Microbiological quality of imported frozen broiler meat in Jordan

Aims: The microbiological quality of broiler meet is of concern to health authorities and industries alike. The presenceof pathogenic organisms is a major cause of food borne diseases and high numbers of organisms usually result in meat spoilage. This communication reports on the microbiological quality of imported frozen broiler meat to Jordan prior to distribution in to the market place. Methodology and results: A total of 100 consecutive imported lots of frozen broilers, received at the laboratories of Jordan Food and Drug Administration were included in this investigation. All tests were performed in accordance with United States FDA or ISO recommended procedures. Results indicated that Mechanically Deboned Meet (MDM) was by far the most contaminated, with total plate count ranging between 106 CFU/g. Total coliform count varied between 105 CFU/g. For all other categories of meat (whole carcasses, off bones and cut chicken portions), total plate count was always