1. PURPOSE
   1. This notice is a re-issuance of instructions from FSIS Notice 08-23, New Sampling Instructions and Testing for Chicken Parts and NRTE Comminuted Poultry. It informs inspection program personnel (IPP) that they are to continue to collect an additional container of rinsate for chicken carcass and parts samples. The FSIS laboratories will continue to conduct additional testing of product submitted under these sampling projects (HC_CPT_LBW01 and HC_CH_CARC01).
   2. Additionally, this notice informs IPP that FSIS laboratories also generate additional testing results for both Not-Ready-To-Eat (NRTE) comminuted chicken samples (HC_CH_COM01) and NRTE comminuted turkey samples (HC_TU_COM01).
   3. Finally, this notice informs IPP that the exploratory rehang sampling, (EX_CHCAR_RH1) has been discontinued.
2. BACKGROUND
   1. FSIS is collecting additional rinsate to conduct additional microbial testing of chicken carcasses and parts. FSIS will continue to conduct additional microbial testing of comminuted poultry samples. FSIS will also continue to enumerate positive Salmonella results. For chicken carcasses and parts, IPP are to continue to fill and submit a second collection container, as described below. Aerobic Count indicator testing, described in the two previous notices, was discontinued on October 22, 2023.
   2. The purpose of the additional testing is to collect quantitative microbial data from establishments producing chicken carcasses, chicken parts, and comminuted poultry.
   3. FSIS categorization of establishments will not be changed based on the results of the additional testing.
3. REVISED SAMPLING INSTRUCTIONS
   1. IPP are to follow sampling instructions within FSIS Directive 10,250.1, Chapter V, to collect rinsates for chicken carcasses (HC_CH_CARC01) and chicken parts (HC_CPT_LBW01) to analyze for Salmonella and Campylobacter.  Exploratory rehang sampling (EX_CHCAR_RH1) has been discontinued because enough samples were collected to complete analysis of the data.
   2. For chicken carcasses (HC_CH_CARC01) and chicken parts sampling (HC_CPT_LBW01), sample boxes are shipped with an additional sterile specimen cup. IPP are to follow the instructions on the accompanying note in the sample box for project HC_CPT_LBW01 or HC_CH_CARC01. IPP are to use the rinsate to fill both cups and return them as normal.
   3. There are no changes to the sample collection procedures for comminuted chicken product (HC_CH_COM01) and comminuted turkey (HC_TU_COM01). IPP are not to take an additional sample for these products.
   4. The results of the additional testing go to the data warehouse and are available only through PHIS reports. IPP are not to expect to receive notification of these results; therefore, IPP are not to take any additional actions based upon results of additional testing.
4. PACKAGING INSTRUCTIONS
   1. IPP are not to generate additional forms or use different additional seals for sample packaging. IPP are to continue to generate just one PHIS form and use just one FSIS Laboratory Sample Container Seal (7355-2A) set for each sampled product.
   2. For chicken carcasses (HC_CH_CARC01) and chicken parts sampling (HC_CPT_LBW01) only, IPP are to label the two specimen containers with the same sample-coded identification label and pack both the rinsate containers for carcasses (HC_CH_CARC01) and parts, HC_CPT_LBW01 into a single zipper lock bag affixed with a single laboratory sample seal.
5. QUESTIONS
   Refer questions regarding this notice to your supervisor or as needed to the Office of Policy and Program Development through askFSIS or by telephone at 1-800-233-3935. When submitting a question, complete the web form and select Sampling as the Inquiry Type.

NOTE: Refer to FSIS Directive 5620.1, Using askFSIS, for additional information on submitting questions