Overall shelf life of fresh chicken carcasses depends mainly on the initial load and diversity of microorganisms species during sluaghtering. The purpose of this study to evaluate effect of distribution chain conditions on the shelf life of whole chilled chicken carcasses packaged in polyethylene packs under atmospheric conditions. Accordingly, 36 whole chicken carcasses were selected from Cobb 500 breed immediately after air chilling from a local slaughter house. The samples were divided into two groups. First group of samples (A) were kept under controlled refrigerated conditions (2 ºC) for seven days. The second group (B) was transported by refrigerated truck that loaded with commercial products for market distribution to simulate the condition of commercial distribution. It was found that total distribution time was 7.25 h with total distance 126 km, and 39 times to discharge the product for sale points. After distribution journey, the samples of group B were kept under refrigerated conditions (2 ºC) for seven days. At each time interval (0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 days), microbiological analysis (aerobic mesophilic count and total coliform) and sensory index (color, flavor, taste, and texture) have been measured. There were significant differences between group A and B in microbiological and sensory analysis. By considering 6 log of aerobic mesophilic count as borderline of expiry of shelf life, group B had 2 days of shelf life less. At day 7, group B showed significantly higher aerobic mesophilic count (6.01 log vs. 5.83 log, P<0.05) in comparison with group A, respectively. Moreover, after seven days of refrigerated storage, Group B exhibited lower sensory index (2.33 vs. 2.63, P<0.05) when compared with group A. In conclusion, distribution chain had great impact on the shelf life of refrigerated whole chicken carcass. The shelf life of the product has been reduced which can be attributed due to frequent temperature abuse during distribution and handling.

Conference Title

AHI EVRAN International Conference on Scientific Research

Conference Country

Turkey

Conference Date

Nov. 30, 2021 - Dec. 2, 2021

Conference Sponsor

AHI EVRAN University