Abstract: An apparatus for bacteriologically decontaminating poultry carcasses and then chilling the carcasses to a preservation temperature includes a decontaminating tank and a chilling tank. The decontaminating tank holds a disinfectant solution, which is maintained at a temperature from about 45.degree.-75.degree. C. The poultry carcasses are immersed in the tank for a period of about 3-10 seconds, depending upon the temperature, higher temperatures requiring less time than lower temperatures. Sonic transducers are used to sonicate the poultry to dislodge bacteria, and spray curtains wash the bacteria off of the carcasses. The heated temperature increases the effect of the disinfectant solution. After removal of the carcasses from the decontaminating tank, they are transferred to a chilling tank, which contains a liquid maintained at a temperature from about 0.degree.-3.degree. C. The carcasses remain in the chilling tank for at least 45 minutes, to assure that the carcasses are thoroughly cooled.

Abstract: Apparatus for decontaminating poultry carcasses is disclosed. The apparatus includes a tank which has an auger to transport the carcasses from the inlet to the outlet while a disinfectant solution is introduced into the tank. The apparatus also includes one or both of the following devices: 1) an ultrasonic wave generator which directs ultrasonic waves at the carcasses in the tank; or 2) a fluid pump and conduit terminating in the tank to direct a pressurized curtain of fluid at the carcasses passing through the tank.