The USDA is planning to reduce some Salmonella testing for poultry products for the coming fiscal year, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. In a 33-page sampling plan for fiscal year 2024 , the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) outlines the number of samples it plans to test. The agency says most of the cutbacks are because it already has enough data to study.
“It is important to note that this document reflects the agency’s plan, and there may be a difference between the number of samples anticipated to be analyzed and the total number of samples analyzed within the fiscal year. Several variables can impact the plan as the fiscal year progresses,” according to the plan document. “FSIS laboratories perform whole genome sequencing (WGS) on all foodborne pathogens isolated and confirmed from FSIS-regulated products.
When product samples test positive for bacterial pathogens, FSIS engages with federal partners to use WGS data for regulatory and public health purposes. The information gathered from WGS helps FSIS to detect and investigate outbreaks of foodborne illness, identify potential instances of harborage, and identify unique genes, including antimicrobial resistance genes.” The FSIS qualifies its approach to Salmonella testing, saying that some Salmonella microorganisms are less likely to result in foodborne illnesses.
Some consumer protection groups have previously challenged the agency’s position, wanting testing for more types of Salmon.
