This study aimed to determine the role of chicken and chicken products in transmission of Campylobacter jejuni and Yersinia enterocolitica; major foodborne pathogens to consumers in Alexandria, Egypt. A total of 75 random samples of raw chicken and processed chicken products represented by chicken carcasses (thighs), chicken strips and chicken luncheon (25 of each) were collected from local markets in Alexandria Province for isolation and identification of C. jejuni and Y. enterocolitica at the laboratory of the Food Hygiene Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University. The results showed that the incidence of C. jejuni in the examined samples of chicken carcasses was 24 % while it could not be isolated from chicken strips and luncheon. In addition, it was recorded that the incidence of Y. enterocolitica in chicken carcasses was 32% while it could not be isolated from chicken strips and luncheon. Based on the obtained results of the current study, it was clear that raw chicken carcasses were contaminated with C. jejuni and Y. enterocolitica as compared to processed chicken products (chicken strips and luncheon) that may be traced back to cross contamination occurred during slaughtering, evisceration, transportation, and handling during retailing in the local markets with absence of awareness about different sources of contamination and measures of personal hygiene of sellers. Finally, the public health hazard of isolated bacteria, as well as the recommended measures to lower them in retailed raw chicken was discussed.
Key words: Raw chicken, strips, luncheon, C. jejuni, Y. enterocolitica
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