CROSS-CONTAMINATION WITH CAMPYLOBACTER-JEJUNI AND SALMONELLA-SPP FROM RAW CHICKEN PRODUCTS DURING FOOD PREPARATION

Campylobacter jejuni was isolated from 170 (61%) of 279 samples of chicken products and Salmonella from 44 (54%) of 81 samples. Cross-contamination experiments showed that C. jejuni and to a lesser extent Salmonella were easily transferred from raw chicken products to cutting-boards, plates, and hands. These organisms were also isolated from raw vegetables and cooked chicken products, which were in contact with plates on which raw chicken products had been placed. Measures for the prevention of infection by cross-contamination through handling of raw chicken are mentioned. Copyright © International Association of Milk, Food and Environmental Sanitarians.