Meat+Poultry - November 2022 - 12

WASHINGTON
Singling out Salmonella
The US Department of Agriculture's
Food Safety and Inspection Service
(FSIS) released a proposed regulatory
framework intended to help control
Salmonella contamination in
poultry products.
" We know that Salmonella in
poultry is a complex problem with
no single solution, " said USDA
Deputy Undersecretary Sandra
Eskin. " However, we have identified
a series of strategic actions FSIS
could take that are likely to drive
down Salmonella infections linked
to poultry products consumption,
and we are presenting those in this
proposed framework. "
Three key components shape the
proposed framework:
* Requiring that incoming flocks
be tested for Salmonella before
entering an establishment;
* Enhancing establishment process
control monitoring and FSIS
verification; and
* Implementing an enforceable final
product standard.
While the framework is under
consideration, FSIS is gathering
scientific evidence related to
the approaches for addressing
foodborne illnesses.
The agency held a virtual meeting
open to the public on Nov. 3 to seek
stakeholders' input on the proposed
food safety framework.
Prior to the public meeting, many
industry stakeholders commented on
the USDA's proposal.
" In alignment with our strong
commitment to food safety, Cargill
supports the need to develop a public
health risk-based approach to assist
in meeting the Healthy People 2030
Salmonella targets, " said Angie
Siemens, vice president for Food
Safety, Quality and Regulatory at
Cargill. " We look forward to reviewing
the FSIS Salmonella framework and
engaging in a robust dialogue on
this issue. "
The National Chicken Council
(NCC) expressed discouragement at
FSIS' approach to the framework.
" We support the need to develop
science-based approaches that will
impact public health, but this is
being done backwards, " said Ashley
Peterson, PhD, NCC senior vice
president of scientific and regulatory
affairs. " The agency is formulating
regulatory policies and drawing
conclusions before gathering data,
much less analyzing it. This isn't
science - it's speculation. We continue
to be disappointed that the agency has
failed to use science and research to
drive its regulatory policies. "
NCC noted that FSIS and the
Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention's (CDC) data indicate a
decline in Salmonella contamination.
While pledging to continue to take
precautions against foodborne
illnesses, NCC said further consumer
education on proper handling and
cooking of raw meat is essential.
USDA's announcement of the
proposed framework follows
the agency's decision to declare
Salmonella as an adulterant in breaded
and stuffed raw chicken products.
Breaded and stuffed raw
chicken products will be considered
adulterated when they exceed a limit
of one colony forming unit (CFU)
of Salmonella per gram for these
products. FSIS believes this will reduce
the risk to consumers of illness.
RACHAEL OATMAN | roatman@sos land.com
" We know that Salmonella in poultry is a complex
problem with no single solution. However, we
have identified a series of strategic actions
FSIS could take that are likely to drive down
Salmonella infections linked to poultry products
consumption, and we are presenting those in
this proposed framework. " - SANDRA ESKIN
12 MEAT+POULTRY | 11.22 | www.meatpoultry.com
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Meat+Poultry - November 2022

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