11 - Poultry Processing and Inspection

Question 1

List different types of products that fall into each category of each processing category?

Answer 1

• Slaughter – the products would be carcasses, and carcass parts
• Raw, Not Ground – products like chicken wings, drummies, chicken breasts are whole cuts that come from carcasses
• Raw, Ground – like sausage
• Fully Cooked – chicken deli meat

Question 2

Define “multiple hurdle approach” with respect to poultry processing?

Answer 2

This is the idea that a processing plant must understand what the Salmonella ‘load’ is on the birds they are bringing into their plant. Then they need to use multiple interventions, or strategies to reduce that load throughout the process. Some might use carcass washes or antibacterial treatments at various stages in the process. The main point is that they can’t just use one thing, but rather need multiple points where they are addressing the issue.

Question 3

List the requirements for proper presentation of birds for inspection and understand why each is important?

Answer 3

The proper presentation of carcasses for postmortem inspection involves uniform and consistent feather removal, feet removal, opening of carcasses, evisceration, and shackling.

(For example, each carcass must be opened to expose the organs and body cavity for proper examination by the inspector. They must also be hung on the line in a specified manner and spaced appropriately. The organs must be displayed in a specified order so that the inspector does not have to spend time locating them before he or she performs inspection procedures. Proper presentation helps to ensure consistent and accurate inspection)

Question 4

List the possible outcomes of postmortem inspection

Answer 4

Our answer: questionable birds segregated or condemned on the spot – yes, you might want to add, questionable birds are segregated for further inspection and then a disposition made. Also, passing the bird is another outcome.

Question 5

List 5 conditions that would require condemnation of the poultry liver

Answer 5

a. Leukosis (yes, probably )
b. Air sacculitis (no, not necessarily)

Here are some others:
tumors
fatty degeneration
extensive petechiae or hemorrhages
inflammation or necrosis
cysts or cirrhosis
discoloration due to a biliary system disorder or postmortem changes
contamination from intestinal content or noxious materials