USDA Sued Over New Poultry Inspection Rule

Food & Water Watch has filed a federal lawsuit to stop the federal government from implementing the New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS) rules. The group alleges the new poultry inspection rules would turn over key food safety inspection functions to poultry companies and would limit oversight by USDA inspectors.

The new rule is slated to become effective October 20. It requires poultry companies to take measures to prevent Salmonella and Campylobacter contamination, rather than addressing contamination after it occurs. It also requires for the first time that all poultry facilities perform their own microbiological testing at two points in their production process to show they are controlling Salmonella and Campylobacter. These requirements are in addition to testing from the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). FSIS estimates that the new rule, when enforced, will prevent up to 5,000 foodborne illnesses each year.

However, Food & Water Watch has filed the suit because it believes the new poultry inspection rule will not protect the consumers.

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Source: http://www.wattagnet.com