Microbiological Control in Poultry Processing

Abstract

A method of controlling microbial contamination of poultry carcasses in the processing of poultry as food products is described. The method comprises contacting the carcasses with an aqueous medium containing an effective microbial inhibiting amount of active bromine resulting from the addition to the medium of (i) at least one 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin in which one of the alkyl groups is a methyl group and the other alkyl group contains in the range of 1 to about 4 carbon atoms or (ii) a solution thereof, or (iii) both of (i) and (ii). Such contacting inhibits contamination of the carcasses by microorganisms, even at least some bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics or antibacterials. Also described are improvements in a poultry chill tank containing an aqueous medium and a plurality of poultry carcasses in contact with the medium. Such improvements result from the presence in the medium of an effective microbial inhibiting amount of active bromine in the medium, which amount results from the addition to water before it enters the tank or while it is in the tank, or both, of (i) at least one of the above 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoins, and/or a solution thereof.

1 . Apparatus which comprises at least one poultry chill tank containing an aqueous medium into which a plurality of poultry carcasses are immersed and wherein an effective microbial inhibiting amount of active bromine is present in said medium, said amount of active bromine resulting from the addition to water before it enters said tank or while it is in said tank, or both, of (i) at least one 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin in which one of the alkyl groups is a methyl group and the other alkyl group contains in the range of 1 to about 4 carbon atoms or (ii) a solution thereof, or (iii) both of (i) and (ii), so that contamination of immersed carcasses by microorganisms is inhibited.  
   
   
       2 . Apparatus as in  claim 1  wherein said at least one 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin is 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin.  
   
   
       3 . Apparatus as in each of claims  1  or  2  wherein said effective microbial inhibiting amount of active bromine in said medium is up to about 100 ppm (wt/wt).  
   
   
       4 . Apparatus as in each of claims  1  or  2  wherein the aqueous medium in said tank is at a temperature of up to about 4.5° C.