January 15, 2025

Serious salmonella contamination within commercial poultry production in Liaoning, China, investigation found

An investigation in China's Liaoning Province has revealed extensive salmonella contamination throughout the commercial poultry production chain, highlighting potential risks and confirming long-suspected risks in global food safety systems, according to a recent article from earth.com.

The research, led by a team from China's Yangzhou University, presents evidence of bacterial contamination at multiple stages of production, raising concerns about current safety measures and antibiotic resistance.

In their comprehensive analysis, researchers examined 1,207 samples collected from various points along a commercial egg production line. The study identified 130 samples, representing 10.8% of the total, as testing positive for salmonella. Most of the contaminated samples contained two specific varieties of the bacteria that have been previously linked to known infection clusters.

Through a combination of epidemiological tracking and genetic analysis, the Chinese research team traced salmonella movement throughout the production chain. Their findings indicate that contamination often originates during the early breeding phases and can persist through egg laying, processing, and distribution stages. The bacteria demonstrate remarkable resilience, capable of surviving on surfaces, equipment, and within the birds themselves.

The investigation also found that many of the identified salmonella strains carry genes associated with resistance to multiple classes of antibiotics. The finding raises more concerns about antibiotic use in poultry farming and its potential contribution to the development of resistant bacterial strains.

Additionally, the research highlights the importance of scrutinising every step of production, not just the end product. By identifying weak spots early in the process, producers can implement targeted interventions to reduce the likelihood of larger outbreaks.

The latest findings, published in Poultry Science, emphasise that successful salmonella control requires a coordinated approach encompassing all stages of poultry production. This includes stronger cleaning protocols between flocks, improved antibiotic stewardship, and the implementation of emerging detection technologies. These measures, combined with careful handling and thorough cooking at the consumer level, represent the most promising strategies for reducing salmonella contamination in poultry products.

- Food Poisoning News