US look to reduce foodbourne diseases in poultry

The USDA announced on Monday (May 10) new standards to reduce the levels of salmonella and campylobacter in poultry, which the government said if successful, could prevent an estimated 65,000 illnesses each year.

USDA said stricter performance standards would hold slaughterhouses more accountable by reducing the incidence of foodbourne illnesses in young chickens and turkeys. The plan would set a percentage of sampled poultry that could test positive for a specific pathogen that an establishment must achieve.

The proposal is open to public comment for 60 days.

USDA said after two years, 39,000 illnesses will be avoided each year under the new campylobacter standards, and 26,000 fewer illnesses for revised salmonella standards.

The US food supply has been battered by a series of high-profile outbreaks in recent years, prompting calls from the Obama administration, consumer groups and Congress to overhaul the antiquated food supply.

The House passed food reform legislation last July. The Senate bill, which has been held up by work on healthcare and financial regulatory reform, is expected to pass its bill in the next few months.

The Obama administration organised a food safety working group last year that issued several recommendations to reduce levels of foodbourne illnesses.