The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a proposed rule aimed at reducing Salmonella contamination in poultry products. This move comes in response to concerns raised by small poultry processors, producers, and trade associations about the potential burdens of new regulations.

Salmonella bacteria cause over 1 million human infections in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Food is the leading source of Salmonella infections and poultry is among the leading sources of foodborne Salmonella illnesses. FSIS estimates that there are 125,000 chicken-associated and almost 43,000 turkey-associated foodborne Salmonella illnesses per year. Despite FSIS data indicating that Salmonella contamination in poultry products has been decreasing, there has not been an observed reduction in Salmonella illnesses.

“Far too many consumers become sick from poultry contaminated with Salmonella, and today’s announcement marks a historic step forward to combat this threat,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This proposed framework is a systematic approach to addressing Salmonella contamination at poultry slaughter and processing, which includes enforceable standards that will result in safer food for consumers and fewer illnesses.”

The proposal would establish final product standards to prevent raw chicken carcasses, chicken parts, ground chicken, and ground turkey products that contain any type of Salmonella at or above 10 colony forming units (CFU) per gram/ml and any detectable level of at least one of the Salmonella serotypes of public health significance from entering commerce. The proposed Salmonella serotypes of public health significance identified for raw chicken carcasses, chicken parts, and comminuted chicken are Enteritidis, Typhimurium, and I,4,[5],12:I:- ; and for raw comminuted turkey are Hadar, Typhimurium, and Muenchen. The proposal would also require poultry establishments to develop a microbial monitoring program to prevent pathogen contamination throughout the slaughter system.

“The proposed Salmonella framework is grounded in data and rigorous scientific evaluation, and it reflects feedback from extensive stakeholder engagement,” said USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Emilio Esteban. “We encourage all interested stakeholders to submit comments and relevant data on the proposal as we work to finalize data-driven, science-based regulatory policies to address Salmonella in poultry.” paraphrase this

Focus on Non-Regulatory Measures

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has opted not to mandate testing for Salmonella in incoming flocks. Instead, the agency will focus on non-regulatory measures to reduce Salmonella loads on incoming birds. Updated guidance on pre-harvest interventions and practices will be provided to the industry.

Scientific Basis and Stakeholder Engagement

According to Dr. Emilio Esteban, USDA’s Under Secretary for Food Safety, the proposed rule is grounded in scientific evaluation and incorporates feedback from stakeholders. The USDA encourages public, private, and consumer groups to submit comments and relevant data on the proposal to help finalize data-driven, science-based regulatory policies.

Key Provisions and Labeling Concerns

The proposal includes provisions for incorporating statistical process control (SPC) monitoring principles into microbial monitoring programs. It also addresses labeling concerns, such as misleading claims on certain chicken products. Earlier this year, regulations were introduced to limit Salmonella in breaded stuffed chicken breasts and to clarify the “Product of USA” label for poultry products.

Economic and Public Health Impact

The USDA estimates that Salmonella illnesses associated with poultry cost the U.S. $2.8 billion annually. The proposed rule highlights the need for validated microbial sampling and analysis procedures, and provides access to laboratory services for small establishments at no charge.

Consumer and Industry Reactions

Consumer groups have largely praised the proposed rule. Consumer Reports called it a “significant step” towards protecting consumers from Salmonella. However, some groups, including the Center for Science in the Public Interest, criticized the exclusion of the Salmonella Infantis strain from the rule.

On the other hand, the poultry industry has expressed cautious support. The National Turkey Federation emphasized the need for science-based standards that do not impose unnecessary costs.

Public Comments Invited

The USDA invites comments on the proposed rule via the federal eRulemaking portal at www.regulations.gov, mail, or hand delivery. All submissions must include the agency name and docket number FSIS-2023-0028.

Conclusion

The USDA’s proposed rule represents a major step forward in reducing Salmonella contamination in poultry, with a focus on science-based, stakeholder-informed approaches. The agency seeks to balance public health concerns with the practical needs of the poultry industry, aiming to enhance food safety for consumers nationwide.