U.S. patent application number 11/618206 was filed with the patent office on 2007-06-21 for microbiological control in poultry processing.
This patent application is currently assigned to ALBEMARLE CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Jonathan N. Howarth.
Application Number | 20070141973 11/618206 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32505833 |
Filed Date | 2007-06-21 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070141973 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Howarth; Jonathan N. |
June 21, 2007 |
Microbiological Control in Poultry Processing
Abstract
A method of controlling microbial contamination of poultry
carcasses in the processing of poultry as food products is
described. The method comprises contacting the carcasses with an
aqueous medium containing an effective microbial inhibiting amount
of active bromine resulting from the addition to the medium of (i)
at least one 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin in which one of the
alkyl groups is a methyl group and the other alkyl group contains
in the range of 1 to about 4 carbon atoms or (ii) a solution
thereof, or (iii) both of (i) and (ii). Such contacting inhibits
contamination of the carcasses by microorganisms, even at least
some bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics or antibacterials.
Also described are improvements in a poultry chill tank containing
an aqueous medium and a plurality of poultry carcasses in contact
with the medium. Such improvements result from the presence in the
medium of an effective microbial inhibiting amount of active
bromine in the medium, which amount results from the addition to
water before it enters the tank or while it is in the tank, or
both, of (i) at least one of the above
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoins, and/or a solution thereof.
Inventors: |
Howarth; Jonathan N.;
(Modesto, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
451 FLORIDA STREET
BATON ROUGE
LA
70801-1765
US
|
Assignee: |
ALBEMARLE CORPORATION
451 Florida Street
Baton Rouge
LA
70801-1765
|
Family ID: |
32505833 |
Appl. No.: |
11/618206 |
Filed: |
December 29, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11180054 |
Jul 12, 2005 |
7172782 |
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11618206 |
Dec 29, 2006 |
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10313245 |
Dec 6, 2002 |
6986910 |
|
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11180054 |
Jul 12, 2005 |
|
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10029329 |
Dec 21, 2001 |
6908636 |
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10313245 |
Dec 6, 2002 |
|
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09893581 |
Jun 28, 2001 |
|
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10029329 |
Dec 21, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
452/173 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01N 59/00 20130101;
A23B 4/20 20130101; A23L 3/3463 20130101; A61L 2/0088 20130101;
A61K 33/20 20130101; A23B 4/28 20130101; A23B 4/24 20130101; A61K
33/00 20130101; A22C 21/0061 20130101; C02F 1/766 20130101; A23B
4/26 20130101; A61L 2/0082 20130101; A01N 43/50 20130101; C02F 1/76
20130101; C02F 2103/22 20130101; A61L 2/16 20130101; A61L 2/186
20130101; A22C 17/08 20130101; A01N 43/50 20130101; A01N 2300/00
20130101; A01N 59/00 20130101; A01N 2300/00 20130101; A61K 33/00
20130101; A61K 2300/00 20130101; A61K 33/20 20130101; A61K 2300/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
452/173 |
International
Class: |
A22C 21/00 20060101
A22C021/00 |
Claims
1. Apparatus which comprises at least one poultry chill tank
containing an aqueous medium into which a plurality of poultry
carcasses are immersed and wherein an effective microbial
inhibiting amount of active bromine is present in said medium, said
amount of active bromine resulting from the addition to water
before it enters said tank or while it is in said tank, or both, of
(i) at least one 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin in which one of
the alkyl groups is a methyl group and the other alkyl group
contains in the range of 1 to about 4 carbon atoms or (ii) a
solution thereof, or (iii) both of (i) and (ii), so that
contamination of immersed carcasses by microorganisms is
inhibited.
2. Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said at least one
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin is
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin.
3. Apparatus as in each of claims 1 or 2 wherein said effective
microbial inhibiting amount of active bromine in said medium is up
to about 100 ppm (wt/wt).
4. Apparatus as in each of claims 1 or 2 wherein the aqueous medium
in said tank is at a temperature of up to about 4.5.degree. C.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of commonly-owned copending
application Ser. No. 11/180,054, filed Jul. 12, 2005, which in turn
is a continuation of commonly-owned application Ser. No.
10/313,245, filed Dec. 6, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,986,910 B2,
which in turn is a continuation-in-part of commonly-owned
application Ser. No. 10/029,329, filed Dec. 21, 2001, now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,908,636 B2, which in turn is a continuation-in-part of
commonly-owned application Ser. No. 09/893,581, filed Jun. 28,
2001, now abandoned.
REFERENCE TO OTHER COMMONLY-OWNED APPLICATIONS
[0002] Reference is hereby made to the following commonly-owned
applications: application Ser. No. 09/088,300, filed Jun. 1, 1998,
now U.S. Pat. No. 6,068,861 issued May 30, 2000; application Ser.
No. 09/296,499, filed Apr. 22, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,110,387
issued Aug. 29, 2000; application Ser. No. 09/323,348, filed Jun.
1, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,303,038 B1 issued Oct. 16, 2001;
application Ser. No. 09/404,184, filed Sep. 24, 1999, now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,322,822 B1, issued Nov. 27, 2001; application Ser. No.
09/442,025, filed Nov. 17, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,306,441 issued
Oct. 23, 2001; application Ser. No. 09/451,319, filed Nov. 30,
1999; application Ser. No. 09/451,344, filed Nov. 30, 1999, now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,352,725 B1, issued Mar. 5, 2002; application Ser.
No. 09/456,781, filed Dec. 8, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,495,169 B1,
issued Dec. 17, 2002; application Ser. No. 09/483,896, filed Jan.
18, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,448,410 B1, issued Sep. 10, 2002;
application Ser. No. 09/484,687, filed Jan. 18, 2000, now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,508,954 B1, issued Jan. 21, 2003; application Ser. No.
09/484,844, filed Jan. 18, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,809,205 B1,
issued Oct. 26, 2004; application Ser. No. 09/484,891, filed Jan.
18, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,495,698 B1, issued Dec. 17, 2002;
application Ser. No. 09/484,938, filed Jan. 18, 2000, now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,565,868 B1, issued May 20, 2003; application Ser. No.
09/487,816, filed Jan. 18, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,680,070 B1,
issued Jan. 20, 2004; application Ser. No. 09/506,911, filed Feb.
18, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,511,682 B1, issued Jan. 28, 2003;
application Ser. No. 09/658,839, filed Sep. 8, 2000, now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,375,991 B1, issued Apr. 23, 2002; application Ser. No.
09/663,788, filed Sep. 18, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,348,219 B1,
issued Feb. 19, 2002; application Ser. No. 09/663,948, filed Sep.
18, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,299,909 B1 issued Oct. 9, 2001;
application Ser. No. 09/732,601, filed Dec. 7, 2000, now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,506,418 B1, issued Jan. 14, 2003; application Ser. No.
09/775,516, filed Feb. 2, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,641,828 B1,
issued Nov. 4, 2003; application Ser. No. 09/778,228, filed Feb. 6,
2001, now abandoned; application Ser. No. 09/785,890, filed Feb.
16, 2001; and application Ser. No. 09/974,622, filed Oct. 9, 2001,
now U.S. Pat. No. 6,652,889 B1, issued Nov. 25, 2003.
[0003] Reference is also hereby made to application Ser. No.
10/028,631, filed Dec. 21, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,919,364
B2.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Poultry processing is an area in which microbiological
control is of vital importance. By the very nature of the
processing involved there are numerous opportunities for the
poultry to be exposed to various pathogens in the form of mobile
bacteria such as for example Escherichia coli, Salmonella
enteritidis, Salmonella typhimurim, Campylobacter jejuni,
Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter lari, and in the form of biofilms
such as for example Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas
fluorescens, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus faecium, and
Staphylococcus aureus. The thought of handling, processing and
consuming bacteria-infested poultry is revolting in the
extreme.
[0005] There are several factors which magnify the problem of
microbiological control in the processing of poultry for use as
food. One such factor is the extremely wide variety of
microorganisms that can be encountered in such processing, and that
as reported for example in U.S. Pat. No. 6,039,992, sensitivity of
a microorganism to a particular antimicrobial agent is not
predictive of the sensitivity other microorganisms to the same
agent. Another factor is the ability of various bacterial strains
to develop resistance to antibiotics and antibacterials, such as
nalidixic acid, streptomycin, tetracycline, or the like, thereby
making it even harder to discover a way of effectively controlling
a broad range of microorganisms encountered in such processing.
Still another factor is the need to effect such control without
significantly affecting the appearance, texture, quality, and taste
of the finished poultry products.
[0006] Heretofore certain chlorine-based microbiocides have been
proposed and used in an attempt to provide suitable sanitation in
connection with poultry processing. Unfortunately while some
chlorine-based microbiocides show some effectiveness, they possess
a number of serious shortcomings. For one thing they are not as
effective as one might wish. Secondly, they tend to be odorous and
in many cases can exert a bleaching effect upon the poultry
carcasses which can prove unpalatable to the consumer. Moreover,
because of the spread of fecal matter associated with the
evisceration of the fowl, fecal bacteria abound. This egregious
condition in turn results in high nitrogen levels in the wash
waters, and on wet surfaces such as cutting surfaces, conduits,
tank surfaces, and other downstream equipment exposed one way or
another to these wash waters. Unfortunately, the active chlorine
species of certain chlorine-based microbiocides tend to react with
the nitrogenous species to form chloroamines which are lachrymators
as well as being corrosive to metallic surfaces. In fact, as little
as 50 ppm of chlorine in aqueous washing tanks containing
nitrogenous impurities can produce quantities of air-borne
lachrymators that are intolerable to plant workers. Furthermore,
the consumption of chlorine values in forming chloramines results
in a significant loss of biocidal effectiveness inasmuch as the
chloroamines are not biocidally-active species.
[0007] Clearly therefore a need exists for a new, more effective,
economically feasible way of providing microbiological control in
the poultry processing industry. Of especial concern, is a need for
a way of effectively controlling a broad range of microorganisms
encountered in the processing of poultry, and to effectively
control contamination of poultry carcasses by microorganisms that
have developed strains which are resistant to common antibiotics or
antibacterials, such as nalidixic acid, streptomycin, tetracycline,
or the like.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] This invention fulfills the foregoing need by providing and
utilizing in certain highly effective halogen-based microbiocides
in the processing of poultry and in the disinfection of equipment,
instruments, apparatus, and/or water used in the processing of
poultry, and/or of carcasses and/or parts of poultry resulting from
the processing of poultry. Microbiocidal agents used pursuant to
this invention can be produced economically in straightforward
processing from relatively low cost raw materials and because of
their effectiveness, can provide microbiological control on an
economical basis consistent with the needs of the industry.
[0009] In particular, this invention provides a method of
controlling microbial contamination of poultry carcasses in the
processing of poultry as food products, which method comprises
contacting said carcasses with an aqueous medium containing an
effective microbial inhibiting amount of active bromine resulting
from the addition to said medium of (i) at least one
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin in which one of the alkyl groups
is a methyl group and the other alkyl group contains in the range
of 1 to about 4 carbon atoms or (ii) a solution thereof, or (iii)
both of (i) and (ii), said contacting inhibiting contamination of
said carcasses by microorganisms. Such contacting can be effected
in various ways. For example the contacting can be conducted in a
chill tank containing such active bromine-containing aqueous
medium. Alternatively, the contacting can be conducted by spraying,
splashing, or pouring the active bromine-containing aqueous medium
onto the carcasses. Thus any way or combination of ways of bringing
about such contact that effectively controls contamination of the
carcasses by microorganisms can be used.
1,3-Dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin is the preferred
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin for use in conducting this
method.
[0010] Another embodiment of this invention relates to poultry
chill tanks or their operation. In a poultry chill tank containing
an aqueous medium and a plurality of poultry carcasses in contact
with the aqueous medium, the improvement comprises having an
effective microbial inhibiting amount of active bromine present in
such medium, such amount of active bromine resulting from the
addition to water before it enters the chill tank or while it is in
the chill tank, or both, of (i) at least one
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin in which one of the alkyl groups
is a methyl group and the other alkyl group contains in the range
of 1 to about 4 carbon atoms or (ii) a solution thereof, or (iii)
both of (i) and (ii), so that contamination of the carcasses by
microorganisms is inhibited. Typically, the carcasses are immersed
or suspended in the aqueous medium in the tank for a specified
period of time, e.g., in the range of about 0.5 to about 2 hours.
The presence in the aqueous medium of the active bromine from the
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin provides microbiocidal action
against a broad range of microorganisms, including strains that
have developed resistance to other biocides or antibacterials such
as nalidixic acid, streptomycin, tetracycline, both in the chill
tank water and on the surfaces of the poultry carcasses in contact
with the chill tank water. Thus the contamination of the carcasses
by microorganisms effectively controlled.
[0011] In another of its embodiments this invention provides in the
processing of poultry, the improvement which comprises disinfecting
equipment, instruments, apparatus and/or water used in such
processing, and/or carcasses and/or other parts of poultry
resulting from such processing, against contamination by strains of
bacteria that have developed resistance to other biocides or
antibacterials such as nalidixic acid, streptomycin, and/or
tetracycline. Such disinfection is accomplished by use of a
bromine-based microbiocide which is an aqueous microbiocidal
solution of one or more active bromine species resulting from
dissolving in an aqueous medium such as water, a suitable amount of
at least one 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin described above.
[0012] The solutions of active bromine used in the practice of the
various embodiments of this invention are derivative products in an
aqueous medium of at least one 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin in
which one of the alkyl groups is a methyl group and the other alkyl
group contains in the range of 1 to about 4 carbon atoms,
preferably 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin. By "derivative
product" is meant that the active bromine is what forms when the
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin is dissolved in an aqueous medium
such as water. Such 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoins are typically
available commercially in the form of solids. Concentrated aqueous
solutions can be formed from such solids for application with or
without further dilution to equipment, instruments, or apparatus
used in poultry processing and added to water used in poultry
processing. But for application to poultry carcasses or parts
thereof, either the concentrated solution should be further diluted
with water before use, or the selected
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin solids should be added to water in
proportions yielding the desired microbiocidal dosage directly
without forming an intermediate more concentrated solution.
[0013] In practice, the surfaces to be disinfected are contacted
with the aqueous microbiocidal solutions which of course contain a
microbiocidally-effective amount of the microbiocidal agent and/or
microbiocidal hydrolysis product(s) thereof. Such bromine-based
microbiocides are more effective than chlorine-based microbiocides
against various bacteria and biofilms. In addition, these
bromine-based microbiocides tend to be less odorous than
chlorine-based microbiocides, and are essentially devoid of
unwanted bleaching activity. Moreover, while some of the
bromine-based microbiocides may possibly react with nitrogenous
species, such as are present in water and on surfaces associated
with poultry processing, the resultant bromamines would also
possess microbiological activity. Thus such side reactions would
not materially decrease the microbiological effectiveness made
available to the poultry processor by use of these bromine-based
microbiocides. Furthermore, bromamines generally do not exhibit
obnoxious properties toward workers in the processing plant whereas
chloramines resulting from use of certain chlorine-based
microbiocides under the same conditions tend to be powerful
lachrymators.
[0014] The aqueous microbiocidal solutions used pursuant to the
above embodiments of this invention can be formed in many cases by
adding the microbiocidal agent itself (i.e., in undiluted form) or
as a preformed concentrated aqueous solution thereof to water being
used in one or more poultry processing operations (e.g., water
flowing into chill tanks, or water already in chill tanks, etc.) to
form a diluted microbiocidal solution of this invention which
contacts the surfaces to be disinfected. Alternatively, a
concentrated preformed aqueous solution of the microbiocidal agent
can be applied directly to the surfaces to be disinfected (e.g.,
surfaces of cutting tables, or knives, or etc.), or more usually
such concentrated solution would be mixed with water to form a more
dilute solution of the microbiocidal agent which is applied to the
surfaces to be disinfected and/or introduced into water being used
in poultry processing operations. In short, the aqueous
microbiocidal solutions used pursuant to these embodiments of the
invention can be made in whole or in part from water already in use
or to be used in the poultry processing operations, or can be made
entirely from water separate from that used or to be used in the
poultry processing. In each such case, the contacting of the
aqueous microbiocidal solution however produced and/or applied to
the surfaces results in effective disinfection.
[0015] Various embodiments and features of this invention will be
still further apparent from the ensuing description and appended
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is a graphical depiction of the effect of chill tank
microbiocidal treatments on growth of Pseudomonas species on
chicken skin.
[0017] FIG. 2 is a graphical depiction of the effect of chill tank
microbiocidal treatments on growth of total aerobic bacteria on
chicken skin.
[0018] FIG. 3 is a graphical depiction of the effect of chill tank
microbiocidal treatments on growth of Pseudomonas species on
chicken skin.
[0019] FIG. 4 is a graphical depiction of the effect of chill tank
microbiocidal treatments on growth of total aerobic bacteria on
chicken skin.
[0020] FIG. 5 is a graphical depiction of the results obtained in
tests involving use of bromine species derived from
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin in eradicating HPC (heterotrophic
plate count) bacteria in a biofilm at concentrations in water of
0.5 and 5 ppm as bromine.
[0021] FIG. 6 is a graphical depiction of the results obtained in
tests involving use of bromine species derived from
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin in eradicating planktonic HPC
(heterotrophic plate count) bacteria at concentrations in water of
0.5 and 5 ppm as bromine.
FURTHER DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] The bromine-based microbiocides for use in disinfection of
equipment, instruments, apparatus, and/or water used in the
processing of poultry, and/or of carcasses and/or parts of poultry
resulting from the processing of poultry pursuant to this invention
is an aqueous microbiocidal solution of one or more active bromine
species. These species result from dissolving in water at least one
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin in which one of the alkyl groups
is a methyl group and the other alkyl group contains in the range
of 1 to about 4 carbon atoms. Thus these preferred biocides
comprise 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin,
1,3-dibromo-5-ethyl-5-methylhydantoin,
1,3-dibromo-5-n-propyl-5-methylhydantoin,
1,3-dibromo-5-isopropyl-5-methylhydantoin,
1,3-dibromo-5-n-butyl-5-methylhydantoin,
1,3-dibromo-5-isobutyl-5-methylhydantoin,
1,3-dibromo-5-sec-butyl-5-methylhydantoin,
1,3-dibromo-5-tert-butyl-5-methylhydantoin, and mixtures of any two
or more of them. Of these biocidal agents,
1,3-dibromo-5-isobutyl-5-methylhydantoin,
1,3-dibromo-5-n-propyl-5-methylhydantoin, and
1,3-dibromo-5-ethyl-5-methylhydantoin are, respectively, preferred,
more preferred, and even more preferred members of this group from
the cost effectiveness standpoint. Of the mixtures of the foregoing
biocides that can be used pursuant to this invention, it is
preferred to use 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin as one of the
components, with a mixture of 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin and
1,3-dibromo-5-ethyl-5-methylhydantoin being particularly preferred.
The most preferred member of this group of microbiocides is
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin. This compound is available in
the marketplace in tablet or granular form under the trade
designations Albrom.TM. 100T biocide, Albrom.TM. 100 PF and
Albrom.TM. 100PC biocide (Albemarle Corporation).
[0023] When a mixture of two or more of the foregoing
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin biocides is used pursuant to this
invention, the individual biocides of the mixture can be in any
proportions relative to each other.
[0024] Methods for producing 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoins are
known and reported in the literature.
[0025] If desired, the 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoins can be
dissolved in a suitable innocuous, harmless, water-soluble organic
solvent with or without water to form a solution which can be
applied to surfaces of equipment, instruments, or apparatus.
Depending upon the solvent used, the surfaces can then be further
washed with clean water to remove residues from such solvent.
Besides increasing the amount of 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin
that can be put into solution thus facilitating formation of a
concentrated solution, e.g., on the premises of the poultry
processing, such a concentrated solution when diluted such as by
addition to process water being used on the premises possesses
microbiocidal activity from the 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin.
Thus aqueous solutions used pursuant to this invention can contain
suitably small amounts of an innocuous, harmless, water-soluble
organic solvent, which non-toxic, at least at the dosage levels
involved, such as acetonitrile.
[0026] The amount (concentration) of the selected microbiocide
utilized in the practice of this invention will vary depending on
various factors such as the particular
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin being used, the nature and
frequency of prior microbiocidal treatments, the types and nature
of the microorganisms present, the amount and types of nutrients
available to the microorganisms, the nature and extent of cleansing
actions, if any, taken in conjunction with the microbiocidal
treatment, the surface or locus of the microorganisms being
treated, and so on. In any event, a microbiocidally-effective
amount of the diluted aqueous solution of the microbiocide of this
invention will be applied to or contacted with the microorganisms.
Typically the diluted solution will contain a
microbiocidally-effective amount of active bromine in the range of
about 2 to about 1000 ppm (wt/wt), preferably in the range of about
2 to about 500 ppm (wt/wt), and more preferably in the range of
about 25 to about 250 ppm (wt/wt), active bromine being
determinable by use of the conventional DPD test procedure. A
particularly preferred range for the
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoins used in ordinary situations
(e.g., washing hard surfaces such as tables, walls, floors,
conveyor machinery or parts thereof such as conveyor belts or
shackles, and knives or cutting blades) is in the range of about 50
to about 150 ppm (wt/wt) of active bromine. When contacting poultry
carcasses or edible parts thereof with aqueous solutions formed
from at least one 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin, it is
especially preferred to use in the water for washing or otherwise
contacting the poultry carcasses or edible parts thereof, a
microbiocidally effective amount of active bromine that does not
significantly or appreciably bleach the skin of the carcass or have
a significant or appreciable adverse effect upon the organoleptic
taste of cooked meat from the poultry such as the breast meat and
thigh meat. Such amount is typically within the range of about 0.5
to about 100 ppm (wt/wt), and preferably in the range of about 5 to
about 100 ppm (wt/wt) of active bromine as determinable by the DPD
test procedure. When contacting poultry carcasses with the biocidal
aqueous medium in a chill tank or by spraying, splashing, or
pouring the biocidal aqueous medium onto the poultry carcasses,
under conditions where strains of bacteria may be present having
increased resistance to antibiotics or antibacterials such as, for
example, nalidixic acid, streptomycin, tetracycline, or the like,
the amount of active bromine derived from the
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin is desirably in the range of about
20 or 30 to about 100 ppm (wt/wt). For example, in carefully
controlled tests highly effective results against a variety of
bacterial species have been achieved with active bromine
concentrations derived from 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin
ranging from about 34 ppm (wt/wt) to about 78 ppm (wt/wt),
including tests conducted at about 56 ppm (wt/wt) of active
bromine. It will be understood that departures from the foregoing
ranges can be made whenever deemed necessary or desirable, and such
departures are within the spirit and scope of this invention.
[0027] Depending upon the way in which the microbiocide of this
invention is being used, a microbiocidally-effective amount of the
microbiocides of this invention can extend from as little as about
2 ppm up to as high as the maximum water solubility of the
particular 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin microbiocidal agent
being used, at the temperature at which such microbiocidal agent is
being used.
[0028] There are two different types of procedures that can be used
for determining active bromine content. For measuring
concentrations in the vicinity of above about, say, 500 ppm or so
(wt/wt) of active bromine, starch-iodine titration is the preferred
procedure. On the other hand, where concentrations are below this
approximate level, the conventional DPD test procedure is more
suitable, as this test is designed for measuring very low active
halogen concentrations, e.g., active bromine concentrations in the
range of from zero to about 5 ppm (wt/wt). In fact, where the
actual concentration of active bromine is between, say, about 5 ppm
and about 1100 ppm (wt/wt), the test sample is typically diluted
with pure water to reduce the actual concentration to be in the
range of about 2 to about 5 ppm of active bromine before making the
DPD analysis. It can be seen therefore that while there is no
critical hard-and-fast concentration dividing line between which
procedure to use, the approximate values given above represent a
practical approximate dividing line, since the amounts of water
dilution of more concentrated solutions when using the DPD test
procedure increase with increasing initial active halogen
concentration, and such large dilutions can readily be avoided by
use of starch-iodine titration when analyzing the more concentrated
solutions. In short, with suitably dilute solutions use of the DPD
test procedure is recommended, and with more concentrated solutions
use of starch-iodine titration is recommended.
[0029] The starch-iodine titration procedure for determination of
active halogen has long been known. For example, chapter XIV of
Willard-Furman, Elementary Quantitative Analysis, Third Edition, D.
Van Nostrand Company, Inc., New York, Copyright 1933, 1935, 1940
provides a description of starch-iodine titration. While details of
standard quantitative analytical procedures for determination of
active halogen in such product solutions by starch-iodine titration
may vary from case to case, the results are normally sufficiently
uniform from one standard procedure to another as not to raise any
question of unreliability of the results. A recommended
starch-iodine titration procedure is as follows: A magnetic stirrer
and 50 milliliters of glacial acetic acid are placed in an iodine
flask. The sample (usually about 0.2-0.5 g) for which the active
halogen is to be determined is weighed and added to the flask
containing the acetic acid. Water (50 milliliters) and aqueous
potassium iodide (15%, wt/wt; 25 milliliters) are then added to the
flask. The flask is stoppered using a water seal. The solution is
then stirred for fifteen minutes, after which the flask is
unstoppered and the stopper and seal area are rinsed into the flask
with water. An automatic buret (Metrohm Limited) is filled with 0.1
normal sodium thiosulfate. The solution in the iodine flask is
titrated with the 0.1 normal sodium thiosulfate; when a faint
yellow color is observed, one milliliter of a 1 wt % starch
solution in water is added, changing the color of the solution in
the flask from faint yellow to blue. Titration with sodium
thiosulfate continues until the blue color disappears. The amount
of active halogen is calculated using the weight of the sample and
the volume of sodium thiosulfate solution titrated. In this way,
the amount of active bromine in an aqueous product solution,
regardless of actual chemical form, can be quantitatively
determined.
[0030] The standard DPD test for determination of low levels of
active bromine is based on classical test procedures devised by
Palin in 1974. See A. T. Palin, "Analytical Control of Water
Disinfection With Special Reference to Differential DPD Methods For
Chlorine, Chlorine Dioxide, Bromine, Iodine and Ozone", J. Inst.
Water Eng., 1974, 28, 139. While there are various modernized
versions of the Palin procedures, the recommended version of the
test is fully described in Hach Water Analysis Handbook, 3rd
edition, copyright 1997. The procedure for "total chlorine" (i.e.,
active chlorine) is identified in that publication as Method 8167
appearing on page 379, Briefly, the "total chlorine" test involves
introducing to the dilute water sample containing active halogen, a
powder comprising DPD indicator powder, (i.e.,
N,N'-diethyldiphenylenediamine), KI, and a buffer. The active
halogen species present react(s) with KI to yield iodine species
which turn the DPD indicator to red/pink. The intensity of the
coloration depends upon the concentration of "total chlorine"
species (i.e., active chlorine") present in the sample. This
intensity is measured by a calorimeter calibrated to transform the
intensity reading into a "total chlorine" value in terms of mg/L
Cl.sub.2. If the active halogen present is active bromine, the
result in terms of mg/L Cl.sub.2 is multiplied by 2.25 to express
the result in terms of mg/L Br.sub.2 of active bromine.
[0031] In greater detail, the DPD test procedure is as follows:
[0032] 1. To determine the amount of species present in the water
which respond to the "total chlorine" test, the water sample should
be analyzed within a few minutes of being taken, and preferably
immediately upon being taken. [0033] 2. Hach Method 8167 for
testing the amount of species present in the water sample which
respond to the "total chlorine" test involves use of the Hach Model
DR 2010 calorimeter. The stored program number for chlorine
determinations is recalled by keying in "80" on the keyboard,
followed by setting the absorbance wavelength to 530 nm by rotating
the dial on the side of the instrument. Two identical sample cells
are filled to the 10 mL mark with the water under investigation.
One of the cells is arbitrarily chosen to be the blank. To the
second cell, the contents of a DPD Total Chlorine Powder Pillow are
added. This is shaken for 10-20 seconds to mix, as the development
of a pink-red color indicates the presence of species in the water
which respond positively to the DPD "total chlorine" test reagent.
On the keypad, the SHIFT TIMER keys are depressed to commence a
three minute reaction time. After three minutes the instrument
beeps to signal the reaction is complete. Using the 10 mL cell
riser, the blank sample cell is admitted to the sample compartment
of the Hach Model DR 2010, and the shield is closed to prevent
stray light effects. Then the ZERO key is depressed. After a few
seconds, the display registers 0.00 mg/L Cl.sub.2. Then, the blank
sample cell used to zero the instrument is removed from the cell
compartment of the Hach Model DR 2010 and replaced with the test
sample to which the DPD "total chlorine" test reagent was added.
The light shield is then closed as was done for the blank, and the
READ key is depressed. The result, in mg/L Cl.sub.2 is shown on the
display within a few seconds. This is the "total chlorine" level of
the water sample under investigation.
[0034] In the practice of this invention the microbiocidal system
can be used in various ways. For example, a microbiocidally
effective amount of a microbiocide of this invention is applied to
the locus of the microorganisms to be eradicated or controlled so
that the microbiocidal system comes in contact with these
microorganisms. The application can be made by thorough application
by pouring, spraying, wet mopping, flooding, and/or wet wiping
infested or potentially infested surfaces or areas of the
processing equipment and environs such as flooring, walls, tables,
conveyors, stanchions, conduits, tanks, and drains with a
biocidally-effective amount of an aqueous solution of the
microbiocide. Where applicable and possible, portions of the
processing apparatus can be immersed in an aqueous solution of the
microbiocide, with temporary disassembly, if necessary. Such
applications should be conducted routinely on a frequency
sufficient to ensure that exposure of the poultry being processed
to dangerous microorganisms, such as bacteria and biofilms is
prevented to the greatest extent possible. For best results these
operations should be conducted in conjunction or association with
thorough cleaning operations such as scrubbing, scouring, scraping
and, otherwise removing infestations of biofouling or biofilms,
whether visible or invisible. After contacting the microorganisms
with the microbiocide for a suitable period of time to ensure
penetration into polysaccharide slimes and other defense mechanisms
of various species of these microorganisms, the entire disinfected
area should be washed, e.g., hosed down, with clean water and
preferably the washings themselves should be disinfected with
additional microbiocide of this invention before discharge. The
contact times will of course vary depending upon the frequency and
thoroughness of the cleaning and disinfection operations and the
identity and concentration of the particular microbiocidal solution
being employed. Generally speaking contact times may fall in the
range of from about a few minutes to a few hours, but any period of
time that effects the eradication or control of the microbial
population in the poultry processing areas should be used and is
within the scope of this invention.
[0035] Another mode of applying the microbiocidally-effective
amounts of solid-state microbiocides of these embodiments of the
invention is to cause the microbiocide to be leached into water
streams passing through conduits and into tanks or other washing
devices utilized in the processing of the poultry. For example,
suitable solid forms of the microbiocide such as tablets,
briquettes, pellets, nuggets, or granules are placed in suitable
feeding devices through which a stream of water is passed. The
passage of the water through the bed of the microbiocide results in
the stream continuously dissolving small quantities of the
microbiocide to thereby provide microbiocidally effective amounts
of the microbiocide in the water. 1,3-Dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin
is especially preferred for use in this mode of application because
of its relatively low solubility and thus relatively slow rate of
dissolution in water at ambient room temperatures. This translates
into relatively long periods of use before need of refilling the
device holding the solids. By way of example, the solubility of
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin in water at 75.degree. F. (ca.
24.degree. C.) is 405 ppm expressed as Cl.sub.2 whereas the
solubilities of N,N'-bromochloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin and of the
commercial mixture of N,N'-bromochloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin and
1,3-dichloro-5-ethyl-5-methylhydantoin at the same temperature are,
respectively, 890 ppm and 1905 ppm, both expressed as Cl.sub.2.
[0036] An especially cost-effective, operationally efficient, and
highly preferred way of forming aqueous microbiocidal solutions of
one or more 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoins in which one of the
alkyl groups is a methyl group and the other alkyl group contains
in the range of 1 to about 4 carbon atoms, most preferably
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin, ("dibromodialkylhydantoin(s)")
comprises passing water through a bed of one or more such
dibromodialkylhydantoin(s) in granular, nugget, pellet, tablet or
other non-powdery particulate form ("bed") disposed in a canister,
tank, or other similar vessel ("tank"). Preferably the tank has a
pressure sealable port at its upper portion for periodically
replenishing the contents of the bed, and the water is caused to
flow upwardly through a portion of the bed. More preferably, the
tank is elongated in an upward direction so that the bed is longer
from top to bottom than from side to side, this upward water flow
is dispensed into the bed to flow upwardly through only a lower
portion of the bed, and thence substantially horizontally through a
port disposed between the lower and the upper portions of the bed
and tank. In this way the upper portion of the bed serves as a
reserve supply of contents of the bed which automatically feeds
into the lower portion of the bed under gravity as the lower
portion of the bed is slowly but substantially uniformly dissolved
away in the water flow. Thus in this operation the water flow is
preferably at least a substantially continuous flow, and most
preferably, is a continuous flow. Methods for producing granules,
tablets or other non-powdery particulate forms of
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin are described in detail in
commonly-owned copending applications PCT/US01/01541, 01/01545, and
01/01585, all filed Jan. 17, 2001, each claiming priority based on
respective earlier-filed corresponding U.S. applications. Excellent
process technology for producing 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin
for use in making such granules, tablets or other non-powdery
particulate forms is described in detail in commonly-owned
copending application PCT/US 01/01544, filed Jan. 17, 2001,
claiming priority based on an earlier-filed corresponding U.S.
application. The disclosures of each such PCT and U.S. application
is incorporated herein by reference. Particularly preferred
apparatus for use in conjunction with such granules, tablets or
other non-powdery particulate forms of these
dibromodialkylhydantoin(s) in forming aqueous microbiocidal
solutions thereof is available from Neptune Chemical Pump Company,
a division of R.A. Industries, Inc., Lansdale, Pa. 19446, as
"Bromine Feeders" Models BT-15, BT-40, BT-42, BT-80, BT-160,
BT-270, and BT-350, or equivalent. Excellent results are achieved
using combinations of Model BT-40 with granules or nuggets of
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin Albrom.TM. 100PC biocide
available from Albemarle Corporation. Single charges of such
microbiocides in tablet or granular form in such device can provide
continuous highly-effective microbiocidal activity in bodies of end
use water at ordinary outdoor temperatures for as long as five (5)
months without need for replenishment.
[0037] Another suitable method of effecting contact between the
microbiocide and the microorganisms is to pump an aqueous solution
containing a microbiocidally-effective amount of the microbiocide
through the conduits and into the tanks or other washing devices,
such as scalding tanks and chill tanks, utilized in the processing
of the poultry. Variants of this procedure include dispensing
portion-wise as by gravity dripping an aqueous solution of the
microbiocide directly into a tank or other vessel in which poultry
are to be or are being processed.
[0038] A further mode of application pursuant to these embodiments
of the invention involves applying to or contacting the poultry
itself, typically promptly before and preferably after slaughter
and defeathering, with an aqueous solution of the microbiocide.
After providing a suitable contact time to eradicate bacteria on
the surfaces of the poultry, the poultry can then be washed down to
remove both the excess microbiocide and the dispatched microbial
population from the exposed surfaces of the fowl itself. The
internal organs of the fowl after slaughter can also be treated and
washed down in the same manner. The application(s) of the
microbiocidal solution(s) in this manner can take any suitable
form, e.g., use of aqueous sprays containing a
microbiocidally-effective amount of the microbiocide being used, or
immersion of the fowl or internal organs thereof in one or more
tanks containing aqueous solutions of microbiocidally-effective
amounts of the microbiocide being used.
[0039] Preferably two or more of the foregoing methods of
application of the microbiocides of this invention are used. Thus
in a preferred embodiment a microbiocide of these embodiments of
the invention is applied by (i) periodically contacting at least
portions, if not all, of the poultry processing apparatus to
disinfection or sanitization with a microbiocidally-effective
amount of an aqueous solution of at least one of the above
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoins, and (ii) contacting the exposed
surfaces of the poultry with a microbiocidally-effective amount of
an aqueous solution of at least one of the above
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoins, before and/or after, preferably
after, dispatching the fowl, and most preferably after defeathering
the fowl. In another preferred embodiment, a microbiocide of these
embodiments of the invention is applied by (i) periodically
contacting at least portions, if not all, of the poultry processing
apparatus to disinfection or sanitization with a
microbiocidally-effective amount of an aqueous solution of at least
one the above 1,3-dibromodialkylhydantoins, and (ii) contacting the
edible portions and/or internal organs of the dispatched fowl with
a microbiocidally-effective amount of an aqueous solution of at
least one of the above 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoins.
[0040] Particularly preferred processes of this invention are those
wherein the fowl are processed by a series of steps which comprise
the following: (a) suspending the fowl in moving clamps or
shackles, (b) stunning, but not killing, the fowl such as by use of
a suitable gas, or by contacting at least the heads of the fowl
with a water-applied electric shock to stun the fowl, e.g., by
immersing the heads in a water bath carrying a suitable current to
effect the stunning, (c) cutting the jugular veins and/or carotid
arteries at the neck of the stunned fowl either manually with a
knife or automatically with a mechanical cutting device, (d)
draining blood from the carcasses, (e) scalding the birds with hot
water, e.g., in a scalding tank, to facilitate feather removal, (f)
defeathering the fowl, (g) removing the heads and feet from the
fowl, (h) eviscerating the fowl either manually with a knife, or
automatically with mechanical evisceration apparatus, (i)
separating the viscera from the carcasses, (j) washing the
carcasses, and (k) chilling the carcasses, e.g., in water such as
by passage of the carcasses through at least one and often two
chill tanks, or by air chilling. The scalding step will typically
be conducted at water temperatures in the range of about 50 to
about 60.degree. C., with the lower temperatures being preferred
for retention of normal yellow-colored skin. The higher
temperatures will more usually be used in connection with turkeys
and spent egg-layer hens. The chilling temperatures used will
typically reduce the carcass temperature to below about 4.degree.
C., with final temperatures of the finished carcasses for shipment
being as low as about -2.degree. C. Other steps can be included and
in some cases one or more of the steps (a) through (j) may be
altered or revised or the sequence of the steps may to some extent
be altered or revised, to adapt to given circumstances. Examples of
extra steps that may be included are inspection steps, e.g., by
governmental regulatory personnel, and wax-dipping in the case of
water fowl to enhance the extent of defeathering. Inspections are
often conducted subsequent to the evisceration step, such as before
separating the viscera from the carcasses. Wax dipping will
typically be used when processing waterfowl, the feathers of which
typically are more difficult to remove than, say, chickens. Wax
dipping will typically be performed directly after use of
feather-picking machines which utilize rubber "fingers" to beat off
the feathers. The wax dipping step will typically involve dipping
the partially defeathered carcass into a molten wax contained in a
tank, allowing the wax to harden on the carcass, and then removing
the wax coating as by peeling it off along with feathers embedded
in the wax. This operation can be repeated as desired, before
proceeding to the next step in the process, e.g., removal of the
heads and feet. One illustrative example of a suitable revision of
the sequence of steps, would be to conduct step (g) before step (d)
instead of after step (f). Upon a reading of this disclosure, other
suitable sequence revisions may well become obvious to one of
ordinary skill in the art, and thus need not be further elaborated
upon here.
[0041] In the above processing, the microbiocidal action of the
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin microbiocides of the invention can
be applied at any of a variety of suitable stages in the operation.
For example. an applicable microbiocidal solution of this invention
can be applied to any or all of the processing equipment used
including knives, conveying apparatus, the surfaces of emptied
scaling tanks, defeathering apparatus, (e.g., rubber "fingers"
etc.), knives and mechanical apparatus used for cutting or
eviscerating the fowl, all surfaces that come in contact with the
blood or the viscera of the fowl, including tables, conveyor belts,
etc., and all surfaces that come in contact with the carcasses
after separation of the viscera therefrom. The applicable
sanitizing solutions of this invention can be applied to by
immersion, spraying, flooding, or any other way of ensuring that
the microbiocidally-effective solution contacts the surfaces that
contain or are exposed to the undesirable microorganisms such as
bacteria and/or biofilm (biofouling).
[0042] Another way by which, in the above processing, the
microbiocidal action of the microbiocides of this invention can be
applied involves including a microbiocidally-effective amount of
the microbiocide to the water being used at one or more stages of
the processing. Thus the water in the scalding tank(s) and/or in
the chill tank(s) can be so treated. Another mode is to include a
microbiocidally-effective amount of the microbiocide to the water
used in washing the carcasses and the viscera at various points
where these parts are handled, separated, and/or processed. The
dosage levels at these different points in the processing can be
the same or different as deemed necessary or desirable.
[0043] The practice and advantages of this invention are
illustrated by the following non-limiting Examples.
EXAMPLE 1
[0044] A study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBDMH) as a disinfectant, when
used in the poultry chill tank for the control of carcass bacteria.
The study included, for purposes of comparison, use of sodium
hypochlorite as a disinfectant under the same conditions. In this
study the bacterial species used were genetically marked strains
resistant to several common antibiotics and antibacterials. Four
treatment groups as identified in Table 1 were used in this study.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Treatment Br.sub.2/Cl.sub.2 Target
Group.sup.1 Treatment.sup.2,3,5 Concentration 1 Non-disinfected
unchilled control None No disinfectant added Carcasses spotted with
10.sup.9 bacteria Carcasses dried and immediately rinsed 2
Non-disinfected chilled control None No disinfectant added to chill
tank Carcasses spotted with 10.sup.9 bacteria Carcasses dried,
chilled, and rinsed 3 Sodium hypochlorite treatment.sup.44 15 ppm
Cl.sub.2 15 ppm Cl2 equivalent added to chill tank (+/-20%)
Carcasses spotted with 10.sup.9 bacteria Carcasses dried, chilled
and rinsed 4 DBDMH treatment 34 ppm Br.sub.2 34 ppm Br.sub.2 added
to chill tank (+/-20%) (equivalent to 15 ppm Cl.sub.2) Carcasses
spotted with 10.sup.9 bacteria Carcasses dried, chilled and rinsed
.sup.1Four (4) different treatments were administered to six (6)
blocks with five (5) carcasses per block. .sup.2Chlorine/Bromine
determinations confirmed zero added levels for Treatment Group 2.
Chlorine levels were confirmed for Treatment Group 3 and Bromine
levels were confirmed for Treatment Group 4. .sup.31:1 mixture of
genetically marked strains of Salmonella Agona and Salmonella
Kentucky was used for all carcass bacteria spotting. .sup.4Sodium
hypochlorite solution (CAS No. 7681-52-9, Aldrich No. 42,504-4).
.sup.5Carcasses were immersed in the chill tank for 80 +/- 5 min.
(Treatment Groups 2, 3, and 4).
[0045] The test procedures used were as follows:
A) Randomization and Blinding
[0046] Randomization was accomplished by employing a complete block
design for treatments groups 2, 3, and 4 using computer-generated
randomized numbers. The trial was blinded to the technicians
performing bacteria preparation and enumeration via color-coding of
the chill tanks. Blinding was accomplished by having one person
placing test materials into the chill tank and other technicians
performing all other duties. Trial number, chill tank number, color
code and block number identified each chill tank. Carcasses were
double wingbanded for identification and to eliminate any
possibility of bias from any of the three chill tank treatments.
Stomacher bags and sample bottles for whole-bird rinse were
pre-labeled to include block number, color code, and carcass
number. Agar plates were labeled block number, carcass number,
color code, and dilution rate.
B) Source, Preparation, and Enumeration of Bacteria
[0047] 1) Bacterial Source: The bacterial stock cultures used in
this study were two genetically marked strains (Salmonella Agona
(FDA code FMK14O1] and Salmonella Kentucky [FDA code FMK1402])
obtained from the FDA/CFSAN laboratory. Both were modified for
resistance to nalidixic acid, streptomycin, and tetracycline. They
were stored at approximately 4-8.degree. C. In addition, the
isolates are being maintained long term as described in the Federal
Register, Volume 61, No. 144, Jul. 25, 1996, page 38924.
[0048] 2) Bacterial Culture Purification: The stock cultures were
transferred separately onto Nutrient Agar media supplemented with
approximately 30 ug/mL of each antibiotic (e.g., nalidixic acid,
streptomycin and tetracycline) and incubated at 37+/-2.degree. C.
for 24+/-2 hours. Cultures were removed from agar surfaces with
five-mL phosphate buffer dilution water and centrifuged in sterile
centrifuge tubes approximately two minutes to settle agar
particles. The supernatants were transferred to sterile centrifuge
tubes and centrifuged again to obtain complete separation of cells.
Fresh Nutrient Agar whole plates (supplemented with antibiotics)
were swabbed from the supernatant using sterile swabs. Plates were
incubated at 37+/-2.degree. C. for 24+/-2 hours. This process was
repeated over two additional days to ensure pure, viable
strains.
[0049] 3) Preparation of Stationary Growth Phase Cultures: From the
purification process above, the bacterial cultures were inoculated
into separate antibiotic supplemented Nutrient Broth media and
incubated at 37+/-2.degree. C. until the stationary growth phase
was reached. Established growth curves have shown this to be
approximately 18 hours (optical density >1000 Formazin Turbidity
Units or FTU). Optical density readings were taken at 17 hours and
cultures were used at 18 hours.
[0050] 4) Preparation of Bacterial Stock Solution for Spotting:
Each broth culture from 3) was diluted as necessary to achieve a
target of at least 10.sup.9 bacteria per mL. An equal (1:1) mixture
of these two dilutions was prepared and used to spot carcasses.
Both dilutions and the mixture were enumerated as per 6) below.
[0051] 5) Spotting Time: Bacteria were spotted onto the carcasses
within 30 min. after removal from the incubator.
[0052] 6) Culture Plating and Enumeration: The dilution, plating
and counting procedures described in "Standard Methods for the
Examination of Water and Wastewater," 20th Edition, Section 921 SC
were followed. Exceptions were as follows: (i) All water samples
were refrigerated at approximately 4-8.degree. C. and plated within
48 hours of collection. (ii) The plating volumes were 1 mL on whole
plates (1:1 bacterial mixture, and bacterial dilutions from 4)
above and chill tank water dilutions), and 0.5 mL on half plates
(carcass rinse water dilutions). (iii) The inoculum was distributed
across the surface of the agar by rotating the petri dish by hand.
(iv) Incubation temperature and time was 37+/-2.degree. C. for
24+/-2 hours. (v) Plates were placed in the incubator upright for
one hour for drying purposes, then turned upside down for the
remaining incubation time. (vi) Counting was conducted manually,
without an aid.
C) Carcass Source and Preparation
[0053] 1) Carcasses were purchased at a local retail store. After
removing the giblets, carcass weights were approximately 3.0-5.0
lbs (1361-2268 g). This weight range is within industry standards
of processed weights commonly found in retail stores and reflect a
normal population of chicken carcasses.
[0054] 2) Upon collection, all carcasses were immediately placed in
a cooler without ice and immediately transported approximately 20
miles to the testing laboratory. At the test facility, carcasses
were refrigerated at 4-8.degree. C.
[0055] 3) Carcasses were removed from the refrigerator within 4-6
hr prior to spotting with bacteria. They were drained in a wire
basket for approximately five (5) min., wingbanded for
identification, and weighed within 15 min. of bacterial
spotting.
D) Carcass Bacteria Spotting
[0056] 1) Carcasses were placed flat, on an open, covered
laboratory bench and spotted as follows: (i) Using the bacterial
mixture prepared in B) 4) above, all carcasses within the block
were spotted externally along each breast feather track (7 per
track) and legs (3 per leg) with twenty-50 microliter aliquots (1
mL total). (ii) After bacteria application, carcasses were allowed
to dry at ambient temperature for 25-35 min. This drying period
represented time from defeathering and evisceration, and allowed
time for the bacteria to adhere to the skin. (iii) The surfaces
spotted did not touch any object prior to chill tank immersion.
E) Disinfectant Preparation and Measurement
[0057] 1) Stock Solution Preparation: Stock solutions were prepared
within three hr of Time 0 (carcass immersion). (i) To prepare the
DBDMH stock solution, ten grams of DBDMH was added to each one (1)
liter of sterile water and mechanically stirred for at least 20
min. The stock solution was passed through a 200-mesh screen and
filtered through two course filters (Fisher 09-790-14F, course
porosity, fast flow rate, pleated). The DBDMH Stock solution was
diluted as necessary and Br.sub.2 levels determined in triplicate,
as described in E) 2) below. (ii) To prepare the sodium
hypochlorite stock solution, concentrated sodium hypochlorite,
commercial grade, was obtained from Aldrich and used as received.
Fifteen mL sodium hypochlorite stock solution was diluted to three
liters and Cl.sub.2 levels determined in triplicate, as described
in E) 2) below.
[0058] 2) Bromine/Chlorine Determination: A Hach Pocket Colorimeter
Test Kit for Bromine (Hach Item Number 4670001) was employed to
determine bromine/chlorine concentrations.
[0059] 3) Disinfectant Addition And Br.sub.2/Cl.sub.2
Determination: The disinfectants were added to the chill tank just
prior to ice addition. Enough disinfectant was added to account for
the dilution from the ice. The targeted Cl.sub.2 and Br.sub.2
concentrations were 25 ppm (+/-20%) and 56 ppm (+/-20%)
respectively, prior to ice addition. Target concentrations after
ice addition, were 15 ppm Cl.sub.2 and 34 ppm Br.sub.2 and were
calculated based on the measured values prior to ice addition.
F) Chill Tank Preparation and Chilling Procedures
[0060] 1) Experimental Unit: Experimental chill tanks (28-gallon
plastic containers) were used to simulate commercial chilling
techniques. Each experimental unit contained 40 liters total volume
and provided 8 liters of water per carcass.
[0061] 2) Ingredients: Each chill tank contained the following:
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Order Added Ingredient Added Chill Tank
Ingredient per 40,000 mL Chill Tank Water Cumulative 1 Water Added
22,000 mL 22,000 mL 2 DBDMH or Sodium Disinfectant stock solution
plus enough sterile water to 24,000 mL Hypochlorite stock equal
2000 mL solutions 3 Carcasses added 5 carcasses spotted with
10.sup.9 bacteria N/A 4 Ice 16,000 grams (one gram equals
approximately one mL) 40,000 mL TOTAL 40,000 mL chill tank water
plus disinfectant
[0062] 3) Chilling Procedure: A block of three chill tanks were run
at one time. Each chill tank was initiated at least 20 min. apart
to allow appropriate time for post-chill data collection.
Processing room temperature was recorded within 15 min. of carcass
immersion.
[0063] 4) Carcass Temperature Determination: Carcass external skin
temperature was determined along the breast feather track prior to
carcass immersion and after 80+/-5 min. chilling time.
[0064] 5) Control Treatment Carcasses Rinsed: Carcasses in
treatment group 1 (non-disinfected, unchilled control) were rinsed
25-35 min. after spotting, using the "whole bird" rinse procedure
described in G) below.
[0065] 6) Bromine/Chlorine Determination: The bromine or chlorine
level, as applicable, for each chill tank (treatment groups 2, 3,
and 4), were determined prior to carcass immersion, 45+/-5 min.,
60+/-5 min., and after 80+/-5 min. chilling time.
[0066] 7) Carcass Immersion (Time Zero) and Ice Addition: Five,
previously spotted carcasses, were completely immersed in the chill
tank water. Ice was added within 5+/-2 min. of carcass immersion to
lower carcass temperature. The water temperature was maintained at
4.5.degree. C. (40.degree. F. USDA HACCP minimum rule) or less.
[0067] 8) Chill Tank Water Temperature Determination: The water
temperature was determined as soon as possible after time zero and
at 20+/-2 min. thereafter.
[0068] 9) At time zero and each 5 min. period thereafter, the
carcasses were lifted twice by completely lifting from the chill
tank mixture for approximately 5 seconds assuring that each carcass
cavity was drained each time.
[0069] 10) Chill Tank Water Samples: After 45+/-5 min. and 60+/-5
min. carcass exposure time, a 5-mL water sample was removed from
each chill tank for bacterial enumeration as per B) 6) above. These
samples represented shorter chill times that may be experienced in
the processing industry.
[0070] 11) Chilling Time: Total carcass exposure in the chill tank
was 80+/-5 min.
[0071] 12) After carcass removal from the chill tanks, the
following events occurred: (i) External carcass temperature was
measured along the breast feather track, (ii) All chilled carcasses
underwent the "whole bird" rinse procedure described below, (iii) A
5-mL water sample was taken for Salmonella bacteria counts. To each
water sample, sodium sulfite (0.10 mL of 1000 ppm solution) was
added immediately to neutralize the effect of DBDMH and sodium
hypochlorite, (iv) Carcasses were weighed and percent moisture
uptake was determined, (v) Residual chill tank water
Br.sub.2/Cl.sub.2 levels were determined, as applicable. The
control treatment (containing no disinfectants) residual values
were recorded as Cl.sub.2, (vi) Chill tank room temperature was
measured within 20 min. after trial completion, (vii) A water
sample was taken.
G) Whole Bird Rinse Procedures
[0072] 1) Prior to rinsing carcasses, sodium sulfite (8 mL of 1000
ppm solution) was equally added to the 400 mL Butterfield's
phosphate diluent (BPD) solution to neutralize the effect of DBDMH
and sodium hypochlorite.
[0073] 2) Carcasses were taken out of the chill tanks at the end of
the 80+/-5 min. testing period. Carcass temperature was taken, and
each was allowed to drain for approximately one (1) minute. Each
individual carcass was aseptically transferred to a sterile
stomacher bag.
[0074] 3) 400 mL BPD was poured directly to the internal cavity of
each carcass in the sterile stomacher bag. The remaining "whole
bird" rinse technique was followed as described in the Federal
Register Vol. 61, No. 144, p. 38921.
[0075] 4) The rinse solutions were transferred from each stomacher
bag into sample bottles (completely labeled), and refrigerated at
approximately 4-8.degree. C.
[0076] The water used in this study was from a deep-water well,
previously certified by Maryland Health Department. It had not been
chlorinated since at least September, 2000. All water pH,
chlorine/bromine levels, and bacteria content (Salmonella,
Escherichia coli and Coliform) were determined on water used in
this trial. For all parameters measured, Statgraphics (ver. 6.1)
Multifactoral Analysis of Variance procedure was used to compare
means of the treatment groups. Significant differences between the
means were identified by the Least Significant Difference test and
presented in the tables. Significant differences at the p<0.05
level were reported.
[0077] The results of this study as regards bacteria reduction are
summarized in Tables 3 and 4. Table 3 compares the results achieved
in terms of reductions from the non-chilled control treatment
group. Table 4 compares the results achieved in terms of reductions
from the chilled control treatment group. TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3
Reduction Log.sub.10 Percent from control reduction reduction
Difference non-chilled DBDMH NaOCl DBDMH NaOCl Log.sub.10 Carcass
7.466 4.963 99.9999% 99.9985% +2.503 bacteria reduction Total
bacteria 5.557 4.342 99.9995% 99.9888% +1.215 reduction
[0078] TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Log.sub.10 Percent Reduction from
reduction reduction Difference control chilled DBDMH NaOCl DBDMH
NaOCl Log.sub.10 45 min. water 4.266 3.356 99.9867% 99.8805% +0.910
bacteria reduction 60 min. water 4.513 3.451 99.9969% 99.9108%
+1.062 bacteria reduction 80 min. water 4.632 3.688 99.9972%
99.9390% +0.944 bacteria reduction Carcass 6.643 4.140 99.9994%
99.9910% +2.503 bacteria reduction Total bacteria 5.029 3.813
99.9985% 99.9663% +1.216 reduction
[0079] As seen from the data in Tables 3 and 4, although NaOCl was
effective in the reduction of bacterial contamination, DBDMH was
significantly more effective in this regard. More particularly:
[0080] 1) Based on the data generated in this study,
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBDMH) is an effective
disinfectant when used in the poultry chill tank. The numbers of
Salmonella bacteria were significantly reduced both in the chill
tank water and on the poultry carcasses in the presence of DBDMH
when compared to the control treatments.
2) The log.sub.10 reductions of DBDMH were significantly greater
than NaOCl in the carcass rinse, chill tank water (with the
exception of the 80-minute reduction) and combined carcass and
chill tank water.
3) At the three chill times tested, bacterial reduction was
demonstrated using DBDMH. There was approximately a one log
difference in bacterial reduction between DBDMH and NaOCl at all
chill times.
4) Adverse carcass effects were found. However, these effects were
unchanged from prechill to post-chill processing with the use of
either NaOCl or DBDMH.
5) After the 80 minute chilling period, disinfectant residual
levels, as applicable, were detected across all blocks. This
indicates that initial disinfectant levels were enough to provide
for bacterial reduction throughout the chilling process.
[0081] 6) At the concentration employed in this study (34 ppm
Br.sub.2) and comparing to the control chill tank treatment: (i)
DBDMH reduced chill tank water Salmonella spp. by 4.3 4.6
log.sub.10 bacteria reduction, (ii) DBDMH reduced carcass
Salmonella spp. by 6.6 log.sub.10 bacteria reduction, (iii) DBDMH
effectively reduced Salmonella spp. when used as a disinfectant in
the chill tank, (iv) DBDMH did not adversely affect poultry carcass
quality, (v) DBDMH was effective across a range of chill times
(45-80 minutes) that may be used by the poultry industry, (vi) In
general, DBDMH was at least comparable to or in most cases, a more
effective chill tank disinfectant than NaOCl, regardless of
chilling time.
EXAMPLE 2
[0082] Comparative tests were conducted to determine the effect on
poultry carcass bacteria (Escherichia coli field strain) during a
normal 1.5-hour chill tank immersion in water containing different
microbiocidal compositions. The effect of these treatments on the
residual chill tank water was also investigated. Carcasses were
first immersed in a warm bath containing 10.sup.4 E coli per mL of
liquid. Carcasses were then immersed in chill tanks containing
normal organic fluids (blood, fat, skin, and meat particles) and
containing one of the respective microbiocidal compositions under
test. Total bacteria count of whole bird (both inside and outside)
was used to determine efficacy of various microbiocidal
compositions. The microbiocidal compositions tested were sodium
hypochlorite (Clorox.RTM. bleach), the combination of sodium
hypochlorite and sodium bromide, and
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin, the first two materials being
for comparative purposes. In this group of tests, 100 birds were
used and the chill water was composed per liter of 950 mL of water,
50 mL of blood, 10 g of ground abdominal fat, 10 g of meat
particles, and 10 g of skin with fat.
[0083] The experimental design used in this group of tests is
summarized in Table 5. TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Test Active
Ingredient Group or equivalent Test Material Disinfectant Level 1
None No disinfectant.sup.1 2 Chlorine (50 ppm) Clorox .RTM. bleach
12.5% Cl.sub.2 (dilution 1:2,500), Contains 50 ppm chlorine.sup.2 3
Chlorine (100 ppm) Clorox .RTM. bleach 12.5% Cl.sub.2 (dilution
1:1,250) Contains 100 ppm chlorine 4 Chlorine (150 ppm) Clorox
.RTM. bleach 12.5% Cl.sub.2 (dilution 1:800) Contains 150 ppm
chlorine 5 Chlorine Bleach and Liquid Sodium Bromide (1:1 mole
ratio mix) (50 ppm total) Bleach dilution 1:3,500 & NaBr
dilution 1:28,000 Contains 50 ppm chlorine equivalent (1:1 Cl.sub.2
equivalent) 6 Chlorine Bleach and Liquid Sodium Bromide (1:1 mole
ratio mix) (100 ppm total) Bleach dilution 1:1,750 & NaBr
dilution 1:14,000 Contains 100 ppm chlorine equivalent (1:1
Cl.sub.2 equivalent) 7 Chlorine Bleach and Liquid Sodium Bromide
(1:1 mole ratio mix) (150 ppm total) Bleach dilution 1:1,200 &
NaBr dilution 1:9,300 Contains 150 ppm chlorine equivalent (1:1
Cl.sub.2 equivalent) 8 Chlorine DBDMH (equivalent to 50 ppm
Cl.sub.2 level)-0.9 g per liter (50 ppm total) Contains 50 ppm
chlorine equivalent (1:1 Cl.sub.2 equivalent) 9 Chlorine DBDMH
(equivalent to 100 ppm Cl.sub.2 level)-1.7 g per liter (100 ppm)
Contains 100 ppm chlorine equivalent (1:1 Cl.sub.2 equivalent) 10
Chlorine DBDMH (equivalent to 150 ppm Cl.sub.2 level)-3.4 g per
liter (150 ppm) Contains 150 ppm chlorine equivalent (1:1 Cl.sub.2
equivalent) .sup.1Negative control contained contaminated (bacteria
2.67 .times. 10.sup.5 per mL) water. .sup.2Positive control is
normal poultry industry practice of adding 50 ppm chlorine.
[0084] The microbiocidal solution of this invention was prepared in
the following manner: [0085] 1. To form a stock solution, 100 g of
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBDMH) was stirred into 10
liters (10,000 mL) of water for 20 minutes. After filtration, the
resulting clear solution contains 1300 mg per liter as Br.sub.2.
This corresponds to 580 mg per liter (or 580 ppm Cl.sub.2) when
expressed as Cl.sub.2. [0086] 2. The washing solution of DBDMH
having a content of 50 ppm of Cl.sub.2 equivalent solution was
formed by mixing 875 mL of the above stock solution with 10 liters
(10,000 mL) of the above prepared chicken chill water solution. The
washing solutions of DBDMH containing 100 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent
and 150 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent were prepared in the same manner
except that 1750 mL and 2625 mL, respectively, of the above stock
solution were mixed with separate 10-liter portions of the above
prepared chicken chill water solution.
[0087] Table 6 summarizes the results obtained in this group of
tests. TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Carcass Bacteria Reduction Test Test
Material Whole Bird Bacteria Mean Chill Water Group Disinfectant
Level Reduction (%) Bacteria Reduction (%).sup.1 1 No disinfectant
Control.sup.2 Control 2 Clorox .RTM. bleach.sup.3, 50 ppm Cl.sub.2
6.6% 8.2% 3 Clorox .RTM. bleach, 100 pp, Cl.sub.2 28.2% 32.8% 4
Clorox .RTM. bleach 150 ppm Cl.sub.2 41.1% 59.3% 5 NaBr 50 ppm
Cl.sub.2 equivalent + Bleach 14.8% 18.4% 6 NaBr 100 ppm Cl.sub.2
equivalent + Bleach 38.5% 41.6% 7 NaBr 150 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent
+ Bleach 73.5% 84.7% 8 DBDMH, 50 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent 99.9999%
99.9999% 9 DBDMH, 100 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent 99.9999% 99.9999% 10
DBDMH, 150 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent 99.9999% 99.9999% .sup.1The
value represents bacteria count per mL of treatment water.
.sup.2Negative control contained contaminated (bacteria 2.67
.times. 10.sup.5 per mL) water. .sup.3Positive control is normal
poultry industry practice of adding 50 ppm chlorine.
EXAMPLE 3
[0088] This group of tests was conducted to determine the effect of
Clorox.RTM. bleach, Aquatize.RTM. biocide, and
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBDMH) on carcass bacteria
(Escherichia coli field strain) residual after 1.5-hour in a chill
tank "soup". Tests were conducted with soups at pH 7, pH 8 and pH 9
(adjusted by trisodium phosphate) for whole bird bacteria counts.
Tests at pH 8 were conducted for individual bacteria counts.
[0089] In general the tests involved normal processing of
56-day-old birds and immersing the carcasses first in a warm bath
containing 10.sup.4 per mL Escherichia coli, 10.sup.4 per mL
Salmonella enteritidis, 10.sup.4 per mL Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
10.sup.4 per mL Campylobacter jejuni, and 10.sup.4 per mL spoilage
bacteria each from three strains (Listeria monocytogenes and
Shigella sonnei). The carcasses were then immersed in a chill tank
"soup", containing normal organic fluids (blood, fat, skin, and
meat particles) and containing the microbiocides on the test.
[0090] Tables 7 and 8 summarize the experimental design of these
group of tests. TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Whole Bird Bacteria Counts
at pH 7, pH 8, and pH 9 Birds/ Test Group Test Material (Chill
Tank) Reps Rep 1 None (Control) 5 10 2 Clorox .RTM. Bleach (20 ppm
Cl.sub.2 equivalent) 5 10 3 Aquatize .RTM. biocide (1:500 dilution)
5 10 4 Aquatize .RTM. biocide (1:1000 dilution) 5 10 5 DBDMH (10
ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent) 5 10 6 DBDMH (20 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent)
5 10
[0091] TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Individual Bird Bacteria Counts at pH
8 Birds/ Test Group Test Material (Chill Tank) Reps Rep 7 None
(Control) 5 5 8 Clorox .RTM. Bleach (20 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent) 5
5 9 DBDMH (10 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent) 5 5 10 DBDMH (20 ppm
Cl.sub.2 equivalent) 5 5
[0092] The bacteria stock solution used for this group of tests was
prepared by growing each bacteria sample in the appropriate broth
shown in Table 9. Each such broth had a volume of at least 500 mL
and the bacteria were allowed to grow for at least 6 hours. The
containers were observed and not allowed to develop a heavy, cloudy
visual appearance which would indicate that the growth had
developed for too long a period. Thus the solutions had the
appearance of only being foggy or somewhat unclear. TABLE-US-00009
TABLE 9 Broth Treatments Organism.sup.1 Broth Plating Media S.
sonnei Nutrient Broth Nutrient Agar L. Brain Heart Infusion Broth
Brain Heart Infusion Agar monocytogenes E. coli Brain Heart
Infusion Broth Brain Heart Infusion Agar S. enteritidis Tryptic Soy
Broth Tryptic Soy Agar P. aeruginosa Tryptic Soy Broth Tryptic Soy
Agar C. jejuni Brucella Broth Brucella Agar .sup.1Shigella sonnei,
Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Campylobacter jejuni.
[0093] The microbiocidal solution of this invention was prepared in
the following manner: [0094] 1. To form a stock solution, 100 g of
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBDMH) was stirred into 10
liters (10,000 mL) of water for 20 minutes. After filtration, the
resulting clear solution contains 1300 mg per liter as Br.sub.2.
This corresponds to 580 mg per liter (or 580 ppm Cl.sub.2) when
expressed as Cl.sub.2. [0095] 2. The chill water solution of DBDMH
having a content of 10 ppm of Cl.sub.2 equivalent was formed by
mixing 175 mL of the above stock solution with 10 liters (10,000
mL) of the above prepared chicken chill water solution. The chill
water solution of DBDMH containing 20 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent and
150 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent were prepared in the same manner except
that 350 mL of the above stock solution were mixed with another
10-liter portion of the above prepared chicken chill water
solution.
[0096] Table 10 shows the composition of the "chicken soup" used in
these tests. TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Composition of "Chicken Soup"
Material.sup.1 Material per 2100 mL.sup.2 Water Added 1840 mL
Bacteria Stock Solution 200 mL Blood 40 mL Chicken Abdominal Fat
(ground) 30 g Thigh Meat Particles 30 g Chicken skin with fat 10 g
TOTAL 2100 mL equivalent .sup.1The combined material was chilled
overnight. .sup.2The material was ground and aggressively stirred
prior to use.
[0097] The procedure used for whole bird wash sampling was as
follows: [0098] 1. All samples were kept at <50 degrees
Fahrenheit following collection. [0099] 2. Microbiological analyses
of samples began within 24 hours of sample collection. [0100] 3.
Information on the individual sample identification, date of
collection, time of collection (phase during shift), treatment
group and location of sample point were recorded on each sample
bottle. [0101] 4. At each defined sample time, carcasses were taken
individually from the processing line wearing latex or rubber
gloves. The gloves were rinsed with alcohol between each
collection. [0102] 5. Any excess fluid was drained off from the
carcass. Each individual carcass was transferred to a sterile
stomacher bag. [0103] 6. To each carcass contained in the sterile
stomacher bag, 400 mL of Butterfield's Phosphate Diluent (BPD) was
added while making sure to pour the BPD into the inside of the
carcass cavity. The carcass was rinsed inside and out with a
rocking motion for one minute (ca. 35 RPM). This was best done by
grasping the broiler carcass with one hand and the closed top of
the bag with the other then rocking with a reciprocal motion in a
18-24 inch arc, assuring that all surfaces (interior and exterior
of the carcass) were rinsed. [0104] 7. The rinse solutions from
each stomacher bag was transferred into the sample bottles, taking
care to ensure that the information on the date of collection, time
of collection (phase during shift), treatment group and location of
sampler point matched that of the sample. [0105] 8. Each bottle was
sealed with parafilm and placed into a styrene container with
crushed or dry ice or frozen freezer packs for overnight delivery
to a testing laboratory. [0106] 9. All filled styrene containers
were held in a chilled (not below freezing) area until within 1 to
2 hours of courier collection for shipment.
[0107] Quantitative or qualitative determinations for bacterial
organisms were conducted according to the following
methodologies:
[0108] Aerobic plate counts--Counting rules according to BAM 8th
ed., Chapter 3.
[0109] Coliform and E. coli counts--AOAC, 991.14, Petrifilm.
[0110] Salmonella--AOAC 986.35, ELISA presumptive screen.
[0111] Salmonella--USDA LC-75, incidence.
[0112] Campylobacter--USDA LC-69, incidence.
[0113] Listeria--USDA LC-57, incidence.
[0114] In greater detail the trial events and experimental design
used in this group of tests were as follows: [0115] a) Test
microorganisms used were:
[0116] Escherichia coli ATCC 11229
[0117] Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442
[0118] Salmonella enteritidis ATCC 13076
[0119] Shigella sonnei ATCC 9290
[0120] Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644
[0121] Campylobacter jejuni ATCC 29428 [0122] b) Test Procedure:
All test strains were grown individually at 35.degree. C. for 24
hours in the media specified in Table 12. Cells were harvested by
centrifugation at 10,000.times.g for 10 minutes and washed twice
with Butterfield's Phosphate Buffer (BPB of pH 7.2). Cells were
resuspended in BPB to obtain a cell suspension of approximately
1.0.times.10.sup.8 CFU/mL for each microorganism. The target
inoculum levels were approximately 10.sup.6 CFU/mL in the final
test solutions. In the cases of S. enteritidis and P. aeruginosa
the species were washed by pouring into prepared sterile centrifuge
tubes with cheesecloth filters. The culture was then pelleted and
washed using above techniques and repeated 3 times. [0123] c) The
birds (56 days old) were processed under normal commercial
conditions. [0124] d) The bacteria were added to a large batch of
the "chicken soup", and then aliquots of the resultant mixture were
distributed equally among the chill waters used for each test. Then
the particular disinfectant composition under test was added to one
of the chill waters. The chill waters each contained 10.sup.4 per
mL Escherichia coli, 10.sup.4 per mL Salmonella enteritidis,
10.sup.4 per mL Campylobacter jejuni, and 10.sup.4 per mL spoilage
bacteria each from three strains (Listeria monocytogenes,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Shigella sonnei). [0125] e) Birds were
added to each of ten 50-gallon containers containing these
respective treatments (or control) and were kept in the containers
for the 1.5 hour chilling period. [0126] f) During the 1.5 hour
chilling period, the contents were vigorously stirred every 10
minutes. [0127] g) After the 1.5 hour chilling period, the whole
birds were placed in individual sterile stomacher bags and the
whole bird rinse (as described above) was conducted and samples of
the rinse were placed on the appropriate agar plates. The plates
were placed in the incubator for 24 hours at 37.degree. C. Then the
plates were read after 24 hours to determine total count on each
plate.
[0128] The results of this group of tests are summarized in Tables
11 and 12. TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Whole Bird Total Aerobic
Bacteria (% Reduction).sup.1 Water Treatment Water pH 7 Water pH 8
Water pH 9 None (Control) -- -- -- Clorox .RTM. Bleach 15% 15% 2%
(20 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent) Aquatize .RTM. biocide 76% 71% 64%
(1:500 dilution) Aquatize .RTM. biocide 42% 45% 33% (1:1000
dilution) DBDMH (10 ppm 85% 82% 78% Cl.sub.2 equivalent) DBDMH (20
ppm 99% 98% 96% Cl.sub.2 equivalent) .sup.1Each value represents 50
birds per treatment.
[0129] TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 Disinfecting Treatment (average
bacteria count per bird).sup.2,3 Clorox Bleach DBDMH DBDMH
Organism.sup.1 Control (20 ppm) (10 ppm) (20 ppm) S. sonnei 4551
3552 456 12 L. monocytogenes 2463 2065 262 6 E. coli 3055 2759 357
4 S. enteritidis 3969 3160 560 10 P. aeruginosa 2783 2280 289 9 C.
jejuni 1282 981 183 15 Mean % Reduction -- 18.3% 85.8% 98.8% From
Control .sup.1Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis, Pseudomonas
aeruginosa, Campylobacter jejuni, listeria monocytogenes, and
Shigella sonnei .sup.2NOTE: Cross contamination is more likely in a
processing environment where birds were processed and samples taken
for individual culture determination. .sup.3Each value represents
25 birds per treatment.
EXAMPLE 4
[0130] A study was conducted to determine the effect of Clorox.RTM.
bleach, and 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBDMH) on carcass
bacteria residual after 1.5 hour in a chill tank solution and
spoilage 20-day shelf life longevity (caused by bacteria
contamination). Tests were conducted at pH 8 (adjusted by trisodium
phosphate). Skin pigmentation (Minolta Color Meter L value or
Lightness, a value or redness and b value or yellowness) were
determined before and post-processing.
[0131] In general the study involved normal processing of
56-day-old birds, immersing carcasses first in a warm bath
containing 10.sup.4 per mL Escherichia coli, 10.sup.4 per mL
Salmonella enteritidis, 10.sup.4 per mL Pseudomonas aeruginosa,
10.sup.4 per mL Campylobacter jejuni, and 10.sup.4 per mL spoilage
bacteria each from three strains (Listeria monocytogenes and
Shigella sonnei). Carcass were then immersed in a chill tank
"soup", containing normal organic fluids (blood, fat, skin, and
meat particles) and containing various disinfectants (termed test
materials).
[0132] Four test groups of birds were tested at pH 8 for whole bird
bacteria counts. Table 13 sets forth the experimental design for
these whole bacteria count tests. TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 13 Test
Group Test Material (Chill Tank) Reps Birds/Rep 1 None (Control) 6
10 2 Clorox .RTM. bleach (20 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent) 6 10 3 DBDMH
(10 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent) 6 10 4 DBDMH (20 ppm Cl.sub.2
equivalent) 6 10
[0133] A DBDMH stock solution and test solutions, a bacteria stock
solution, and a "chicken soup" were prepared as in Example 3. In
addition, the bacterial broth treatments, the whole bird wash
sampling procedure, and the methodologies used for quantitative or
qualitative determinations for bacterial organisms were conducted
as in Example 3.
[0134] In greater detail the trial events and experimental design
used in this group of tests were as follows: [0135] a) Test
microorganisms used were:
[0136] Escherichia coli ATCC 11229
[0137] Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442
[0138] Salmonella enteritidis ATCC 13076
[0139] Shigella sonnei ATCC 9290
[0140] Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644
[0141] Campylobacter jejuni ATCC 29428 [0142] b) Test Procedure:
All test strains were grown individually at 35.degree. C. for 24
hours in the media specified in Table 12. Cells were harvested by
centrifugation at 10,000.times.g for 10 minutes and washed twice
with Butterfield's Phosphate Buffer (BPB of pH 7.2). Cells were
resuspended in BPB to obtain a cell suspension of approximately
1.0.times.10.sup.8 CFU/mL for each microorganism. The target
inoculum levels were approximately 10.sup.6 CFU/mL in the final
test solutions. In the cases of S. enteritidis and P. aeruginosa
the species were washed by pouring into prepared sterile centrifuge
tubes with cheesecloth filters. The culture was then pelleted and
washed using above techniques and repeated 3 times. [0143] c) The
birds (56 days old) were processed under normal commercial
conditions. [0144] d) The bacteria were added to a large batch of
the "chicken soup", and then aliquots of the resultant mixture were
distributed equally among the chill waters used for each test. Then
the particular disinfectant composition under test was added to one
of the chill waters. The chill waters each contained 10.sup.4 per
mL Escherichia coli, 10.sup.4 per mL Salmonella enteritidis,
10.sup.4 per mL Campylobacter jejuni, and 10.sup.4 per mL spoilage
bacteria each from three strains (Listeria monocytogenes,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Shigella sonnei). [0145] e) Birds were
added to each of ten 50-gallon containers containing these
respective treatments (or control) and were kept in the containers
for the 1.5 hour chilling period. [0146] f) During the 1.5 hour
chilling period, the contents were vigorously stirred every 10
minutes. [0147] g) After the 1.5 hour chilling period, the whole
birds were placed in a commercial refrigerator for 20-days of
storage. [0148] h) Skin pigmentation (using Minolta Color Meter L
or Lightness, a or redness and b or yellowness) were determined on
all birds before and immediately after post-processing chilling.
[0149] i) For Day 0, a total of 5 whole birds per treatment were
randomly chosen from each treatment and placed in individual
sterile stomacher bag and the whole bird rinse (as described in
Example 3) was carried out and samples of the rinse were placed on
appropriate agar plates. [0150] j) For each of succeeding days 2,
4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20, a total of 5 whole birds per
treatment were randomly chosen from each treatment and placed in
individual sterile stomacher bags and the whole bird rinse (as
described in Example 3) was conducted and samples of the rinse were
placed on the appropriate agar plates. [0151] k) All of the treated
agar plates were placed in an incubator for 24 hours at 35.degree.
C. Plates were read after 24 hours to determine total count on each
plate.
[0152] The results of these tests are summarized in Tables 14-27.
TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 14 Percentage of Total Bacteria Reduction From
Control (Days post-processing) Water Day Day Day Day Day Day
Treatment Day 0 Day 2 Day 4 Day 6 Day 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 None --
-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- (Control) Clorox .RTM. Bleach 22.5
23.1 22.2 25.2 26.0 25.7 25.9 26.5 23.2 23.12 20.5 (20 ppm) DBDMH
77.8 77.3 76.8 77.1 74.6 71.9 69.2 66.2 61.9 58.5 53.7 (10 ppm)
DBDMH 99.5 99.4 99.2 98.5 97.3 95.1 91.2 84.3 71.2 68.0 67.2 (20
ppm)
[0153] TABLE-US-00015 TABLE 15 Average skin TBA Values.sup.1 (Days
post-processing) Water Treatment Day 0 Day 2 Day 4 Day 6 Day 8 Day
10 Day 12 Day 14 Day 16 Day 18 Day 20 None 0.14a 0.31a 0.45a 0.69a
0.88a 1.23a 1.36a 1.66a 2.08a 2.39a 3.02a (Control) Clorox .RTM.
Bleach 0.10a 0.42a 0.68a 0.72a 0.90a 1.10a 1.49a 1.73a 2.19a 2.51a
2.88a (20 ppm) DBDMH 0.20a 0.54a 0.79a 0.54a 0.76a 1.20a 1.77a
1.94a 2.33a 2.45a 2.92a (10 ppm) DBDMH 0.22a 0.36a 0.46a 0.71a
0.75a 1.22a 1.53a 1.87a 2.19a 2.68a 2.73a (20 ppm) .sup.1NOTE:
Means within a row without a common superscript are significantly
different (P < 0.05) as determined by Least Significant
Difference.
[0154] TABLE-US-00016 TABLE 16 Skin Pigmentation Value (Minolta
Color Meter).sup.1 Mean Pre-Chill Mean Post-Chill Minolta Value
Minolta Value Water Treatment L a b L a b None (Control) 62.84a
5.32a 15.42a 58.84a 5.93a 16.84a Clorox .RTM. Bleach 63.62a 5.49a
15.94a 58.84a 5.64a 16.16a (20 ppm) DBDMH (10 ppm) 61.55a 5.14a
15.63a 58.84a 6.09a 16.22a DBDMH (20 ppm) 60.77a 5.69a 15.67a
58.84a 6.24a 16.37a .sup.1NOTE: Means within a row without a common
superscript are significantly different (P < 0.05) as determined
by Least Significant Difference.
[0155] TABLE-US-00017 TABLE 17 Effect of Disinfection Treatment on
Day 0 Disinfecting Treatment (average bacteria count per bird)
Clorox bleach DBDMH DBDMH Organism Control (20 ppm) (10 ppm) (20
ppm) S. sonnei 3687 2948 845 8 L. monocytogenes 2569 2281 528 13 E.
coli 3879 2310 861 22 S. enteritidis 1678 1064 292 12 P. aeruginosa
2974 2681 743 6 C. jejuni 2276 1935 519 17 Mean % Reduction --
22.5% 77.8% 99.5% From Control
[0156] TABLE-US-00018 TABLE 18 Effect of Disinfection Treatment on
Day 2 Disinfecting Treatment (average bacteria count per bird)
Clorox DBDMH DBDMH Organism Control (20 ppm) (10 ppm) (20 ppm) S.
sonnei 4119 3241 962 12 L. monocytogenes 2749 2442 601 19 E. coli
4193 2604 966 31 S. enteritidis 1921 1191 344 18 P. aeruginosa 3313
2889 820 9 C. jejuni 2534 2114 573 25 Mean % Reduction -- 23.1%
77.3% 99.4% From Control
[0157] TABLE-US-00019 TABLE 19 Effect of Disinfection Treatment on
Day 4 Disinfecting Treatment (average bacteria count per
bird).sup.2 Clorox DBDMH DBDMH Organism.sup.1 Control (20 ppm) (10
ppm) (20 ppm) S. sonnei 4664 3528 1101 19 L. monocytogenes 2920
2751 670 28 E. coli 4379 3001 1050 49 S. enteritidis 2152 1309 394
27 P. aeruginosa 3592 3127 931 13 C. jejuni 2830 2267 627 39 Mean %
Reduction From -- 22.2% 76.8% 99.2% Control
[0158] TABLE-US-00020 TABLE 20 Effect of Disinfection Treatment on
Day 6 Disinfecting Treatment (average bacteria count per
bird).sup.2 Clorox DBDMH DBDMH Organism.sup.1 Control (20 ppm) (10
ppm) (20 ppm) S. sonnei 5424 3802 1288 37 L. monocytogenes 3176
3071 741 55 E. coli 4769 3142 1124 100 S. enteritidis 2426 1347 433
55 P. aeruginosa 4141 3454 1013 25 C. jejuni 3113 2423 671 78 Mean
% Reduction From -- 25.2% 77.1% 98.5% Control
[0159] TABLE-US-00021 TABLE 21 Effect of Disinfection Treatment on
Day 8 Disinfecting Treatment (average bacteria count per
bird).sup.2 Clorox DBDMH DBDMH Organism.sup.1 Control (20 ppm) (10
ppm) (20 ppm) S. sonnei 5969 4008 1604 76 L. monocytogenes 3407
3474 880 107 E. coli 5194 3438 1364 204 S. enteritidis 2764 1519
507 104 P. aeruginosa 4768 3798 1268 48 C. jejuni 3353 2594 834 157
Mean % Reduction From -- 26.0% 74.6% 97.3% Control
[0160] TABLE-US-00022 TABLE 22 Effect of Disinfection Treatment on
Day 10 Disinfecting Treatment (average bacteria count per
bird).sup.2 Clorox DBDMH DBDMH Organism.sup.1 Control (20 ppm) (10
ppm) (20 ppm) S. sonnei 6292 4415 1954 156 L. monocytogenes 3854
3767 1096 218 E. coli 5683 3694 1621 401 S. enteritidis 3116 1605
616 212 P. aeruginosa 5243 4305 1485 91 C. jejuni 3589 2844 1043
294 Mean % Reduction From -- 25.7% 71.9% 95.1% Control
[0161] TABLE-US-00023 TABLE 23 Effect of Disinfection Treatment on
Day 12 Disinfecting Treatment (average bacteria count per
bird).sup.2 Clorox DBDMH DBDMH Organism.sup.1 Control (20 ppm) (10
ppm) (20 ppm) S. sonnei 6890 5030 2347 323 L. monocytogenes 4348
4195 1335 442 E. coli 6316 3902 2063 775 S. enteritidis 3461 1819
740 413 P. aeruginosa 5743 4720 1730 186 C. jejuni 4133 3213 1309
594 Mean % Reduction From -- 25.9% 69.2% 91.2% Control
[0162] TABLE-US-00024 TABLE 24 Effect of Disinfection Treatment on
Day 14 Disinfecting Treatment (average bacteria count per
bird).sup.2 Clorox DBDMH DBDMH Organism.sup.1 Control (20 ppm) (10
ppm) (20 ppm) S. sonnei 7768 5313 2848 657 L. monocytogenes 4781
4755 1564 843 E. coli 6762 4279 2581 1453 S. enteritidis 3901 2055
919 832 P. aeruginosa 6426 5200 2055 363 C. jejuni 4454 3446 1551
1191 Mean % Reduction From -- 26.5% 66.2% 84.3% Control
[0163] TABLE-US-00025 TABLE 25 Effect of Disinfection Treatment on
Day 16 Disinfecting Treatment (average bacteria count per
bird).sup.2 Clorox DBDMH DBDMH Organism.sup.1 Control (20 ppm) (10
ppm) (20 ppm) S. sonnei 7970 6108 3513 1286 L. monocytogenes 5263
5228 1901 1646 E. coli 7201 4692 3005 2933 S. enteritidis 4281 2328
1081 1711 P. aeruginosa 6969 6005 2560 700 C. jejuni 4898 3733 1880
2259 Mean % Reduction From -- 23.2% 61.9% 71.2% Control
[0164] TABLE-US-00026 TABLE 26 Effect of Disinfection Treatment on
Day 18 Disinfecting Treatment (average bacteria count per
bird).sup.2,3 Clorox DBDMH DBDMH Organism.sup.1 Control (20 ppm)
(10 ppm) (20 ppm) S. sonnei 9004 6957 4242 1604 L. monocytogenes
5799 5694 2221 1985 E. coli 7725 5097 3617 3645 S. enteritidis 4835
2613 1286 2074 P. aeruginosa 7814 6869 3087 826 C. jejuni 5319 3900
2359 2835 Mean % Reduction From -- 23.1% 58.5% 68.0% Control
[0165] TABLE-US-00027 TABLE 27 Effect of Disinfection Treatment on
Day 20 Disinfecting Treatment (average bacteria count per
bird).sup.2,3 Clorox DBDMH DBDMH Organism.sup.1 Control (20 ppm)
(10 ppm) (20 ppm) S. sonnei 9288 7409 4941 1834 L. monocytogenes
6419 6506 2678 2238 E. coli 8272 5635 4460 4036 S. enteritidis 5335
2976 1513 2258 P. aeruginosa 8604 7886 3853 908 C. jejuni 5789 4332
2789 3059 Mean % Reduction From -- 20.5% 53.7% 67.2% Control
[0166] In Tables 17-27 each figure on average bacteria count per
bird represents the average of 5 birds.
EXAMPLE 5
[0167] The objective of this study was to determine the effect of
bleach microbiocidal control (20 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent) and of
microbiocidal control with 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin
(DBDMH) on organoleptic taste evaluation of both breast and thigh
meat. Formal trained taste panel evaluation was conducted. The
trial was conducted using 49-day old birds which were processed
unchallenged with external sources of bacteria and under sterile
conditions.
[0168] A total of 120 birds were used in this study. Sixty of the
birds served as a control group. These were subjected to treatment
in a chill tank containing Clorox.RTM. bleach at a 20 ppm Cl.sub.2
equivalent level. The other 60 birds were treated in a chill tank
in the same fashion except that the chilling water contained DBDMH
at the level of 20 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent. During the 1.5 hour
chilling period in the chill tank, the contents of the tank were
vigorously stirred every 10 minutes. After the 1.5 hour chilling
period, the whole birds were individually bagged and placed in a
commercial refrigerator for 20 days of storage. After aging,
individual breast and thigh samples were cut and cooked to an
internal temperature of 190.degree. F. Taste evaluation was
determined using 10 trained taste panel experts. A Ranking System
("1" or "2") was used where "1" represents the better tasting
sample. A simple average of subject evaluations or rankings per
person were used. Statistical evaluation was employed by using each
subject as a block employed delta 0.05.
[0169] Tables 28 and 29 set forth the results of these taste
evaluations. TABLE-US-00028 TABLE 28 Effect of Chill Tank Water
Treatment On Taste Preference (Breast Meat Evaluation) SUMMARY -
Tasting Ranking.sup.1 Water Treatment S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9
S10 Mean.sup.2 None (20 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 2
1.4 a bleach control) DBDMH (20 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent) 1 2 2 2 1
2 2 1 2 1 1.6 a .sup.1S(subject) = trained taste panelist subject
number. .sup.2NOTE: Means within a row without a common superscript
are significantly different (P < 0.05) as determined by Least
Significant Difference.
[0170] TABLE-US-00029 TABLE 29 Effect of Chill Tank Water Treatment
On Taste Preference (Thigh Meat Evaluation) SUMMARY - Tasting
Ranking.sup.1 Water Treatment S1 S2 S3 S4 S5 S6 S7 S8 S9 S10
Mean.sup.2 None (20 ppm Cl.sub.2 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 1.6 a
equivalent bleach control) DBDMH (20 ppm Cl.sub.2 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 1 2
1 1.4 a equivalent) .sup.1S(subject) = trained taste panelist
subject number. .sup.2NOTE: Means within a row without a common
superscript are significantly different (P < 0.05) as determined
by Least Significant Difference.
EXAMPLE 6
[0171] The objective of this study was to determine the effect of
Clorox.RTM. bleach and 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBDMH) on
individual carcass bacteria field strains after 1.5 hour in a chill
tank solution and spoilage 20-day shelf life longevity (caused by
bacteria contamination) in a Graded Level Study Model. After normal
processing of 56-day-old birds, carcasses were immersed first in a
warm bath containing 10.sup.4 CFU's per mL Escherichia coli,
10.sup.4 CFU's per mL Salmonella enteritidis, 10.sup.4 CFU's per mL
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 10.sup.4 CFU's per mL Campylobacter jejuni,
and 10.sup.4 CFU's per mL spoilage bacteria each from two strains
(Listeria monocytogenes and Shigella sonnei). Carcasses were then
immersed in a chill tank "soup", containing normal organic fluids
(blood, fat, skin, and meat particles) and containing various
disinfectants (termed test materials). These tests were conducted
at pH 8 (adjusted by trisodium phosphate). Skin pigmentation
(Minolta Color Meter L value or Lightness, a value or redness and b
value or yellowness) was determined before and after processing.
Post-chilling skin bacteria of various strains were determined over
a 20-day period. Sensory evaluation was determined to demonstrate
spoilage times and shelf-life. After salmonella infection in chill
tanks, USDA HACCP salmonella detection was simulated and
reported.
[0172] The materials tested and the experimental design of these
test were as summarized in Table 30. TABLE-US-00030 TABLE 30 Test
Group Test Material (Chill Tank) Reps Birds/Rep 1 None (Control) 10
12 2 Clorox .RTM. bleach (20 ppm Cl.sub.2 10 12 equivalent 3 DBDMH
(5 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent) 10 12 4 DBDMH (10 ppm Cl.sub.2
equivalent) 10 12 5 DBDMH (15 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent) 10 12 6
DBDMH (20 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent) 10 12 7 DBDMH (25 ppm Cl.sub.2
equivalent) 10 12
[0173] A DBDMH stock solution and DBDMH test solutions of the
concentrations specified in Table 30, a bacteria stock solution,
and a "chicken soup" were prepared as in Example 3. In addition,
the bacterial broth treatments, the whole bird wash sampling
procedure, and the methodologies used for quantitative or
qualitative determinations for bacterial organisms were conducted
as in Example 3.
[0174] The trial events and experimental design used in this group
of tests were the same as in Example 5 with the following
exceptions: [0175] a) The temperature during the 20-day period of
storage in the refrigerator was 4.degree. F. [0176] b) Observations
of the degree of "bloating" (defined as water or air additions
under the skin area considered objectionable) were conducted on all
processed birds. [0177] c) On each of sampling days 0, 2, 4, 6, 8,
10, 12, 14, 16, 18, and 20, ten carcasses from each treatment were
analyzed by removing 23.8 cm.sup.2 of skin from the breast right up
to the neck using a template and a sterile scalpel. Each skin
sample was placed in a bag with 15 mL Butterfield's Phosphate
Buffer Solution (BPBS) added and treated in a Stomacher bag for 60
seconds. A 10-fold dilution series of the mixture was made in BPBS
and two parallel samples of 20 mL each were spread on the
appropriate plate count agar for determination of the total viable
numbers. The plates were incubated at 35.degree. C. for 24 hours.
Mean values were calculated from the two determinations of the
three samples taken from each combination of chilling and storage.
Bacterial numbers were reported as pooled or averaged log.sub.10
colony-forming units (CFU's) per square centimeter. [0178] d) Also
on sampling day 0, 102 total of the remaining 110 carcasses from
each treatment (all bloating and oddly processed birds were
removed) were "whole bird" washed by the sampling procedure
described in Example 3. Salmonella detection were noted and
reported as number of positive salmonella colonies per 51 birds and
% of total.
[0179] Tables 31-34 summarize the results of this group of tests.
TABLE-US-00031 TABLE 31 Salmonella Positive Samples (Number per
51).sup.1 (Birds were inoculated with Water Treatment Salmonella
prior to chilling) None (Control) 32/51 (62.74%) Clorox .RTM.
Bleach (20 ppm) 11/51 (22.57%) DBDMH (5 ppm) 7/51 (13.73%) DBDMH
(10 ppm) 4/51 (7.84%) DBDMH (15 ppm) 2/51 (3.92%) DBDMH (20 ppm)
1/51 (1.96%) DBDMH (25 ppm) 0/51 (0.00%) .sup.1Twelve (12) per 51
or less is considered to be statistically acceptable by USDA HACCP
standards. A total of 102 birds were used to determine salmonella
positive samples and a simple average determined.
[0180] TABLE-US-00032 TABLE 32 Water Treatment Birds (Number per 60
birds processed).sup.1 None (Control) 1/120 (0.83%) Clorox .RTM.
Bleach (20 ppm) 0/120 (0.00%) DBDMH (5 ppm) 2/120 (1.67%) DBDMH (10
ppm) 0/120 (0.00%) DBDMH (15 ppm) 1/120 (0.83%) DBDMH (20 ppm)
0/120 (0.00%) DBDMH (25 ppm) 1/120 (0.83%) .sup.1Four (4) or more
per treatment is considered to be highly objectionable.
[0181] TABLE-US-00033 TABLE 33 Sensory Score (days
post-processing).sup.1,2 Water Treatment 5 days 10 days 15 days 20
days None (Control) 5.6 c 7.3 c 8.2 c 9.0 d Clorox .RTM. bleach (20
ppm) 3.8 b 3.6 b 5.5 b 7.1 c DBDMH (5 ppm) 2.4 ab 3.2 b 3.9 a 5.6 a
DBDMH (10 ppm) 1.9 ab 2.3 a 3.4 a 4.8 a DBDMH (15 ppm) 1.3 a 2.1 a
2.6 a 4.9 a DBDMH (20 ppm) 1.1 a 1.8 a 2.7 a 4.3 a DBDMH (25 ppm)
1.4 a 2.1 a 2.3 a 4.6 a .sup.1Continuous scale for non-structured
fresh inside carcass odor sensory attributes ranges from value 1.0
(the lowest intensity) to value 9.0 (the highest intensity). NOTE:
Means within a row without a common superscript are significantly
different (P < 0.05) as determined by Least Significant
Difference. .sup.2Five (5) or more is considered to be highly
objectionable.
[0182] TABLE-US-00034 TABLE 34 Skin Pigmentation.sup.1 Mean
Pre-Chill Mean Post-Chill Water Minolta Value.sup.2 Minolta
Value.sup.2 Treatment L a B L a b None (Control) 59.72 a 4.34 a
13.67 a 51.84 a 5.12 a 15.27 a Clorox .RTM. 60.76 a 4.93 a 13.74 a
55.81 a 5.08 a 15.49 a Bleach (20 ppm) DBDMH 58.80 a 4.67 a 13.61 a
52.68 a 5.42 a 15.64 a (5 ppm) DBDMH 59.97 a 4.31 a 13.64 a 53.19 a
5.69 a 15.75 a (10 ppm) DBDMH 58.43 a 4.84 a 13.81 a 54.21 a 5.55 a
15.64 a (15 ppm) DBDMH 58.54 a 4.99 a 13.67 a 53.74 a 5.49 a 15.80
a (20 ppm) DBDMH 58.97 a 4.68 a 13.50 a 54.25 a 5.63 a 15.76 a (25
ppm) .sup.1NOTE: Means within a row without a common superscript
are significantly different (P < 0.05) as determined by Least
Significant Difference. .sup.2Skin pigmentation (Minolta Color
Meter L value or Lightness, a value or redness and b value or
yellowness).
[0183] Results from the above tests on the effect of chill tank
treatment on growth of Pseudomonas species on the chicken skin are
graphically depicted in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 depicts graphically the
results of the above tests on the effect of chill tank treatment on
growth of total aerobic bacteria on the chicken skin.
EXAMPLE 7
[0184] A study was carried out to determine the effectiveness of
several microbiocidal compounds of this invention, as well as
sodium hypochlorite when used as carcass rinses. The microbiocides
of this invention used in this study were
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBDMH),
N,N'-bromochloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (BCDMH) and Stabrom.RTM. 909
biocide (Albemarle Corporation), a concentrated alkaline aqueous
solution produced from bromine chloride and sulfamate anion
(SSBC).
[0185] After normal processing of 56-day-old birds, carcasses were
immersed first in a warm bath containing 10.sup.4 per mL
Escherichia coli, 10.sup.4 per mL Salmonella enteritidis, 10.sup.4
per mL Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 10.sup.4 per mL Campylobacter
jejuni, and 10.sup.4 per mL spoilage bacteria each from two strains
(Listeria monocytogenes and Shigella sonnei). Carcasses were then
immersed in a chill tank "soup", containing normal organic fluids
(blood, fat, skin, and meat particles) and containing various
disinfectants (termed test materials). These whole bird bacteria
count tests were conducted at pH 8. The effect of the test
compounds on skin pigmentation was determined by use of Minolta
Color Meter L value or Lightness, a value or redness and b value or
yellowness. Post-chilling skin bacteria of various strains were
determined over a 20-day period. Spoilage, using sensory odors as a
model, determined time required to create a putrid/ammonia-like
odor. After salmonella infection in chill tanks, USDA HACCP
salmonella detection was simulated and reported. Table 35 describes
the test material dosages and overall design of this group of
tests. TABLE-US-00035 TABLE 35 Test Group Test Material (Chill
Tank) Reps Birds/Rep 1 None (Control) 10 12 2 Clorox .RTM. bleach
(20 ppm Cl.sub.2 10 12 equivalent) during chilling 3 DBDMH (20 ppm
Cl.sub.2 equivalent) 10 12 during chilling 4 BCDMH (20 ppm Cl.sub.2
equivalent) 10 12 during chilling 5 SSBC carcass spray (3% liquid 1
10 pre-chill application)
[0186] DBDMH and BCDMH stock solutions and diluted test solutions
(20 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent), a bacteria stock solution, and a
"chicken soup" were prepared as in Example 3 except that the
Stabrom.RTM. 909 biocide concentrate was diluted by adding 30 mL
per liter of water just prior to application. This diluted solution
was sprayed on the birds, both inside and outside, in quantities of
200 mL per bird. In addition, the bacterial broth treatments, the
whole bird wash sampling procedure, and the methodologies used for
quantitative or qualitative determinations for bacterial organisms
were conducted as in Example 3.
[0187] The details concerning the trial events used as well as the
detailed experimental design used in these tests were the same as
described in Example 6. The only exceptions were: [0188] a) In the
case of the birds of Test Group 5 (note Table 35), while the
carcass was still warm, the 10 birds were each sprayed both
internally and externally, using a misting hand-held nozzle, with
200 mL of the 3% solution of Stabrom 909 biocide (SSBC). Previous
quality control trials using dye had ensured that complete carcass
coverage was achieved with the use of 200 mL of liquid spray. The
spray was allowed to stay on the warm carcasses for 60 seconds.
[0189] b) The treatment on sampling day 0 of 102 total of the
remaining 110 carcasses from each treatment involving "whole bird"
washing and Salmonella detection, all as described in Example 6,
was applied only to the birds of Test Groups 1-4 (note Table
35).
[0190] Tables 36-39 summarize the results of this group of tests.
The effect of the chill tank treatment of this Example on growth of
Pseudomonas species on chicken skin are graphically depicted in
FIG. 3. FIG. 4 depicts graphically the results of the tests of this
Example on the effect of chill tank treatment on growth of total
aerobic bacteria on the chicken skin. TABLE-US-00036 TABLE 36
Salmonella positive samples (Number 51).sup.1 (Birds were
inoculated Water Treatment with Salmonella prior to chilling) None
(Control) 21/51 (41.18%) Clorox .RTM. bleach (20 ppm) 8/51 (15.68%)
DBDMH (20 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent) 1/51 (1.96%) during chilling
BCDMH (20 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent) 6/51 (11.76%) during chilling
.sup.1Twelve (12) per 51 or less is considered to be statistically
acceptable by USDA HACCP standards. A total of 102 birds were used
to determine salmonella positive samples and a simple average
determined.
[0191] TABLE-US-00037 TABLE 37 Bloating (Number per Water Treatment
60 birds processed).sup.1 None (Control) 0/120 (0.00%) Clorox .RTM.
bleach (20 ppm) 0/120 (0.00%) DBDMH (20 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent)
0/120 (0.00%) during chilling BCDMH (20 ppm Cl.sub.2 equivalent)
0/120 (0.00%) during chilling .sup.1Four (4) or more per treatment
is considered to be highly objectionable.
[0192] TABLE-US-00038 TABLE 38 Sensory Score (days
post-processing).sup.1,2 Water Treatment 5 days 10 days 15 days 20
days None (Control) 2.4 b 4.8 c 6.9 c 9.0 d Clorox .RTM. 1.3 ab 2.4
b 4.6 b 6.8 c bleach (20 ppm) DBDMH (20 ppm Cl.sub.2 0.6 a 1.2 a
3.2 a 3.4 a equivalent) during chilling BCDMH (20 ppm Cl.sub.2 1.4
ab 1.8 ab 2.7 a 4.8 b equivalent) during chilling .sup.1Continuous
scale for non-structured fresh inside carcass odor sensory
attributes ranges from value 1.0 (the lowest intensity) to value
9.0 (the highest intensity). NOTE: Means within a row without a
common superscript are significantly different (P < 0.05) as
determined by Least Significant Difference. .sup.2Five (5) or more
is considered to be highly objectionable.
[0193] TABLE-US-00039 TABLE 39 Skin Pigmentation.sup.1 Mean
Pre-Chill Mean Post-Chill Minolta Value.sup.2 Minolta Value.sup.2
Water Treatment L a b L a b None (Control) 52.61 a 3.25 a 11.43 a
47.21 a 4.24 a 12.44 a Clorox .RTM. 52.76 a 3.32 a 11.84 a 47.43 a
4.85 a 12.67 a bleach (20 ppm) DBDMH (20 ppm 52.23 a 3.13 a 11.63 a
48.02 a 4.69 a 12.47 a Cl.sub.2 equivalent) during chilling BCDMH
(20 ppm 52.11 a 3.82 a 11.26 a 46.93 a 4.44 a 12.60 a Cl.sub.2
equivalent) during chilling SSBC Carcass 52.61 a 3.67 a 11.15 a
47.03 a 4.51 a 12.55 a Spray (3% liquid pre-chill application)
.sup.1NOTE: Means within a row without a common superscript are
significantly different (P < 0.05) as determined by Least
Significant Difference. .sup.2Skin pigmentation (Minolta Color
Meter L value or Lightness, a value or redness and b value or
yellowness) .sup.3All treatment skin pigmentation were measured on
120 birds, except for SSBC where only 10 birds were employed.
[0194] A number of tests have been carried out demonstrating the
microbiocidal effectiveness of several microbiocides in eradicating
or controlling various bacteria species of the types present in
poultry processing systems.
[0195] One such series of tests involved determinations of
microbiological control against Escherichia coli bacteria. Another
set of tests involved determinations of microbiological control
against Enterococcus faecium. In each case, comparative tests were
carried out in the same manner utilizing the AOAC test method. Such
test involves exposing a culture of the microorganism to various
concentrations of a test solution prepared from an aqueous stock
solution of the compound under test. At various time intervals the
halogen in the test suspensions is chemically neutralized, and the
amount of viable bacteria remaining is enumerated by plating onto
nutrient agar and incubating for 2 days at 37.degree. C. Results
are expressed at the log.sub.10 colony forming units (CFU). The
concentration of the compound required to achieve complete kill
(i.e., no viable bacteria remain) within 30 seconds is determined
in the test.
[0196] Table 40 summarizes the data obtained in the tests using
respectively, 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBDMH) and
N,N-bromochloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (BCDMH) and in which the
microorganism in each case was Escherichia coli. It can be seen
that 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin passed the test at one
milligram of bromine, as Br.sub.2, per liter of water, as evidenced
by the complete kill within 30 seconds, whereas
1,3-bromochloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin required two milligrams of
bromine, as Br.sub.2, per liter of water to achieve complete kill
within 30 seconds. TABLE-US-00040 TABLE 40 EFFECTIVENESS AGAINST
ESCHERICHIA COLI Log.sub.10 CFU Log.sub.10 CFU Concentration
Recovered Recovered mg/L as Br.sub.2 Contact Time Using DBDMH Using
BCDMH 0.5 mg/L 30 sec >4.48 >4.48 1 min 1.70 4.46 2 min 0
1.65 3 min 0 0 4 min 0 0 5 min 0 0 10 min 0 0 1.0 mg/L 30 sec 0
>4.48 1 min 0 0.7 2 min 0 0 3 min 0 0 4 min 0 0 5 min 0 0 10 min
0 0 2.0 mg/L 30 sec 0 0 1 min 0 0 2 min 0 0 3 min 0 0 4 min 0 0 5
min 0 0 10 min 0 0
[0197] Table 41 summarizes the data obtained in the tests using
respectively 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (DBDMH) and
N,N'-bromochloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (BCDMH) and in which the
microorganism in each case was Enterococcus faecium. Table 44 shows
that 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin passed the test at one
milligram of bromine, as Br.sub.2, per liter of water, as evidenced
by the complete kill within 30 seconds, whereas
N,N'-bromochloro-5,5-dimethylhydantoin required two milligrams of
bromine, as Br.sub.2, per liter of water to achieve complete kill
within 30 seconds. TABLE-US-00041 TABLE 41 EFFECTIVENESS AGAINST
ENTEROCOCCUS FAECIUM Log.sub.10 CFU Log.sub.10 CFU Concentration
Recovered Recovered mg/L as Br.sub.2 Contact Time Using DBDMH Using
BCDMH 0.5 mg/L 30 sec 4.32 >4.48 1 min 2.36 3.53 2 min 0.00 2.63
3 min 0.00 0.00 4 min 0.00 0.00 5 min 0.00 0.00 10 min 0.00 0.00
1.0 mg/L 30 sec 0.00 >4.48 1 min 0.00 2.38 2 min 0.00 0.00 3 min
0.00 0.00 4 min 0.00 0.00 5 min 0.00 0.00 10 min 0.00 0.00 2.0 mg/L
30 sec 0.00 0.00 1 min 0.00 0.00 2 min 0.00 0.00 3 min 0.00 0.00 4
min 0.00 0.00 5 min 0.00 0.00 10 min 0.00 0.00
[0198] Table 42 summarizes test results performed at MBEC Biofilm
Technologies, Inc., Calgary, Canada on the effectiveness of various
biocides on biofilm removal. The test procedure, developed at the
University of Calgary, utilizes a device which allows the growth of
96 identical biofilms under carefully controlled conditions. The
device consists of a two-part vessel comprised of an upper plate
containing 96 pegs that seals against a bottom plate. The bottom
plate can consist of either a trough (for biofilm growth) or a
standard 96-well plate (for biocide challenge). The biofilms
develop on the 96 pegs. The device has been used as a general
method for evaluating the efficacy of antibiotics and biocides
towards biofilms. See in this connection H. Ceri, et al., "The MBEC
Test: A New In Vitro Assay Allowing Rapid Screening for Antibiotic
Sensitivity of Biofilm", Proceedings of the ASM, 1998, 89, 525;
Ceri, et al., "Antifungal and Biocide Susceptibility testing of
Candida Biofilms using the MBEC Device", Proceedings of the
Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy,
1998, 38, 495; and H. Ceri, et al., "The Calgary Biofilm Device: A
New Technology for the Rapid Determination of Antibiotic
Susceptibility of Bacterial Biofilms", Journal of Clinical
Microbiology, 1999, 37, 1771-1776.
[0199] Six biocide systems were evaluated using the above test
procedure and test equipment. Five of these systems were oxidizing
biocides, viz., chlorine (from NaOCl), halogen (from NaOCl+NaBr),
halogen (from BCDMH), bromine (from DBDMH), and chlorine (from
trichloroisocyanuric acid), all expressed as bromine as Br.sub.2 in
mg/L, so that all test results were placed on the same basis. The
sixth biocide was glutaraldehyde, a non-oxidizing biocide.
[0200] These biocide systems were used to challenge biofilms of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 15442). This is a Gram (-) bacterium
which is ubiquitous in microbiological slimes found in many water
systems. See in this connection J. W. Costerton and H. Anwar,
"Pseudomonas aeruginosa: The Microbe and Pathogen", in Pseudomonas
aeruginosa Infections and Treatment, A. L. Baltch and R. P. Smith
editors, Marcel Dekker publishers, New York, 1994. In the field of
poultry processing, S. Notermans, J. Dormans, and G. C. Mead,
Biofouling, 1991, Vol. 5, pages 21-36, report observation of
biofilms in poultry slaughter houses by use of scanning electron
microscopy.
[0201] In Table 42 the MBEC (minimum biofilm eradication
concentration) results presented are for the one-hour biocide
contact time used in the test. The values given for the halogen
containing biocides are expressed in terms of mg/L of bromine as
Br.sub.2. The data on the glutaraldehyde is in terms of mg/L as
active ingredient. The data indicate that the DBDMH was more
effective than any of the other biocides tested under these
conditions with an MBEC of 1.4 mg/L of bromine, as Br.sub.2. In
fact, only slightly more than one-half as much bromine from DBDMH
was required to remove the biofilm as compared to the total
halogen, expressed as Br.sub.2, that was required from BCDMH.
TABLE-US-00042 TABLE 42 EFFECTIVENESS AGAINST PSEUDOMONAS
AERUGINOSA BIOFILM Biocide System MBEC MBEC, avg. Chlorine (from
NaOCl) 5.0, 2.5 3.8 Halogen (from NaOCl + NaBr) 2.5, 2.5 2.5
Halogen (from BCDMH) 2.5, 2.5 2.5 Bromine (from DBDMH) 1.4, 1.4 1.4
Chlorine (from Trichloroisocyanuric acid) 2.6, 1.3 2.0
Glutaraldehyde 50, 50 50
[0202] In another group of tests, the results of which are depicted
in FIGS. 5 and 6 bromine-based microbiocides of this invention were
utilized in tests illustrating their effectiveness in eradicating
or controlling Heterotrophic Plate Count bacteria i.e., a mixture
of naturally-occurring pathogenic bacteria of various unidentified
species. These bacteria were challenged both in the form of
biofilms and in planktonic form.
[0203] The experimental conditions utilized in these tests involved
use of an apparatus consisting of three parallel transparent PVC
sampling pipes. These pipes were used for collection of biofilm
(i.e., sessile or surface attached) bacteria samples; one as
control pipe, one for a relatively low biocide concentration and
the third for a higher biocide concentration. The biocide challenge
in each case was divided into three phases. First was a 14-day
inoculation. Next was a 48-hour disinfection period. Finally a
2-week recovery period was provided. The biocide under test was
slug-dosed and during the first hour of exposure, the concentration
was adjusted to achieve the desired concentration level.
[0204] The source of the naturally-grown heterotrophic plate count
(HPC) bacteria was sediment and associated water collected from the
recirculating hot water system of a hospital. Filter cartridges
were inserted into the hospital water system and after about two
months a suitable amount of sediment had accumulated on the
filters. The collected filter/water suspension was then harvested
for culturing. The inoculum for the biocide challenge experiments
consisted of dechlorinated tap water, HPC-cultured stock solution,
and a nutrient supplement solution. The inoculum was incubated at
37.degree. C. for 14-days prior to the start of the test. The
inoculum along with additional dechlorinated tap water was
introduced into the apparatus composed of the three parallel
transparent PVC sampling pipes. This mixture was recirculated
throughout the apparatus intermittently at the rate of 3.2 gallons
per minute for 14-days to produce a consistent biofilm and
planktonic HPC bacteria population.
[0205] Samples of these bacteria were collected at the end of the
14-day inoculation period before the biocide challenge. In each
test, the HPC bacteria was then challenged with a specified level
of a bromine-based biocide, and samples were taken at 1, 2, 3, 12,
and 48-hour intervals. These samples were taken by swabbing the
inner surface of a premeasured section (length, 17/32 inch) of the
transparent PVC sampling pipe. The swabs were vortexed for 1 minute
in 5 mL of deionized water with 0.1 mL of a neutralizer (to remove
residual bromine) before plating. Concurrently, water samples were
taken for enumeration of the planktonic HPC bacteria.
[0206] After the 48-hour biocide challenge period, the procedure
involved providing the 2-week recovery period. The purpose of
providing this recovery period was to determine how quickly the
viable HPC bacteria that were still present repopulated both the
biofilm and, in planktonic form, the recirculating water. Thus, the
recirculating water was drained from the test apparatus and the
apparatus was refilled with heat-sterilized tap water which was
also allowed to recirculate intermittently as before. After 7 and
14 days the apparatus was resampled and biofilm and planktonic HPC
bacteria were enumerated in the same manner as done previously.
[0207] The results of these test are presented in graphical form in
the FIGS. 5 and 6. The test results depicted in FIG. 5 involved use
of 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin (Albrom.TM. 100 biocide,
Albemarle Corporation) as the source of active bromine species.
This microbiocide was used in these tests at levels of 0.5 ppm and
5 ppm as bromine to challenge biofilm-associated HPC bacteria.
Also, a control was carried out in the same manner except that no
biocide was applied. It can be seen from FIG. 5 that at the higher
bromine concentration, within twelve hours almost 99.9% of the HPC
bacteria were eradicated. At 0.5 ppm as bromine, over 99% of the
HPC bacteria were eradicated within three hours. It can also be
seen that within the 48-hour biocide challenge period, the very
small amounts of the viable HPC biofilm that still remained were
beginning to recover in both tests in which the bromine biocide was
used. These test results also indicate that for the HPC bacteria to
reestablish populations close to their original levels, a recovery
period of substantially greater than two weeks would have been
required.
[0208] In the tests of FIG. 6 the active bromine species used and
their concentrations were the same as in FIG. 5, and a control was
used. However, in these tests the HPC bacteria were in planktonic
form. It can be seen that at the higher bromine concentration,
almost 99.99% of the planktonic HPC bacteria were eradicated within
twelve hours. At 0.5 ppm as bromine and within three hours, almost
99% of the planktonic HPC bacteria were eradicated. It can also be
seen that within the 48-hour biocide challenge period, the very
small amounts of the viable planktonic HPC bacteria that still
remained were beginning to recover in both tests in which the
bromine biocide was used. These test results also indicate that for
the planktonic HPC bacteria to reestablish populations close to
their original levels, a recovery period of more than two weeks
would have been required.
[0209] In the practice of this invention, combinations of different
sanitizing steps using different microbiocidal agents, at least one
of which is a microbiocide of this invention, preferably one or
more bromine-based microbiocidal agents of this invention, can
prove useful. For example, a microbiocide of this invention,
preferably a bromine-based microbiocide of this invention, can be
applied to or contacted with various surfaces associated with the
poultry processing such as conduits, tanks (e.g., the scalding
tank(s), chill tank(s), conveyor belts or conveyor lines, and the
poultry carcasses themselves can be treated with an antimicrobial
agent such as solutions or gels containing carboxylic acids (e.g.,
acetic or lactic acid) and/or peroxycarboxylic acids, such as
peracetic acid, peroxyoctanoic acid, peroxydecanoic acid, or the
like. Use of such carboxylic acids is described for example in U.S.
Pat. No. 6,113,963. The result of such combined operations is
highly effective sanitization. In fact, it is contemplated that
this combination of operations will result in a greater extent of
microbiological eradication than has been generally achievable
heretofore, especially when the bromine-based biocide used is
1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin and the carboxylic acid used is
peracetic acid. Indeed the combined effect of these microbiocides
may be synergistic.
[0210] Another microbiocide which can be utilized in combined
operations pursuant to this invention is trisodium phosphate, a
material which according to Capita et al., Meat Science, 2000, 55
(4), 471-474, has been approved by the USDA as an aid to eliminate
Salmonella on raw poultry carcasses. In the combined operations
trisodium phosphate is applied to the poultry carcasses, and one or
more of the microbiocides of this invention, preferably one or more
of the bromine-based microbiocides of this invention, are utilized
in sanitizing the equipment, instruments, and/or apparatus
associated with the processing of the poultry. Also pursuant to
this invention the combined operations can utilize chlorine dioxide
treatments along with use of the microbiocides of this invention.
Smith, Meat Processing, 1996, 35(10), 47 indicates that chlorine
dioxide had been approved by the US FDA for use in poultry
processing water, and in the practice of this invention one or more
microbiocides of this invention, preferably one or more of the
bromine-based microbiocides of this invention, are utilized in
sanitation of various items of equipment, instruments, and/or
apparatus utilized in the processing of the poultry, and chlorine
dioxide is used to sanitize at least some of the poultry processing
water.
[0211] Another way by which combined operations pursuant to this
invention can be carried out involves administering to the
digestive tract of the poultry a suitable biological
pathogen-control agent, such as by including such biological agent
in the drinking water for the fowl, or on or in the feed for the
fowl. Illustrative biological pathogen-control agents which may be
used in this manner include certain strains of E. coli described in
U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,500. Thus in the practice of this invention,
such a biological pathogen-control agent is provided to the fowl
for consumption by drinking and/or eating, and a
microbiocidally-effective amount of an aqueous solution of at least
one microbiocide of this invention, which preferably is at least
one bromine-based microbiocide of this invention, is used in
disinfecting or sanitizing equipment, instruments, apparatus,
and/or water used in the processing of poultry, and/or of carcasses
and/or parts of poultry resulting from the processing of
poultry.
[0212] Still another combined operation involves (i) treating the
carcasses of the fowl with immobilized lactoferrin antimicrobial
agents as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,172,040 B1 and (ii)
disinfecting or sanitizing all or a portion of the equipment,
instruments, apparatus, and/or water used in the processing of
poultry by contacting the same with a microbiocidally-effective
amount of an aqueous solution of at least one microbiocide of this
invention, which preferably is at least one bromine-based
microbiocide of this invention.
[0213] Automated dispensing equipment suitable for use in
dispensing the microbiocides of this invention has been described
in the literature and to at least some extent is available in the
marketplace. For a reference to such equipment, see for example
U.S. Pat. No. 5,683,724 wherein an automated dispensing system is
described.
[0214] While chemists understand what is meant by "aqueous" in
connection with a solution or medium or the like, it is probably
desirable to state just what "aqueous" means. The adjective
"aqueous" means that the solution or medium or whatever other noun
the adjective modifies, can be water whether highly purified or of
ordinary purity such as emanates from the faucet. Since we are
dealing with processing of food, it stands to reason that one would
not use sewer water or water containing lethal doses of poisons
such as cyanide. Besides naturally-occurring trace impurities that
may be present in, say, potable water in general, such as ordinary
well water or municipal water, the adjective "aqueous" also permits
the presence in the water of dissolved salts that are formed in the
course of forming a bromine-based microbiocide in the water, e.g.,
by reaction between bromine chloride and sodium sulfamate in an
overbased aqueous solution. In addition, "aqueous" permits the
presence of small amounts of innocuous non-harmful, water-soluble
organic solvents such as ethyl alcohol which can be used as a
solvent for the 1,3-dihalo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin(s). Also "aqueous"
permits the presence in the water of the amount of the
halogen-based microbiocide itself to the extent that it may
dissolve in the water, plus any dissolved reactant(s) that may
remain after the reaction. Also the water may contain a few atoms
that may dissolve from the vessel in which the reaction takes
place, plus air-borne impurities that may find their way into the
water. The point here is that the term "aqueous" does not restrict
the medium or solvent to absolutely pure water--the aqueous
solution or medium or the like can contain what would normally be
present and/or reasonably be expected to be present in it under the
particular circumstances involved when employing ordinary common
sense.
[0215] Compounds referred to by chemical name or formula anywhere
in this document, whether referred to in the singular or plural,
are identified as they exist prior to coming into contact with
another substance referred to by chemical name or chemical type
(e.g., another component, a solvent, or etc.). It matters not what
chemical changes, if any, take place in the resulting mixture or
solution, as such changes are the natural result of bringing the
specified substances together under the conditions called for
pursuant to this disclosure. As an example, the phase "solution of
at least one 1,3-dihalo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin" and phrases of
similar import signify that just before being brought into contact
with an aqueous medium such as water, the at least one
1,3-dihalo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin referred to was the specified
1,3-dihalo-5,5-dialkylhydantoin. The phrase thus is a simple, clear
way of referring to the solution, and it is not intended to suggest
or imply that the chemical exists unchanged in the water. The
transformations that take place are the natural result of bringing
these substances together, and thus need no further
elaboration.
[0216] Also, even though the claims may refer to substances in the
present tense (e.g., "comprises", "is", etc.), the reference is to
the substance as it exists at the time just before it is first
contacted, blended or mixed with one or more other substances in
accordance with the present disclosure.
[0217] Except as may be expressly otherwise indicated, the article
"a" or "an" if and as used herein is not intended to limit, and
should not be construed as limiting, the description or a claim to
a single element to which the article refers. Rather, the article
"a" or "an" if and as used herein is intended to cover one or more
such elements, unless the text expressly indicates otherwise.
[0218] All documents referred to herein are incorporated herein by
reference in toto as if fully set forth in this document.
[0219] This invention is susceptible to considerable variation
within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *