Modification of the VSV Surface Pasteurizer to Treat the Visceral Cavity and Surfaces of Chicken Carcasses

ABSTRACT: Previous research with the VSV (vacuum/steam/vacuum) surface pasteurizer revealed the visceral cavity of chicken carcasses was not treated as effectively as the outside surface. The processor was modified to specifically treat the cavity by adding a mandrel assembly. Optimum process parameters were determined. Optimum process conditions were: initial vacuum 0.1s, final vacuum 0.5 s, vacuum absolute pressure of 4.1 to 7.1 kPa, steam time 0.1 s, and steam temperature 138 °C. Using carcasses inoculated with Listeria innocua and the whole bird rinse sampling procedure, bacteria kills were statistically significant at 0.7 to 0.8 log cfu/mL. Using deboned chicken breasts inoculated with L. innocua and the whole bird rinse sampling procedure, bacteria kills were statistically significant at 1.0 to 1.3 log cfu/mL.