Regarding the positive results, a 55.7% increase (P b 0.05) was observed in the occurrence of Enterobacteriaceae in the wrapped half carcasses before and after 24 h of chilling. The occurrences of S. aureus
and Enterobacteriaceae were higher (P b 0.05) in the wrapped half carcasses after 24 h of chilling. All of the half carcasses (wrapped and unwrapped and before and after cooling) showed positive results for
the TVC. No significant differences (P N 0.05) in occurrence were found for E. coli (Fig. 2).
In summary, thewrapping of carcasses in polyethylene film compromises the heat exchange and protects the surface from desiccation, which maintains moisture and ensures a temperature favorable for bacterial growth for a longer period of time, resulting in the growth of bacterial indicators of bacterial status. The median values of the TVC of both groups (wrapped and unwrapped) did not exceed the minimum threshold (“m”) of the European standard of 3.50 log CFU/cm2 (Europe Union, 2007) or Australian standard of 3.00 log CFU/cm2 (AQIS, 2007).