January 5, 2010

USDA develops new pathogen standards for poultry

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has developed new pathogen reduction performance standards for control of salmonella and campylobacter bacteria in chilled carcasses at broiler and turkey slaughter establishments that are eligible for agency verification sampling.

The new salmonella performance standards will limit the number of positive samples that are acceptable in a defined set, as compared to past standards. FSIS has set a goal that 90% of covered establishments will meet the new standards for salmonella bacteria by the end of this year.

The new campylobacter standards will also limit the number of positive samples that are acceptable in a defined set. The laboratory procedures for campylobacter specifically detect samples with high numbers of organisms.

FSIS will issue a Federal Register notice in the very near future that will provide specific details concerning the new standards. FSIS intends to implement the new standards by July.