Contamination of chicken carcasses in Gauteng, South Africa, by Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes and Campylobacter.

A study of 99 whole chicken carcasses sourced from various retailers in Gauteng, South Africa, showed that 60.6% of samples were contaminated with one or more spp., with a 19.2% prevalence for Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes, and 32.3% for Campylobacter spp. The overall contamination rate was not significantly different between fresh or frozen samples or between butcheries, supermarkets or street vendors. Significantly more Salmonella spp.was isolated from fresh samples from butcheries than other sources, while increased Campylobacter spp. levels were detected in fresh supermarket samples. International Journal of Food Microbiology 2005;99:1-6.