Predictive model for reduction of Escherichia coli during acetic acid decontamination of chicken skin

Aims: The response surface methodology was used to evaluate the effect of operating variables (acetic acid concentration, spraying time and temperature) on the reduction of Escherichia coli populations on poultry breast skin in a laboratory showering process, as well as to identify the best conditions that are required to develop this operation. Methods and Results: Skin samples were inoculated with a 24-h E. coli culture and afterwards treated according to experimental design under selected acetic acid concentration, spraying time, and solution temperature. The E. coli reduction model was significantly affected by the acetic acid concentration and spraying time (P <= 0.05 and <= 0.01), while temperature did not show a significant effect (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The predictive model obtained was validated through additional confirmatory experiments and showed to be adequate, and it could be used as an approach to optimize the acetic acid spray washes during poultry carcasses processing. Significance and Impact of the Study: The use of acetic acid washes in the processing of poultry does not have the capability of eliminating E. coli populations from carcasses. However, significant reductions in the initial load could be achieved.