Quiz 4

You are given a task to build the most hi-tech poultry processing plant in the world. You have been asked to prepare a report on 5 new technologies to be included in poultry processing area which are being used in other industries. Describe each technology, write how it can be used in the poultry industry and how it can benefit the industry.

The first technology I would implement in the processing plant would be an update to the stunning system. Research I've done with Dr. Berry indicates that after approximately 65 volts in the stunner chickens are killed. In Europe they use 125 volts which causes carcass issues with breaking bones and ripping meat off bones but at 65 volts the carcasses receive little to no downgrades. The stunner would take away the need for gassing birds and would speed up the processing while also keeping the humane aspect to slaughter.

Next I would implement automated inspection system. Products like this developed at Georgia Tech have been used successfully in other plants. The system would allow the plant manager or USDA officials to inspect the plant in a faster and more efficient way. Efficiency allows for food safety to be controlled therefore making a safe product but also being able to produce more products increasing profits. The automated system would also detect problems earlier to avoid recalls and human error in the inspection process.

The most time consuming part of processing is the live catch and the carcass chilling.

To reduce time in the live catch the automated machines being developed worldwide would be implemented to cut down on manual labor and also time. The machines use a vacuum type system to catch the birds and then load the birds into the cages by a conveyer belt. At most the machines need 4 people to operate them. Along with saving time the decrease in DOA and broken bones would increase the quality of the carcasses. As for carcass chilling the fastest way to chill the birds we have found has been by chilling them in ice cold water. To begin with I would run the carcasses through a chill room at a temp of around -10 degrees celsius to start the chilling process; then run the birds through a chilling tank with water at around 4 degrees celsius. Faster chilling reduces time and speeds up rigor mortis. In processing time is money and saving time equals saving money.

Finally to implement a major money saving unit I would add a water treatment plant on site of the processing pant. Water is the most used resource in a processing plant and is also the most wasted resource. Adding a water purification system allows the plant to recycle water and also have a steady supply of clean water to keep microbial exposure at a minimum. Food safety is a top priority to processing as well is making a profit. Recycling water will cut costs exponentially as well as reduce pathogen load in the plant.