USDA Releases Proposed Regulatory Framework to Reduce Salmonella Infections Linked to Poultry Products

On October 14^th, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) released a proposed regulatory framework for a new strategy to control Salmonella contamination in poultry products and reduce foodborne illnesses attributed to these products. The proposed framework consists of three key components that, together, support a comprehensive approach to controlling Salmonella in poultry.

• Requiring that incoming flocks be tested for Salmonella before entering an establishment;
• Enhancing establishment process control monitoring and FSIS verification; and
• Implementing an enforceable final product standard.

The framework under consideration also addresses cross-cutting issues of testing for Salmonella, the impact on small and very small establishments and data sharing.  A copy of the proposed framework is available at: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/inspection/inspection-programs/inspection-poultry-products/reducing-salmonella-poultry/proposed.  The agency is hosting a virtual public meeting on Nov. 3, 2022, to seek input from stakeholders on the proposed framework.