A method for removing, killing or bringing into a passive condition of bacteria on and in the skin of slaughtered, plucked poultry by a chemical, mechanical and/or temperature treatment is disclosed, wherein the treatment(s) are effected after plucking of the poultry and prior to the opening of the carcass thereof. The skin of the poultry is preferably subjected to an acid treatment with an acid solution and a heat treatment at a temperature of about 50.degree. C. for two to three minutes. The poultry can be immersed in or sprayed with water at the desired temperature, the water being mixed with an acid. Advantageously, the skin of the poultry is brushed with rotating brushing elements, at the same time spraying a spraying liquid on the poultry from above and from the sides.