Influence of Gamma Radiation on Microflora of deboned broiler chicken

Irradiation is the significant way of sterilization of food from microbes. This work was conducted to determine the microbial load on Broiler chicken and their elimination by gamma radiation and enhance the shelf life of Broiler chicken. Broiler chicken samples were irradiated at 0.5, 1 and 1.5kGy doses by gamma radiation source Co60. Then samples were tested to evaluate the microbes Campylobacter jejuni, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella spp., on broiler chicken by total viable count, Staphylococcus count, coliform count, yeast and mold count and hemolytic bacterial count. In addition to this, in samples these microbes were also checked for endospore count, antibiotic resistance for gentamicin, ampicillin and vancomycin and acid resistance at pH 2 and 3. After radiation there was a significant reduction in total viable count in Broiler chicken meat. Coliform count and yeast and mold count were also decreased to a safe level for human consumption. Antibiotic and acid resistant bacteria were also reduced at this radiation. Hence, gamma radiation of dose 1.5KGy is highly recommended to make Broiler chicken meat safe for human consumption.