FSIS Article Published in the International Journal of Food Microbiology 

FSIS published an article titled ”Assessing the Effectiveness of Revised Performance Standards for Salmonella Contamination of Chicken Parts” in the peer-reviewed International Journal of Food Microbiology.

The article examines changes in Salmonella occurrence within the chicken parts industry since FSIS first proposed new performance standards in 2015. Large reductions in Salmonella contamination were observed in both the FSIS slaughter establishment data and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) retail data. Changes in the most common serotypes, antimicrobial resistance, and seasonal patterns were also observed. For example, these data demonstrate the rising importance of the Infantis serotype among Salmonella isolates from chicken parts samples, as well as a mid-winter peak in Salmonella occurrence among these samples. 

While the FSIS data shows that Salmonella contamination in poultry products has been decreasing, we have not seen this translate to a reduction in Salmonella-related illnesses attributable to poultry products. Salmonella in poultry remains a significant food safety concern in the U.S. More than 1 million consumer Salmonella illnesses occur annually, with over 20% attributed to poultry consumption.

That is why FSIS is rethinking its approach to how it addresses Salmonella in poultry, which includes taking a closer look at the efficacy of our approach — including reliance on performance standards — and whether it needs to be revised. Since the announcement, FSIS has been collaborating with stakeholders and gathering information to develop a multi-step approach to reducing Salmonella illnesses associated with poultry products. The agency plans to present a draft framework for a revised strategy and convene a public meeting to discuss it in the Fall. 

Export Requirements Update

The Library of Export Requirements has been updated for products for the following:

• Israel
• Chile
• Japan
• Curacao
• Cuba
• Barbados
• Colombia
• China
• Benin
• Mauritius
• French Polynesia (Tahiti)
• India
• New Zealand
• Vietnam
• Jordan

Complete information can be found at the FSIS Import & Export Library.