Birko's Chicxide Effective In Fight Against Salmonella And Campylobacter

Henderson, CO - Poultry processors are under increasing pressure as they cope with new Salmonella and Campylobacter reduction regulations, as well as the Russian government's import ban on poultry treated with chlorine.

Birko's Chicxide is an innovative lactic acid- and citric acid-based antimicrobial intervention approved by the USDA for use on whole carcasses pre-chill. In a production environment, treatment with Chicxide reduced the incidence of carcasses testing positive for Salmonella from 92% before treatment to 4% after treatment. Preliminary testing has also shown Chicxide to be effective against Campylobacter.

In independent testing conducted by Texas Tech University, the efficacy of Chicxide applied as either a spray or dip intervention for Salmonella was verified. Spray application resulted in a 1.3-log reduction, while immersion yielded a 2.3-log reduction. The study also concluded that when applied at a level of 2.5% or less, Chicxide did not produce any quality defects in broiler carcasses.

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued a letter indicating that Chicxide is allowed as a spray or dip application on poultry carcasses after the picking machines and immediately before the spray chiller. The product is included in FSIS Directive 7120.1, specifically questions 9 and 10, issued April 5, 2011.

SOURCE: Birko