Source: Lisa M . Keefe, MEATINGPLACE, 9/16/14

Testing is underway and proposed performance standards for salmonella in various species are expected in the next 12 months, according to Acting Assistant Administrator Rachel Edelstein, of the Office of Policy and Program Development of FSIS.

In an update provided to the North American Meat Association gathering here earlier this month, Edelstein reiterated that the controversial poultry slaughter modernization program is considered the “first step” in the agency’s salmonella action plan.

The new poultry inspection processes “will help prevent illnesses each year because inspectors will spend more time on verification activities that address food safety,” she said.

In addition, since June USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service has been analyzing for salmonella all beef samples it collects for STEC testing. The results, she said, will be used to establish new pathogen performance standards for ground beef and to measure salmonella in ground beef and trim.

Edelstein said the agency hopes to be able to proposed performance standards for salmonella in ground beef in the next fiscal year, but told NAMA members that the agency would request comments before any final decisions were made.

The agency also is developing performance standards for salmonella and campylobacter in comminuted poultry products, and for chicken parts, based on the ongoing samples being done with those products. Those proposed standards may be published during the current calendar year, Edelstein said, although the industry would be asked for comments before anything were to be implemented.

And, Edelstein said, FSIS is considering testing additional products for salmonella that aren’t being tested now, including pork products, pork grim and ground pork.

“There is evidence that … pork products contribute to salmonella illness,” she said. “We think that decreasing the sanitary dressing issues in hog slaughter establishments could decrease the incidence of salmonella.”

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