Maintain hygiene - germs in broilers and raw milk

(BZfE) - Chicken meat is often contaminated with Campylobacter. In the meantime, the germs are the most common bacterial pathogens causing diarrhea in Germany, ahead of Salmonella. This was confirmed by the results of the official food control in 2016, which the Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) recently presented.

In the case of salmonella, EU-wide instructions for action in poultry flocks were apparently successful: The level of salmonella was similarly low as in the previous year: almost 5 percent of fresh chicken meat and almost 7 percent of carcasses were contaminated. In addition, the inspectors examined 304 samples of raw milk from dispensing machines directly from the farmer. Germs that are harmful to health, such as listeria, were detected in 10 percent, and every fifth sample had a high total germ load.

Whether poultry meat or raw milk - the consumer can significantly minimize the health risk in their own household. So poultry should only be eaten well cooked. Pay attention to hygiene when processing. Thoroughly clean all kitchen appliances that come into contact with raw poultry with hot water and washing-up liquid or in the dishwasher at at least 60 degrees. Hands must also be washed thoroughly. Raw milk should definitely be boiled before consumption.

IIn 2016, the official food control inspected over 519.000 establishments and evaluated more than 376.000 food samples. Food monitoring in Germany is risk-oriented. This means that companies with a higher risk are inspected more frequently. As in previous years, the inspectors found violations at every fourth company. In most cases, general industrial hygiene (49%), food labeling and presentation (25%) and deficiencies in hygiene management (22%) were criticized.

Heike Kreutz, www.bzfe.de