- On April 25, 2023, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) released a proposed determination to declare Salmonella an adulterant in breaded stuffed raw chicken products when they contain more than minimal levels of Salmonella. The announcement builds on FSIS’ proposed regulatory framework to reduce Salmonella infections linked to poultry products.
- Under this proposal, FSIS would consider adulterated any breaded stuffed raw chicken products that include a chicken component that tested positive for Salmonella at 1 colony forming unit (CFU) per gram prior to stuffing and breading. FSIS also proposes to carry out verification procedures, including sampling and testing of the chicken component of the relevant products prior to stuffing and breading.
- In proposing to declare Salmonella an adulterant in breaded stuffed raw chicken products, FSIS based its decision on several factors, including the fact that since 1998, FSIS and its public health partners have investigated 14 Salmonella outbreaks and approximately 200 illnesses associated with these products.
- FSIS is seeking public comments on the proposed determination and the proposed verification sampling program.
- Keller and Heckman will continue to monitor this area and will relay any developments.
