The effect of different bird washers on the microbiological quality of broiler carcasses

The effect of spray washers and inside-and-outside bird washers on the microbiological quality of broiler carcasses was examined in 13 poultry slaughterhouses. The carcasses were sampled by means of the carcass rinse method; total and Enterobacteriaceae counts were estimated. The decrease in total and Enterobacteriaceae counts due to spray washing was as high as with the use of an inside-and-outside bird washer. From this investigation the conclusion can be drawn that the use of an inside-and-outside bird washer does not guarantee a better microbiological cleaning of the inside of the carcasses made 'mandatory' by EEC regulations.