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. 1981 Feb;41(2):492–503. doi: 10.1128/aem.41.2.492-503.1981

Spoilage of chicken skin at 2 degrees C: electron microscopic study.

C J Thomas, T A McMeekin
PMCID: PMC243722  PMID: 7195190

Abstract

Microscopic techniques were used in conjunction with normal microbiological procedures to examine the development of the spoilage microflora on the skin of chicken carcasses held at 2 degrees C. Pigmented and nonpigmented psychrotrophic pseudomonads were the major spoilage bacteria isolated at all stages of storage examined. The spoilage microflora grow within a liquid film covering the skin surface, as well as in feather follicle shafts. Penetration and disruption of skin tissue were not observed even after onset of organoleptic spoilage. Bacteria were not attached to the skin by extracellular bridging substances. These data suggest a nonspecific histological-microbiological relationship between he spoilage association and the skin substrate.

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Selected References

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