The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has 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 agency is hosting a virtual public meeting on Nov. 3, 2022, to seek input from stakeholders on the proposed framework.
The proposed framework consists of three key components that, together, support a comprehensive approach to controlling Salmonella in poultry. (1) – Requiring that incoming flocks be tested for Salmonella before entering an establishment, (2) – Enhancing establishment process control monitoring and FSIS verification; and (3) – Implementing an enforceable final product standard.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that Salmonella bacteria cause approximately 1.35 million human infections and 26,500 hospitalizations in the United States every year. Of those infections, over 23% are attributed to poultry consumption.
FSIS is soliciting input on all aspects of the draft framework, related to the three components as well as the cross-cutting issues. An online copy of the proposed framework is available at: www.fsis.usda.gov/inspection/inspection-programs/inspection-poultry-products/reducing-salmonella-poultry/proposed.
Representatives from industry, consumer groups and other stakeholders are invited to participate in the public meeting. Attendees must pre-register to attend the meeting. To view the agenda and to register to attend, please visit the Meetings and Events page on the FSIS website. The meeting will be held on Nov. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET via Zoom.
FSIS is seeking feedback from stakeholders on the proposed framework, both at the public meeting and in written comments submitted to the meeting docket published in the Federal Register. Anyone wishing to provide oral comments on the proposed framework at the public meeting should indicate so when registering for the public meeting. Written comments should be submitted at www.regulations.gov. Interested persons will have 30 days to comment after the meeting notice is published in the Federal Register.
To learn more, visit the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/policy/federal-register-rulemaking/federal-register-notices/proposed-framework-controlling.