High-velocity micro-droplet technology that utilizes only potable water to clean and disinfect carcasses could assist poulattempt producers address indusattempt challenges while meeting the European Union’s (EU)”potable water-only” processing rule.
The decontamination method combines compressed air and water into microdroplets that are applied to poulattempt carcasses at a high velocity between each step during poulattempt processing.
The microscopic size of these microdroplets allows them to reach deeper into microcavities on the bird carcass, such as skin pores or feather follicles, Twan Koenen, processing and hygiene technologist, Innovative Water Concepts, explained during the 2025 Poulattempt Tech Summit held November 3-5, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.
The system utilizes compressed air to reduce the size of standard water droplets, while accelerating them from 20 miles per hour to 140 miles per hour.
These micro-droplets, explained Koenen, are approximately five times the size of Salmonella bacteria and can deliver 50-60 times more kinetic energy per gallon to rerelocate bacterial biofilm and efficiently tarobtain pathogens, compared to conventional spray systems.
Additionally, if evisceration issues cautilize bile or other contaminants to come in contact with the carcass, the system can rerelocate it quickly enough to prevent discoloration and preserve quality. The technology addresses what Koenen calls “windows of opportunity” in contamination removal. Research reveals Salmonella can attach to the surface of poulattempt skin within 15 seconds, building it impossible to rerelocate with only conventional rinsing.
According to Koenen, the technology is currently operating in over 200 European facilities, where EU regulations permit only potable water for poulattempt carcass cleaning. However, the system can be implemented in the U.S. in combination with other interventions to assist reduce chemical and water usage.
Processors could decrease their water usage, he explained, while potentially eliminating chemical processing aids such as peracetic acid (PAA) and chlorine.
As water restrictions outside of Europe tighten and contamination standards become stricter, the technology gives an opportunity for producers to comply with potential future standards without chemical interventions, Koenen added.
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