Metataxonomic characterization of broiler processing environmental samples

Broiler processing environments are sources of spoilage bacteria and potential pathogens. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of cleaning and disinfection (C&D) on bacterial communities in two broiler processing plants. Cloth samples were collected from 11 and 14 surfaces (30 x 30 cm) during the cold and warm season in a Norwegian and Romanian broiler processing plant. The surfaces included both food contact surfaces (FCS) and non-food contact surfaces (NFCS) which were sampled during production before C&D and after C&D ahead of production the following day. Metataxonomics revealed shifts in the composition and diversity of bacterial communities after C&D.