecting Foodborne Pathogens During Broiler Processing.

Area of Science:

• Food Safety
• Microbiology
• Poultry Processing

Background:

• Rising poultry consumption necessitates enhanced food safety measures.
• Improved detection of foodborne pathogens in poultry processing is crucial.
• New sampling tools are being evaluated for better bacterial recovery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the MicroTally® Mitt as a novel sampling tool for poultry processing.
• To compare the mitt's microbial recovery to traditional carcass rinse methods.
• To assess the mitt's utility for composite sampling and pathogen detection (RAC, EB, Campylobacter, Salmonella).

Main Methods:

• The MicroTally® Mitt and traditional carcass rinse methods were compared.
• Samples were collected from broiler processing establishments at hot rehang and post-chill.
• Wing samples were collected before and after antimicrobial interventions.
• Microbial counts (RAC, EB, Campylobacter, Salmonella) and Salmonella serotyping were performed.

Main Results:

• Microbial recovery was highest at hot rehang and lowest post-chill for all tested microorganisms.
• Single-carcass mitts showed comparable bacterial recovery to rinses at hot rehang.
• Multiple Salmonella serovars were detected across all tested sample types.
• Antimicrobial interventions reduced bacterial recovery, indicating their efficacy.

Conclusions:

• The MicroTally® Mitt is a viable alternative to traditional methods for bacterial recovery in poultry processing.
• The mitt shows potential for improving pathogen detection, especially for composite sampling.
• Further research may be needed to optimize sampling post-intervention due to low recovery.