This study aimed to investigate microbial, chemical, and heavy metal contamination of mechanically deboned chicken (MDC) in Iran. A total of 24 samples of MDC were obtained from meat plants. TBC of the three samples were acceptable. E. coli and S. aureus were detected in 21 and 6 samples, respectively. Three of the samples were contaminated with Salmonella spp. Campylobacter was not detected in any of the samples. The moisture content of MDC was in the range of 41% to 75%. Ash had a range of 0.74% to 1.4%. The maximum protein content of the MDC was 21.98% and fat content was in the range of 2.1% to 20%. The highest PV was 15.18 mEq/kg. All of the samples were polluted with Pb, Cd, and As. In conclusion, MDC had microbial and chemical contamination. It is necessary to develop more strict criteria for control of the chicken paste processing method.
Keywords: Mechanically deboned chicken; chemical characteristic; metal element; microbial contamination.