USDA Ditches Salmonella Crackdown: Chicken Safer Now?
Published Date: 4/25/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has decided to pull back its plan to crack down on Salmonella in raw poultry products. This means no new rules or testing changes for chicken and turkey producers right now, so no extra costs or deadlines to worry about. The plan aimed to make poultry safer but is now off the table as of April 25, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
No Immediate Microbial Monitoring Rule
FSIS withdrew the proposed rule on April 25, 2025, so poultry slaughter establishments will not immediately have to implement the proposed microbial monitoring program (MMP) that used statistical process control (SPC), switch sampling from pre-chill to rehang, conduct paired rehang/post-chill sampling, or submit sampling results electronically. The proposal that would have revised 9 CFR 381.65(g) and (h) is not moving forward as of April 25, 2025.
No New Adulteration Determination Now
Because FSIS withdrew the proposal on April 25, 2025, the Agency is not finalizing the proposed determination that raw chicken carcasses, chicken parts, comminuted chicken, and comminuted turkey contaminated with certain Salmonella levels and serotypes would be considered "adulterated" under the Poultry Products Inspection Act at this time. That proposed product-standard approach will not take effect while FSIS reassesses its approach.
Delay in Proposed Salmonella Reductions
The August 7, 2024 proposal was aimed at reducing Salmonella illnesses associated with poultry products, but FSIS withdrew that proposal on April 25, 2025 to further assess its approach. Because the proposal is withdrawn, the specific regulatory changes described in the August 7, 2024 proposal will not be implemented now.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-18231, Notice of Request To Renew an Approved Information Collection: Mechanically Tenderized Beef Products
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) regulations, FSIS is announcing its intention to request renewal of the approved information collection regarding the labeling requirements for mechanically tenderized beef products. There are no changes to the information collection. The current approval will expire on June 30, 2027.
2026-14216, Notice of Request To Renew an Approved Information Collection: Salmonella Initiative Program
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service wants to keep collecting info for the Salmonella Initiative Program, which helps track and reduce Salmonella in meat products. No changes are planned, but they need your comments by September 14, 2026. This renewal keeps the program running smoothly without extra costs or new rules for meat producers.
2026-10315, Notice of Request To Renew an Approved Information Collection: Accreditation of Laboratories, Transactions, and Exemptions
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service wants to keep collecting info from labs and meat, poultry, and egg businesses to make sure everything stays safe and official. No changes are coming, but they need your comments by July 21, 2026, before the current approval expires on October 31, 2026. This keeps the safety checks running smoothly without extra costs or hassles.
2026-10186, Visual Post-Mortem Inspection in Swine Slaughter Establishments
Starting July 20, 2026, swine slaughter plants won’t have to cut into pig lymph nodes or poke around their insides during inspections anymore. This change affects all swine slaughter establishments and lets inspectors focus on visual checks, saving time without risking food safety. It also gives the USDA more flexibility in assigning inspection staff, making the whole process smoother and possibly more cost-effective.
2026-08702, Availability of Revised Food Safety Guideline for Egg Products
The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service just updated its guide for companies that make egg products like pasteurized or frozen eggs. This new version answers common questions and adds fresh science to help these businesses keep eggs safe and follow the rules. If you’re in the egg biz, check out the changes and send your thoughts by July 6, 2026—no extra costs, just clearer safety tips!
2026-08580, Removal of Standard of Identity for Canned “Tripe With Milk”
Starting June 3, 2026, canned “Tripe with Milk” won’t have a strict recipe to follow anymore. This change lets producers get creative while still making sure labels tell the truth. It’s good news for businesses who want more freedom without confusing customers or costing extra.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-07165, Amendment of Class E Airspace; Nappanee, IN
The FAA wants to update the Class E airspace around Nappanee, Indiana, because a nearby navigation beacon was turned off. This change will help pilots fly safely using instruments and update airport location info. If you have thoughts, send them by June 9, 2025—no costs or delays expected for travelers or locals.
Next: 2025-06776, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA wants to make sure certain Airbus A350 airplanes stay safe by checking some bolts that might have problems. They’re asking for inspections and fixes if needed, based on European safety rules. Airlines and maintenance teams should act before June 13, 2025, to avoid any safety risks, but no big costs are expected right now.