USDA halts proposed regulation on salmonella in raw poultry
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) has officially withdrawn its proposed regulatory framework aimed at reducing Salmonella contamination in raw poultry products. Initially introduced in August 2024, the framework sought to designate Salmonella as an adulterant in specific raw poultry categories based on defined thresholds and serotype presence, alongside the introduction of stricter testing and recordkeeping requirements.
Despite comprehensive stakeholder engagement and scientific input, FSIS cited the need for further consideration in response to mixed public comments. While consumer advocacy groups welcomed the proposal but criticized its limited scope, the poultry industry opposed it, citing concerns over food waste and consumer prices. The proposed standards, including performance criteria and monitoring protocols, were supported by the National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF), which was later disbanded in March 2025.
The withdrawal does not affect the agency’s previous decision to classify Salmonella as an adulterant in certain not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) chicken products, though implementation timelines for verification and hazard control reassessment have been extended.
