13. 07. 12. - 13:13

Every second chicken contaminated

Every second pre-packed chicken is contaminated with germs, a test conducted by the chamber of labour (AK) revealed.

Samples were bought in 20 stores in Vienna, half of which contained harmful intestinal germs that can cause fever, vomiting and diarrhoea.

None of the samples were spoiled on the expiration day but the detected germs have developed resistance against antibiotics and one sample contained salmonella.

Eight of the 20 samples had been stored above the recommended four degrees Celsius, one of them even had seven degrees.

AK-consumer-advocate Heinz Schöffl said: "The reason for that could be that the cooling had been interrupted too often."

Apparently not a single sample was spoiled. Schöffl added: "They were in perfect order according to the law which requires that the meat must not be faded or discoloured and should not smell sour or musty."

Now the AK demands more checks against drug use in poultry which should only be used "extremely cautiously". Schöffl said: "Consumers need assurance that the meat is proper and not tainted with harmful bacteria."

Currently, 60 tons of antibiotics are being used annually in animal husbandry in Austria.

Write your comment to this article here