Decontamination treatments can increase the prevalence of resistance to antibiotics of Escherichia coli naturally present on poultry

► The link between poultry decontamination and resistance to antibiotics was assessed. ► Trisodium phosphate, acidified sodium chlorite and two organic acids were tested. ► All chemicals were effective in reducing the microbial load on poultry during storage. ► Treatments increased the level of resistance to antibiotics in Escherichia coli populations. ► Treated samples showed the highest prevalence of resistance for 58.33% of antibiotics.