Campylobacter bacteria germinate in chicken meat and milk

Chicken meat often contaminated with Campylobacter
Chicken meat is often contaminated with Campylobacter. In the meantime, germs are the most common bacterial pathogens of diarrheal diseases in Germany, even before Salmonella. This was confirmed by the results of the official food inspection 2016, which was recently presented by the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL).

Dangerous germs on chicken meat. Image: nobeastsofierce-fotolia

In salmonella, EU-wide advice on how to handle poultry has apparently been successful: Salmonella contamination was similar to last year's levels: nearly 5 percent of fresh chicken meat and almost 7 percent of carcasses were contaminated. In addition, the inspectors have examined 304 samples of raw milk from automatic tapping machines directly from the farmer. In 10 percent of the case, health-threatening germs such as listeria were detected, and every fifth sample had a high total bacterial load.

Whether poultry meat or raw milk - the consumer can minimize the health risk in their own household significantly. So poultry meat should always be eaten well cooked. Pay attention to hygiene during processing. Clean all kitchen utensils that come into contact with raw poultry thoroughly with hot water and detergent or in the dishwasher at least 60 degrees Celsius. Even the hands have to be washed thoroughly. Raw milk should be boiled before consumption.

In 2016, the official food inspection department monitored over 519,000 farms and evaluated more than 376,000 food samples. Food monitoring in Germany is risk-oriented. This means that higher-risk farms are controlled more frequently. As in previous years, the inspectors found infringements for every fourth company. In general, general occupational hygiene (49%), food labeling and presentation (25%) and hygiene management issues (22%) were objected to.
Heike Kreutz, bzfe