Persistence of Campylobacter jejuni on surfaces in a processing environment and on cutting boards

AIMS: The objectives of the study were to determine the spread and persistence of Campylobacter in a poultry processing plant and to provide a quantitative estimate of the survival of Campylobacter jejuni on the surface of a cutting board. METHODS AND RESULTS: Several contact surfaces in a poultry processing plant were sampled before the start of processing, after 30 min and after 120 min. Next, the survival of four C. jejuni strains was studied on a beech and polypropylene cutting board during 120 min. CONCLUSIONS: A rapid introduction and spread of Campylobacter in a well cleaned processing plant as well as a significant survival in time on the example of a cutting board is shown. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The need to prevent cross-contamination in the food processing and preparation area and the importance of an integrated approach throughout the whole food chain to control transmission of Campylobacter is highlighted.