Abstract: A method for removing, killing or bringing into a passive condition of bacteria on and in the skin of slaughtered, plucked poultry by a chemical, mechanical and/or temperature treatment is disclosed, wherein the treatment(s) are effected after plucking of the poultry and prior to the opening of the carcass thereof. The skin of the poultry is preferably subjected to an acid treatment with an acid solution and a heat treatment at a temperature of about 50.degree. C. for two to three minutes. The poultry can be immersed in or sprayed with water at the desired temperature, the water being mixed with an acid. Advantageously, the skin of the poultry is brushed with rotating brushing elements, at the same time spraying a spraying liquid on the poultry from above and from the sides.

Abstract: A device for removing one or more organs or parts thereof from a slaughtered animal, in particular a bird, comprising: an organ guide device with an open organ feed end to be inserted temporarily into the slaughtered animal; an organ conveyance device for removing organs or parts thereof along the organ guide device; a separating device which is fitted near the organ feed end or along the organ guide device for making a separation in organs or connecting tissue between them at a predetermined place; and a device for establishing the position of the organs relative to the separating device. The device for establishing the position of organs may be fitted at the open organ feed end of the organ guide device and may comprise an organ feed aperture with such dimensions that first organs can pass said aperture and second organs connected to the first organs cannot pass said aperture.

Abstract: A method for filling a container which is used for the transportation of live poultry from a breeding farm to a slaughterhouse is described, as well as a container to be used with said method. The container is divided into compartments, one on top of the other. Prior to the filling of a compartment with poultry, the bottom face of the compartment lying above it, together with the side face thereof, is moved away fully or partially. Said side face is lying at the filling side of the container. The container is constructed in such a way that the poultry can meet no obstacles at the filling side above the compartment to be filled. Moving away said bottom and side faces may be performed by sliding them away sideways or by flapping them up.