Raw chicken with subtle danger signs, Rio de Janeiro cityscape fading into bacterial imagery.

Is Your Chicken Safe? Salmonella Risks in Rio de Janeiro

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness July 2025 • 4 min read.

"A new study reveals surprising rates and types of Salmonella in broiler chickens and carcasses, raising alarms about food safety in the region."

Salmonella is a global concern, causing illness through contaminated food. Poultry products are often implicated, making control a major challenge for producers. Knowing the specific Salmonella types (serotypes) and their resistance to antibiotics is crucial for effective food safety.

In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, data on Salmonella in poultry is limited. A recent study aimed to fill this gap by investigating Salmonella in live broiler chickens and their carcasses (meat) at slaughterhouses.

The research team looked at the prevalence of Salmonella, identified the different serotypes present, and tested their susceptibility to common antibiotics like fluoroquinolones and beta-lactams.

What the Study Found: Salmonella Hotspots and Resistant Strains

Raw chicken with subtle danger signs, Rio de Janeiro cityscape fading into bacterial imagery.

The study collected samples from six slaughterhouses in Rio de Janeiro. They tested both cloacal swabs (from live chickens) and carcass rinses to detect Salmonella. The results revealed a significant difference:

A concerning 26.66% of the carcasses tested positive for Salmonella, much higher than the 1.66% found in live chicken samples. This highlights the potential for contamination during the slaughtering process.

Live Chickens: Only one serotype, Senftenberg, was found.
Carcasses: A diverse range of seven serotypes were identified, with Senftenberg being the most common (15%), followed by Mbandaka (8.3%), Schwarzengrund (3.3%), Cerro (3.3%), Ohio (3.3%), Minnesota (1.66%), and Tennessee (1.66%).
Antibiotic Resistance: A significant 12.12% of Salmonella isolates showed resistance to three or more beta-lactam antibiotics. Notably, all isolates remained susceptible to fluoroquinolones.

These findings indicate a higher-than-expected prevalence of Salmonella in Rio de Janeiro's slaughterhouses. The variety of serotypes and the resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics raise concerns about potential risks to public health.

What Does This Mean for You? Protecting Yourself from Salmonella

The study underscores the importance of proper food handling and cooking practices to minimize the risk of Salmonella infection. Consumers should be vigilant in ensuring chicken is thoroughly cooked to a safe internal temperature.

The rise of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella strains is a growing threat. Prudent use of antibiotics in both human and veterinary medicine is crucial to curb the spread of resistance. More research and monitoring are needed to track Salmonella serotypes and resistance patterns in poultry.

By staying informed and practicing safe food handling, you can reduce your risk of Salmonella and contribute to a safer food supply.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1590/1678-5150-pvb-5289, Alternate LINK

Title: Prevalência E Susceptibilidade Antimicrobiana De Sorotipos De Salmonella Spp. Isolados De Frangos Vivos E Carcaças No Estado Do Rio De Janeiro

Subject: General Veterinary

Journal: Pesquisa Veterinária Brasileira

Publisher: FapUNIFESP (SciELO)

Authors: Daniela Q. Baptista, André F.M. Santos, Maria Helena C. Aquino, Dayse L.C. Abreu, Dália P. Rodrigues, Elmiro R. Nascimento, Virginia L.A. Pereira

Published: 2018-07-01

Everything You Need To Know

What did the study reveal about Salmonella contamination rates in chicken carcasses versus live chickens in Rio de Janeiro?

The study discovered that 26.66% of chicken carcasses in Rio de Janeiro slaughterhouses tested positive for Salmonella, a significantly higher rate compared to the 1.66% found in live chicken samples. This suggests contamination is more likely to occur during the slaughtering process rather than on the farms themselves. Further investigation into slaughterhouse hygiene and practices could help reduce these contamination rates.

What specific types of Salmonella were identified in live chickens and chicken carcasses in Rio de Janeiro, and what does this difference suggest?

In this study, Salmonella Senftenberg was the only serotype found in live chickens. However, chicken carcasses showed a wider variety, including Senftenberg (most common), Mbandaka, Schwarzengrund, Cerro, Ohio, Minnesota, and Tennessee. This diversity in carcasses, compared to live chickens, suggests potential contamination points during slaughtering and processing introducing different Salmonella types.

What did the study find regarding antibiotic resistance in Salmonella isolates from poultry in Rio de Janeiro?

The study revealed that 12.12% of Salmonella isolates from poultry in Rio de Janeiro exhibited resistance to three or more beta-lactam antibiotics. However, all Salmonella isolates tested remained susceptible to fluoroquinolones. This is relevant because beta-lactams are commonly used antibiotics, and resistance can complicate treatment. While fluoroquinolones are still effective, the emergence of resistance to other antibiotics is a concern.

Based on these findings, what precautions should consumers take to protect themselves from Salmonella when handling and cooking chicken?

This research emphasizes that consumers should rigorously adhere to safe food handling and cooking practices, specifically ensuring chicken is cooked thoroughly to a safe internal temperature. Proper cooking is crucial to kill Salmonella and prevent foodborne illness. While this study focused on Rio de Janeiro, the general principle of safe food handling applies globally to minimize Salmonella risks from poultry.

Did the study identify the specific sources of Salmonella contamination within the slaughterhouses in Rio de Janeiro?

The study did not specifically investigate the sources of Salmonella contamination within the slaughterhouses of Rio de Janeiro. While the data highlights a higher prevalence in carcasses compared to live chickens, further research would be needed to pinpoint specific contamination points, such as equipment, water sources, or handling practices. Understanding these sources is crucial for implementing targeted interventions to improve food safety.