Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting the presence of fecal or ingesta matter contaminants on a poultry or meat item. The poultry or meat is exposed to excitation light of a selected bandwidth(s) and certain bandwidth(s) is(are) measured and compared to a threshold, above which indicates contaminants. Suitable excitation bandwidth and measuring bandwidth are selected such that the ratio of or difference between the resulting sample fluoresence and contamination fluoresence are greater then a certain ratio or difference. If contaminants are present, a controller can generate a signal and/or send the contaminated items to a wash station.

Abstract: A composition and method for removing and preventing Salmonella contamination of meat products, in particular poultry. The composition comprises an effective amount of a quaternary ammonium compound in an aqueous solution. The quaternary ammonium compound are selected from the group consisting of alkylpyridinium, tetra-alkylammonium, and alkylalicyclic ammonium salts. Preferably, the quaternary ammonium compounds are cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB). The method comprises treating meat and poultry products with an effective amount of the quaternary ammonium compound in an aqueous solution. Mutagenicity studies are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the reduction or elimination of microbes in liquid or food products whereby the passage of a waveform, such as a DC square-wave, of a specific amplitude, duty cycle and current through the liquid or food product for a specific time period, allows for the elimination of microbes such as Salmonella Typhimurium from a variety of substances, including water, milk and solid food products.