Behaviour of co-inoculated pathogenic and spoilage bacteria on poultry following several decontamination treatments

► The potential of decontaminants to favour the overgrowth of pathogens was assessed. ► Five antimicrobials and six pathogenic and spoilage bacterial species were tested. ► Untreated poultry showed higher counts for spoilage than for pathogenic bacteria. ► Overgrowth of L. monocytogenes was observed on legs treated with TSP, ASC or CA. ► In certain conditions poultry decontaminants could involve a health risk to consumer.