USDA Proposes Stricter Salmonella Limits for Poultry Products

New regulations aim to reduce foodborne illnesses by setting enforceable standards for contamination levels and specific Salmonella strains.

Poultry companies must meet new thresholds for Salmonella levels and test for six harmful strains.
Contaminated products exceeding these standards will be unsellable and subject to recall.
The proposal includes guidelines for vaccinating birds and monitoring contamination throughout the slaughter process.
The National Chicken Council has expressed concerns about the impact on public health and potential price increases.
The rule, three years in the making, will undergo a public comment period before finalization.