Inline inside-outside cleaning of poultry offers many advantages

In a previous article we have already elaborated on the IWC hurdle concept. Here we explained how hurdles in poultry processing prevent dirt and bacteria from passing on to the next processing step. A hurdle usually consists of a cleaning step. The better the removal of dirt and bacteria, the less likely it is that bacteria will move further down the process and eventually end up in or on the final products. By placing the right hurdles in your process, you ensure a high level of hygiene in your products. The next step in the process: the inside-outside washer.

The finishing touch in the cleaning process

Earlier, in our series of knowledge base articles, we discussed the hurdle-to-hurdle concept and concrete implementations, such as washing after the eviscerator and cropper. In this article, we take a closer look at the last step in the whole evisceration process: the inside-outside washer. This is the last processing step where visual contamination of the product can be removed. According to European guidelines, among others, a veterinary (random) inspection takes place here. This is an inspection of the products as they enter the cooling process. Proper cleaning is therefore essential, because the veterinarian may impose fines if contamination is found. If visual contamination is found repeatedly, the line speed may have to be reduced or even stopped. Thorough cleaning of the inside and outside of the products not only improves hygiene, but also ensures a good inspection result.

Active barrier against bacteria

Most hygiene concepts are known to most professionals in the poultry industry. How and in which way these concepts should be implemented is often less known. What concrete measures have you taken to guarantee and optimise product hygiene? We also make optimum use of our unique Undine technology at this final hurdle in the process. In this case, the small water droplets created by the mix of compressed air and water come from both sides (chest and back) of the product without contact. The air/water mix flows converge just above the chest opening. This takes place on the inside in a turbulent flow of water droplets at very high speed. This ensures very intense cleaning. By deploying Undine not only immediately after each process step, but also at the end of the evisceration process, you have the strongest and most complete barrier against bacteria active. The washers remove the visual contamination and much of the bacterial contamination immediately after each process step. The inside-out washer is very effective in further reducing the bacterial count, both inside and outside. Especially at high line speeds, it is essential to remove any remaining contamination and to further reduce the bacterial count.

Non-contact product and tool cleaning

The process of poultry processing consists of several steps and involves the use of several machines and tools. Individual contamination (errors in the process) therefore also contaminates the machines and tools. This in turn can lead to cross-contamination of the products. Incidental product contamination can in turn contaminate the machines. In order to prevent cross-contamination, our system uses non-contact cleaning. A thorough and contactless interior and exterior cleaning with our Undine technology contributes greatly to optimal product hygiene and a long shelf life. To avoid cross contamination with other products, it is also important to clean the machines thoroughly between each product. The better the machines are cleaned, the less recontamination and cross-contamination will occur. Using Undine® for machine and tool cleaning can therefore further improve process hygiene.

We know which solutions are right for you

Would you like to know more about the hurdle concept? Or would you also like to improve hygiene and save on water, energy and personnel costs? Then feel free to contact our experts. They will be happy to give you personal advice. Which solution is best for you depends on your specific line configuration (or layout) and products.