USDA Pulls Biden-Era Poultry Salmonella Regulations

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has withdrawn a Biden-era proposal that sought stricter regulation of salmonella in raw poultry, following significant public and industry feedback questioning the agency's legal authority and highlighting potential financial impacts on small businesses. The proposal would have deemed chicken products with certain salmonella levels or strains as 'adulterated,' barring them from sale and requiring more rigorous safety protocols in processing plants. Industry groups argued the rule would raise costs and food waste without clear public health benefits, while consumer advocates contend its withdrawal weakens protections against foodborne illnesses like salmonella, which causes about 1.35 million infections annually in the U.S. The USDA says it remains committed to reducing salmonella cases and will continue to consider updated standards. This decision comes amid broader food safety concerns, as the USDA has eliminated advisory committees and the FDA has suspended some quality control programs. The situation underscores ongoing debate between advancing food safety and managing industry burdens.