Thus, plants using TSP may as well be dumping their bleach down the drain. This is not a desired situation because chlorine is very effective against Salmonella . Some USDA inspection personnel have been reticent to allow its use in plants. To this date, very few poultry companies have embraced this chemical as a suitable disinfectant for product surfaces because it has only recently been approved. Thus, when used in combination with a TSP system, bleach is generally ineffective.
Chlorine is inactivated in the presence of organic material.
Residual blood and feces in the chiller can greatly affect how well chlorine is able to kill bacteria on carcass surfaces. It is essential to maintain proper flow rate in the chiller to reduce organic material sufficiently to allow the chlorine to be effective. Although these compounds are effective at killing bacteria, if improperly used, they may have a detrimental effect on sensory qualities. Off-flavors, colors, and odors, are often the result of improperly used antimicrobial treatments. Some antimicrobial compounds such as organic acids, ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and chlorine may damage processing equipment surfaces and may be a problem with regard to worker safety.