San Siew Kang, Mandy Lin, Meita Marselina, Mohammad Fazli Yusof, and Wendy J. Dixon

Department of Biological Sciences, California State Polytechnic University at Pomona, California, USA

 

 

Abstract: Foodborne pathogens, most significantly Salmonella species and Campylobacter species, have been commonly associated with raw poultry, and are leading causes of foodborne illness in the United States. Thus, the microbial quality of poultry is an on-going concern. Also, during the last two years, Foster Farms, a major poultry producer, had serious sanitation problems and Salmonella contamination. For these reasons, determining the microbial state of raw chicken and how Foster Farms brand chicken compared with other brands was of interest. Raw chicken parts were obtained from retail grocery stores in the Pomona, CA area. The total number of bacteria, total number of gram negative bacteria, and presence of coliforms, E.coli, Pseudomonas, Salmonella and Shigella for the raw chicken were analyzed. The methods of analysis used were selective media and the RapID ONE bacterial identification test. Both Foster Farms brand chicken and other brands were tested. The results of this study showed aerobic bacteria and gram-negative bacteria were detected in 100% of the chicken. Coliforms were found in 71% of the chicken, showing a high level of fecal contamination and possible presence of pathogens. Possible Salmonella contamination was detected in 14% of the chicken. Shigella was found in 29% of the chicken, indicating a new emerging foodborne pathogen concern. The microbial quality of the chicken from the Pomona, CA area was similar to that of chicken from throughout the country, and the results of the Foster Farms brand chicken were similar to other brands. These results show that issues with microbial quality of chicken are not unique to Foster Farms brand chicken, but a continuous concern forchicken production in general.

 

Key words: foodborne pathogens, coliforms, Salmonella, Shigella, microbiology, chicken