WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is testing a new approach to tracking Salmonella in poultry slaughter and processing facilities as the agency looks for additional ways to reduce foodborne illness.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service announced a pilot project in June that allows participating raw poultry establishments to measure Salmonella levels throughout their slaughter or processing operations.
Deputy Agriculture Secretary Stephen Vaden joined us on Tuesday’s Market Day Report to give more insight, saying the effort is intended to use measurable, science-based information to evaluate how well plants are controlling the pathogen.
“What our goal here is simple: safest food supply in the world,” Vaden said.
Measuring Salmonella Through the Process
In his interview with RFD-TV News, Vaden said the pilot is open to eligible chicken and turkey slaughter and processing establishments operating under current USDA Salmonella performance standards.
Participating facilities can use Salmonella biomapping throughout their operations or implement a validated critical control point in their food-safety plans to prevent, reduce, or eliminate Salmonella.
USDA said the pilot will also evaluate whether a shorter performance-standard window can provide more timely information. Participating facilities could replace the current 52-week moving window with a variable window beginning at 13 weeks and extending to a maximum of 52 weeks.
Vaden said the goal is to hold poultry plants accountable to measurable performance.
“That’s what this is all about,” Vaden said. “Is there Salmonella detectable on your product when it comes off the assembly line?”
What Could Change for Consumers?
The pilot is intended to give USDA more detailed information about where Salmonella levels are changing throughout the slaughter and processing process.
FSIS said participating establishments will share data collected during the pilot, allowing the agency to evaluate whether the information supports changes to its existing Salmonella control strategies.
Vaden said the agency wants consumers to have confidence in the food supply.
“We know, we have to be transparent,” Vaden said.
The pilot does not immediately change the standards consumers or poultry processors must meet. Instead, USDA will use the data to evaluate whether adjustments to its Salmonella control approach are warranted.
A Different Approach to Salmonella Control
USDA has previously explored a broader Salmonella framework for raw poultry products. The agency withdrew that proposed framework after receiving more than 7,000 public comments and said it needed additional consideration.
The current pilot gives FSIS another opportunity to collect data on Salmonella levels and control measures before determining whether additional changes to its regulatory approach are appropriate.
