Prevalence of salmonella contamination in processing chain of selected chicken-based side dishes

Abstract

This study was aimed to determine the prevalence, the level and the main contributing factors to contamination of Salmonella spp. in four selected chicken-based side dishes prepared for the school canteens. One hundred and seven samples were collected from four different food processing chains, i.e. fried chicken with precooking, fried chicken without precooking, breaded fried chicken, and sauced chicken. Salmonella contamination was determined by the most probable number (MPN) and confirmed with polymerase chain reaction. Salmonella spp. were detected in 8 of 21 chicken cuts samples (360-920 MPN/g) and in 4 of 30 end products samples (0.61-3 MPN/g). The fact that Salmonella was still found at the end product indicated that cross-contamination and/or inadequate heating process likely occurred. Besides the chicken cuts, the contributing factors to the Salmonella contamination were water (4 of 17 samples) and seasonings (8 of 13 samples). To ensure the safety of chicken-based side dishes prepared for the school canteen, adequate cooking process must be performed by all food handlers. The results of this study might contribute to analysing the risk of salmonellosis in Indonesia.