THE NEW FSIS REGULATORY FRAMEWORK - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.
Controlling Salmonella in Poultry Products
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is considering a new regulatory framework to control Salmonella in poultry products and reduce foodborne Salmonella infections. The new framework is comprised of 3 components.
Component 1: Requiring that incoming flocks be tested for Salmonella before entering an establishment.
FSIS is considering targeting a set level for Salmonella at receiving. If establishments do not meet the target Salmonella load at receiving, they would need to demonstrate a reduction in Salmonella at subsequent processes to meet final product standards.
The objective of this component is to incentivize pre-harvest interventions to reduce the overall load of incoming Salmonella contamination or mitigate a particular serotype prior to entering the establishment.
FSIS is also considering implementing a “logistical slaughter” depending on Salmonella load and final product standards.
Component 3: Implementing an enforceable final product standard.
FSIS is evaluating whether certain levels or types of Salmonella on raw poultry products present an elevated risk for human illness and if Salmonella should be considered an adulterant.
FSIS is concurrently considering moving towards an enforceable final product standard for Salmonella based on quantification rather than the current "zero" tolerance standard.
If the enforceable final product standard is implemented, the current performance standards would potentially be sunsetted including the moving window-approach to sampling and categorization of establishments.
Component 2: Enhancing establishment process control monitoring and FSIS verification.
The purpose of this component is to ensure that poultry slaughter establishments are effectively controlling Salmonella throughout their operations.
The changes that are being contemplated include the revision of multipoint sampling and the use of standardized statistical approaches for process controls.
Modifications could also be made to the existing requirements of indicator organisms for process control such as requiring the testing of these indicator organisms. Production volume would be considered to determine the frequency of sample collection.
What can you do while discussions take place?
Our team understands the uncertainty and disruption that this new Salmonella framework could cause within the poultry industry. In the meantime, if you have any questions, our team of experts are available to assist and recommend customized solutions to help address all 3 components of this new framework.
For more information about the new Salmonella regulatory framework, please visit: https://bit.ly/FSISNewSalmonellaFramework
About SK8 Biotech
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To learn more, visit www.sk8biotech.com or reach out at info@sk8biotech.com.