USDA Halts Proposal to Set Salmonella Limits in Raw Poultry, Sparking Food Safety Concerns
In a surprising turn, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the withdrawal of a proposed rule that aimed to establish enforceable limits on salmonella levels in raw poultry products—a move that has prompted sharp reactions from food safety advocates and industry groups alike.
The proposal, first introduced as part of a broader strategy to curb foodborne illnesses, was designed to categorize certain strains of Salmonella as adulterants in raw chicken, making it illegal to sell contaminated meat. However, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) confirmed this week that the rule will no longer move forward in its original form.
According to the agency, the decision stems from concerns raised during the public comment period, particularly from poultry producers and legal experts who questioned the feasibility of enforcement and potential impacts on the supply chain. Critics of the rule had warned that it could lead to increased production costs and legal challenges, given the naturally occurring presence of salmonella in poultry.
Still, food safety groups say the rollback is a major setback in the fight against salmonella, which remains one of the leading causes of foodborne illness in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that Salmonella causes over 1 million illnesses annually in the U.S., many of them linked to undercooked or contaminated poultry.
“This decision leaves consumers vulnerable to a well-known and preventable hazard,” said Sarah Sorscher, a food safety expert with the Center for Science in the Public Interest. “We need stronger safeguards, not fewer, to protect public health.”
The now-shelved rule would have marked a significant regulatory shift by giving USDA inspectors more authority to reject contaminated products before they reach store shelves. It was also seen as a first step in modernizing the nation’s meat safety standards to better reflect current science and risk-based assessments.
USDA officials maintain that food safety remains a priority and indicated that they are exploring alternative approaches to address salmonella contamination, including enhanced testing protocols, voluntary industry standards, and public education campaigns on safe handling and cooking.
“The complexity of microbial contamination in raw poultry requires a comprehensive and collaborative strategy,” the FSIS said in a statement. “We remain committed to reducing salmonella-related illnesses and will continue to evaluate regulatory and non-regulatory tools to achieve that goal.”
Poultry industry groups welcomed the withdrawal, stating that the proposed limits were overly rigid and failed to account for existing safety practices already in place within the sector. They emphasized the importance of maintaining flexibility while investing in research, technology, and hygiene controls.
Despite the policy reversal, calls are growing louder for the USDA to present a revised strategy that balances industry realities with stronger consumer protections. Lawmakers and advocacy organizations are urging the agency not to abandon reform efforts entirely, warning that inaction could prolong public health risks associated with contaminated poultry.
As the debate continues, the spotlight remains on how federal agencies will navigate food safety in an era of growing consumer awareness and demand for transparency. The USDA’s next steps will be closely watched, especially as foodborne illnesses remain a persistent challenge across the country.
Source : Swifteradio.com
