The National Turkey Foundation (NTF) has issued a request for proposals from qualified researchers or institutions to conduct a scientific study aimed at determining how to define and develop microbiologically independent lots of raw ground turkey within a single production day in a processing establishment. The findings will support the turkey industry in establishing science-based practices for lot definition that enhance food safety and regulatory compliance.

At present, there is limited industry-wide guidance on how to define microbiologically independent lots of ground turkey produced during continuous or semi-continuous operations. The study would fill this gap by identifying practical, science-based criteria and operational practices that can be used to establish distinct lots that are microbiologically independent.