Crust Freezing Doesnt Reduce Pathogens in Poultry

TUCKER, Ga.Crust freezing raw poultry does not result in a significant reduction in bacteria counts compared with fresh and completely frozen treatments, according to results of a research project funded by the USPOULTRY and the USPOULTRY Foundation.

Researchers at Clemson University conducted the research to determine the survival of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella on the surface of raw poultry products following blast (crust) freezing and to determine shelf life of breast meat, with and without skin, following crust freezing.

Salmonella and E. coli bacteria were injected into raw chicken breast, allowed to attach, and then live cells were recovered after exposure to surface (crust) freezing for comparison with bacteria on meat that was only refrigerated or completely frozen. Since bacteria in processing plants are often exposed to low temperatures, both cold-shocked and normal temperature bacteria were injected into samples.

No differences were found between cold-shocked or non-shocked bacteria on products that were crust or completely frozen. Crust freezing did not result in a significant reduction in bacteria counts compared with fresh and completely frozen treatments. Crust freezing also did not increase shelf life or effect color and tenderness of raw chicken breast.