Why are two tanks used in water chilling systems for poultry?

In poultry processing, water chilling systems utilize two tanks primarily to minimize cross-contamination between carcasses.1

By employing a two-tank system, processors can effectively dilute the microorganisms that are washed off the birds during the chilling process. This dilution helps prevent the recontamination of carcasses as they move through the system. To ensure this safety standard is maintained, regulations in the United States and Canada mandate a specific overflow of water for each tank, which helps keep the bacterial load low. While this method is water-intensive, it is an essential practice for maintaining hygiene and reducing the overall presence of pathogens on the final product.12