Molecular Identification and Disinfectant Susceptibility of Biofilm-Forming Bacteria in Meat and Poultry Processing Establishments

Document Type : Short Communication

Authors

Food Science Dept, Fac of Agric, Ain Shams Univ, P.O. Box 68, Hadayek Shubra, 11241 Cairo, Egypt

Abstract

Microbial biofilms in food processing plants present a significant challenge since they are resilient to cleaning and disinfection processes, considering as a persistent source of cross-contamination that affects food safety. This study investigated the presence of biofilm-forming bacteria in poultry processing environments and evaluated various disinfection protocols. Forty-four bacterial isolates were collected from equipment surfaces, processing areas, and workers' hands across three establishments (one processing plant and two slaughterhouses). All isolates demonstrated biofilm-forming capabilities (9% weak, 59% moderate, 32% strong), with slaughter-house B exhibiting the highest proportion (36%) of strong biofilm producers. Standalone disinfectants (0.7% peroxyacetic acid and 150 ppm sodium hypochlorite) showed limited efficacy when tested against 21 moderate to strong biofilm-forming isolates. The combination of 3% commercial alkaline detergent with sodium hypochlorite demonstrated superior efficacy, eliminating biofilm formation in 47.6% of isolates. However, eight isolates (38%) persisted despite all treatments; they were identified through 16S rRNA sequencing as members of the Bacillus, Listeria, and Alcaligenes genera. These findings underscore the need for enhanced sanitation strategies in meat and poultry processing plants, especially against the identified bacteria, to ensure microbiological quality and protect public health. 

Keywords