USDA launches new effort to reduce Salmonella illnesses linked to poultry

The USDA and FSIS announced the initiation of a more robust and more comprehensive effort to reduce Salmonella illnesses associated with poultry products. The agency initiates several vital activities to gather the necessary data and information to support future action and move closer to a 25% reduction in Salmonella illnesses. Despite consistent reductions in the occurrence of Salmonella in poultry products, more than 1 million consumer illnesses due to Salmonella occur annually. Over 23% of those illnesses are due to the consumption of chicken and turkey. USDA seeks stakeholder feedback on specific Salmonella control and measurement strategies in poultry slaughter and processing establishments. The USDA/FSIS is encouraging preharvest controls to reduce Salmonella contamination coming into the slaughterhouse. The National Advisory Committee for Microbiological Criteria of Foods will be asked to advise how FSIS can build on the latest science to improve its approach to Salmonella control. The FSIS will examine how quantification can be incorporated into this approach. @ https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2021/10/19/usda-launches-new-effort-reduce-salmonella-illnesses-linked-poultry