Abstract

Method and device for mechanical removal of the viscera package from the belly cavity of slaughtered poultry hanging by the legs from hooks which are moved in a conveyor along a drawing device. For removal of the viscera package, the body of the poultry is tilted from the hanging, vertical position through a predetermined angle about an axis parallel to a line through the hip joints to a second position, in which the shoulder joints are situated at essentially the same height as or higher up than the hip joints. The latter body position thereafter remains retained during the veterinary inspection of the poultry or the carrying out of further operations on the viscera package and/or the carcass. The second position of the body is preferably produced by guiding at least a part of the neck of the poultry from a position lower down than the legs to a position in which the neck is situated essentially at the same height as or higher up than the legs, and the body of the poultry extends between the neck and the legs.