USDA withdraws proposal to limit Salmonella in chicken and turkey meat

The proposed rule aimed to reduce salmonella infections by setting a threshold for acceptable levels of the bacteria in raw poultry products. It also included measures for testing and monitoring specific strains of salmonella that are most commonly associated with illness. If poultry products exceeded the established limits or contained any of the targeted strains, they would be subject to recall and could not be sold.

Reasons for withdrawal

The USDA cited several reasons for withdrawing the proposal. One of the main concerns was the significant financial and operational burden it would impose on poultry producers. Industry groups, such as the National Chicken Council, argued that the rule was legally unsound and misinterpreted scientific data. They claimed that the proposed measures would increase costs for consumers and lead to more food waste without meaningfully improving public health.

Reactions to the decision

The withdrawal has received mixed reactions. Food safety advocates, including former USDA officials who worked on the proposal, expressed disappointment. They believe that the decision undermines efforts to protect consumers from preventable foodborne illnesses. Sandra Eskin, a former USDA official, stated that the move sends a clear message that public health is not a priority.

On the other hand, some farmers and industry representatives welcomed the decision. They argued that the proposed rule could have put small farms out of business and created unnecessary regulatory burdens. Farmer Pat McNiff, for example, expressed relief, stating that the withdrawal allows him to focus on his farm’s operations without the added stress of complying with new regulations.

Future implications

The USDA has indicated that it will continue to assess its approach to addressing salmonella in poultry products. The agency emphasized its commitment to public health and stated that it would consider alternative strategies that protect consumers without imposing excessive burdens on producers.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen how the USDA will balance the interests of public health and industry concerns in future food safety regulations.