The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has made a significant change in food safety regulations. The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) now declares salmonella an adulterant in raw breaded stuffed chicken products. If salmonella levels exceed 1 CFU per gram, the products will be considered unsafe for sale.
A Major Step for Consumer Safety
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack highlighted that this new regulation is a crucial step in protecting American consumers. He stated, “This policy change is crucial because it allows us to prevent the sale of products that could make people sick.” The USDA’s focus is on reducing salmonella illnesses tied to raw poultry.
Why This Change Matters
Raw breaded stuffed chicken products may look cooked because they are pre-browned. However, the chicken remains raw inside. Consumers often cook these products from frozen, which can lead to undercooking. If the chicken does not reach the proper internal temperature, salmonella may survive and pose a health risk.
New Verification and Testing Procedures
The USDA has implemented new testing procedures to ensure that producers control salmonella contamination. FSIS will sample and test the raw chicken component before it is stuffed and breaded. If the chicken fails to meet the standards, the product lot will be rejected.
The USDA will continue to enforce stricter food safety regulations for all poultry products. While this regulation focuses on breaded stuffed chicken, FSIS plans to extend similar measures to other poultry products later this year.
Looking Ahead: Safer Food for Consumers
This policy marks a significant effort to reduce salmonella risks in poultry products. By setting a clear standard and requiring thorough testing, the USDA aims to make food safer for American consumers. The USDA’s new policy is a significant step toward reducing salmonella risks in raw poultry products.
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