**FSIS has added a second rinsate collection container to HC_CPT_LBW01 sample kits for IPP to collect for shipping to the FSIS laboratories.**

1. PURPOSE
   This notice informs inspection program personnel (IPP) that they are to collect rinsate in an additional container for chicken parts samples. The FSIS labs will conduct additional testing of product submitted under this sampling project (HC_CPT_LBW01). Additionally, this notice informs IPP that FSIS labs will also generate additional testing results for both comminuted chicken samples (HC_CH_COM01) and comminuted turkey samples (HC_TU_COM01).

2. BACKGROUND

   1. FSIS is collecting additional rinsate to conduct additional microbial testing of chicken parts. FSIS will also conduct additional microbial testing of comminuted chicken samples and comminuted turkey samples. FSIS will enumerate positive Salmonella results and conduct Aerobic Count indicator testing. For chicken parts, IPP are to fill and submit a second collection container, as described below.

   2. The purpose of the additional testing is to collect quantitative microbial data from establishments producing chicken parts, comminuted chicken, and comminuted turkey. Similar data are currently collected through enumeration testing of young chicken carcasses.
   3. FSIS categorization of establishments will not be changed based on the results of the additional testing.

3. AWARENESS MEETING WITH ESTABLISHMENT MANAGEMENT

   1. If the establishment is currently receiving sampling tasks for project codes HC_CPT_LBW01 (chicken parts) and/or HC_CH_COM01 (comminuted chicken) and/or HC_TU_COM01 (comminuted turkey), the inspector in charge (IIC) is to schedule an awareness meeting with establishment management to inform them that the establishment will be part of the additional testing program.

   2. The IIC is to make establishment management aware of this notice (by providing a web link or printed copy) and review the following points during the awareness meeting:
      1. The purpose of this testing is to collect quantitative microbial data from establishments producing chicken parts or comminuted chicken or comminuted turkey. FSIS intends to use the results for policy development;
      2. These new sampling results will not impact performance standards; FSIS will continue to categorize establishments according to Salmonella positives across a 52-week moving window.
         
         FSIS will not take action based on the test results;
      3. Establishments do not need to hold product pending these new sample results;
      4. Samples will be (additionally) tested to enumerate positive Salmonella results and conduct Aerobic Count indicator testing;
      5. The start dates of the additional testing for:
         1. chicken parts (HC_CPT_LBW01) began on January 30, 2023;
         2. comminuted chicken (HC_CH_COM01) will begin on February 27, 2023;
         3. comminuted turkey (HC_TU_COM01) will begin no later than April 3, 2023; and,
      6. The results of the additional testing will be available to industry via the on-demand establishment sampling summary report available in FSIS’s Public Health Information System (PHIS) as described in the Constituent Update of September 30, 2022.
   3. IPP are to document the awareness meeting in a memorandum of interview (MOI) as described in FSIS Directive 5010.1 section IV.
4. REVISED SAMPLING INSTRUCTIONS
   1. IPP are to follow sampling instructions within FSIS Directive 10,250.1, chapter V, on collecting rinsates for chicken parts (HC_CPT_LBW01) to analyze for Salmonella and Campylobacter.
   2. For chicken parts sampling (HC_CPT_LBW01), sample boxes will be shipped with an additional sterile specimen cup. IPP are to follow the instructions on the accompanying note, i.e., for project HC_CPT_LBW01, IPP are to use the parts 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 will go to the data warehouse and will be 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.
5. REVISED 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 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 parts, HC_CPT_LBW01) into a single zipper lock bag affixed with a single laboratory sample container.
6. 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.