USDA to Begin Yearlong Poultry Study

The USDA will begin a yearlong study in June of foodborne pathogens in federally inspected poultry plants, the department announced May 22.

During the baseline study, the department will collect carcass rinses at Re-Hang and Post-Chill from broiler chickens slaughtered in federal establishments. Re-Hang refers to the location in the process after the picker and prior to evisceration of the bird. Post-Chill refers to the point in the process at the end of the drip line after all interventions have taken place, but before the bird enters the cooler or proceeds to further processing.

This baseline study will provide the Food Safety and Inspection Service and the regulated industry with data concerning the prevalence and quantitative levels of selected foodborne pathogens and microorganisms — including E. coli, Salmonella and coliforms — that serve as indicators of process

The department said it will not use the data collected for any regulatory actions.

For more information on the study, click here.