Safe Food Coalition Applauds Proposed Rule to Promulgate Enforceable Product Standards for Salmonella in Poultry, Asks Agency to Broaden Protections for Consumers

CFA joined Safe Food Coalition members in submitting the following comments on USDA's proposed rule that would prohibit the sale of poultry products contaminated with high levels of dangerous Salmonella serotypes. As the comments explain, the long-needed reform will greatly improve public health and avert the tragedy of preventable foodborne illness for families across the country. More comprehensive standards, however, will better conform to the Poultry Products Inspection Act's (PPIA) adulteration provision, and achieve a greater public health benefit. The comments urge the agency in particular to define enforceable regulatory standards that prohibit poultry contaminated with harmful levels of Salmonella species generally, and to expand the list of targeted serotypes. CFA also filed separate comments emphasizing the need to address Salmonella contamination at the poultry breeding stage, which is controlled by just two multi-billion dollar companies.