The Importance of disinfection in poultry industry

The poultry industry is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the U.S., with poultry now surpassing beef as the most consumed meat. To meet rising consumer demand, producers must scale up their operations while maintaining high standards for product quality, employee safety, food safety, and cost efficiency.

Why is Disinfection Critical in Poultry Processing?

Poultry is a major source of foodborne illness, making contamination a significant concern for processors. To minimise the risk of harmful bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, disinfectants are used on both equipment and poultry during processing.

Common Disinfectants Used in Poultry Processing

Different disinfectants are used worldwide depending on regional regulations. In the U.S., chlorine is a widely used disinfectant, whereas in the EU, the use of chlorine for poultry processing has been banned since 1997.

A growing alternative is peracetic acid (PAA), which is becoming popular due to its effectiveness and approval for use in organic poultry processing.

The Importance of Disinfection Monitoring

Monitoring disinfectant levels is essential for ensuring food safety. Testing wash water for sanitisers like PAA and chlorine is a key requirement in HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) plans.

While some processors use excessive amounts of disinfectants to ensure thorough sanitation, over-dosing can lead to higher chemical costs and compromised product quality. Proper monitoring helps optimize chemical usage, reducing costs while maintaining safety standards.

Simplifying Sanitiser Testing with Kemio

Kemio Disinfection provides a simple and effective solution for testing sanitizers in water. Designed for the food and beverage industry, Kemio allows easy testing for bromine, chlorine, chlorine dioxide, chlorite, and peracetic acid (PAA) using a single instrument with different sensors. To visit the Kemio product page click here. 

To find out more about how Kemio , get in touch

What can you learn from this article? Test your understanding with these key questions:

1. Why is disinfection critical in poultry processing?
2. What are the common disinfectants used in poultry processing, and how do they differ between the U.S. and the EU?
3. Why is monitoring disinfectant levels important in poultry processing?
4. What are the potential risks of over-dosing disinfectants in poultry processing?
5. How does Kemio Disinfection simplify the process of testing sanitizers in water?