Organic chickens are around three times as likely to be infected with the campylobacter food poisoning bug than their broiler house counterparts, according to researchers from the Danish Veterinary Laboratory in Aarhus.
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In volume 33 of Letters in Applied Microbiology (p 269), the scientists reported that in their investigation, all 22 organic flocks were infected with the bacteria; while only one third of the 79 conventionally reared birds carried the bug.
The conclusion was expected to a degree because organic chickens, being allowed to roam freely outside, are more likely to come into contact with food or water contaminated with infected faeces from wild animals. They also live twice as long so there is more chance of becoming infected.
Peter Bradnock, CEO of the British Poultry Council admitted to Organic Trade Services however, “it turns out that the difference was far higher than we expected”.
“We’re starting to see some of the organic myths about food safety debunked,” he added.
Karl Pedersen, the project’s lead scientist, commented: “The organic movement is sound, but this is unwelcome news.”
