The measure is intended to prevent illness and support food safety in the poultry supply chain.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) released a final determination for the threshold of Salmonella as an adulterant in raw breaded stuffed chicken products. This measure is intended to reduce Salmonella-related illnesses attributable to raw poultry in the U.S.
“USDA is taking significant steps toward keeping American consumers safe from foodborne illness,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This final determination marks the first time that Salmonella is being declared an adulterant in a class of raw poultry products. This policy change is important because it will allow us to stop the sale of these products when we find levels of Salmonella contamination that could make people sick.”
Since 1998, FSIS and public health agencies have investigated numerous Salmonella outbreaks connected to these products despite their accounting for a small fraction of the chicken supply. FSIS based this decision on data and criteria similar to those used in previous policymaking regarding E. coli.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Vilsack to receive God’s guidance as he heads the USDA and all its agencies.
- For FSIS Administrator Paul Kiecker as he oversees the implementation of the Salmonella threshold determination.
Sources: Department of Agriculture
