Transfer of Firmly Attached 32P-Salmonella typhimurium from Raw Poultry Skin to Other Surfaces

Abstract

Salmonellae adhere firmly to poultry skin during processing. Loosely attached bacteria cross-contaminate work surfaces. This study was undertaken to determine if firmly attached bacteria present a health hazard through transfer to work surfaces. Attached 32P-labeled S. typhimurium cells were serially rinsed with 2 to 4 L of Salmonella-free potable tap water or with sterile 0.85% NaCl. Rinsing removed 61 to 89% of attached labeled cells. However, after rinsing, 11 to 39% of cells remained attached, and of these, 3 to 10% were able to detach and transfer from skin to stainless steel surfaces. It was concluded that large rinse volumes may not remove all attached salmonellae from poultry skin surfaces and the potential for cross-contamination does exist.