Campylobacter on chicken meat

The government plans to limit the level of Campylobacter bacteria on chicken meat through a process called hygiene criterion, according to reports from the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment in the Netherlands. Slaughterhouses will be examined for bacteria levels. If a high level of bacteria is constantly found, then the butcheries will have to reassess their processing hygiene. abbyladybug/flickr In the Netherlands, Campylobacter infections are widespread. 30% of all the cases of food poisoning are brought by preparation and eating of broiler chicken meat. Usually, cross-contamination in the kitchen (uncooked foods) is a main source of this infection. Undercooked poultry is also another source. The country spends around €9 million a year for Campylobacter illnesses. To meet the latest hygiene criteria, the poultry industry’s projected cost is only about €2 million a year.