Microbiological quality of imported frozen broiler meat in Jordan

Aims: The microbiological quality of broiler meet is of concern to health authorities and industries alike. The presence of pathogenic organisms is a major cause of food borne diseases and high numbers of organisms usually result in meat spoilage. This communication reports on the microbiological quality of imported frozen broiler meat to Jordan prior to distribution in to the market place. Methodology and results: A total of 100 consecutive imported lots of frozen broilers, received at the laboratories of Jordan Food and Drug Administration were included in this investigation. All tests were performed in accordance with United States FDA or ISO recommended procedures. Results indicated that Mechanically Deboned Meet (MDM) was by far the most contaminated, with total plate count ranging between < 10(3) and > 10(6) CFU/g. Total coliform count varied between < 10 and > 105 CFU/g. For all other categories of meat (whole carcasses, off bones and cut chicken portions), total plate count was always < 103 while total coliform was below 10 CFU/g. Other parameters tested included counts for Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus in addition to Clostridium perfrengens and in all samples; these organisms were recovered in counts below 10 CFU/g. Salmonella species and E. coli O157: H7 were not detected in any sample. Based on the results of this investigation, one lot of MDM failed to comply with specification of total plate count and another failed to pass the criterion of total coliforms. Conclusion, significance and impact study: Results of this investigation suggested that the microbiological quality of imported broiler meat in Jordan was with acceptable microbiological quality in regard to the microorganisms investigated. This is probably due to the strict regulation followed in the kingdom for the registration of exporting companies.