• On July 29, 2024, USDA issued a proposed rule and determination to more effectively reduce Salmonella contamination in raw poultry products. This follows a final determination to declare Salmonella an adulterant when it is present at more than 1 colony forming unit (CFU) per gram that was published in May 2024.
  • The proposed rule would establish standards to prevent raw poultry products that contain any type of Salmonella at or above 10 CFU and certain serotypes of Salmonella at any detectable level from entering commerce. The proposed Salmonella serotypes of public health significance identified for raw chicken include Enteritidis, Typhimurium, and I 4,[5],12:i:- ; and for raw turkey include Hadar, Typhimurium, and Muenchen. According to the proposal, these are the most highly virulent Salmonella serotypes associated with these products identified in FSIS chicken and turkey risk assessments. FSIS expects that the serotypes of public health significance will likely change over time.
  • The proposal would also require poultry establishments to develop a microbial monitoring program to prevent pathogen contamination throughout the slaughter system. FSIS is proposing to amend recordkeeping requirements so that sampling results may be submitted electronically, and the Agency is developing a web portal and templates to aid establishments in recording and submitting monthly results.
  • FSIS has been working to gather data and develop the Salmonella framework since 2021. The proposed rule has not yet been published in the Federal Register, but comments will be accepted for 60 days following publication.
  • Keller and Heckman will continue to monitor and report on this proposed rule.