USDA FSIS Declares Salmonella an Adulterant in Breaded, Stuffed Raw Chicken Products
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA’s FSIS) has announced that it will declare Salmonella to be an adulterant in breaded and stuffed raw chicken products. By declaring Salmonella to be an adulterant, FSIS will have the authority to ensure that contaminated products do not enter the market. The action is part of FSIS’ broader efforts to reduce Salmonella illnesses associated with poultry.
Breaded and stuffed raw chicken products are of particular concern because they have been linked to 14 foodborne illness outbreaks and 200 illnesses since 1998. Breaded and stuffed raw chicken products are typically found in the freezer section at grocery stores, and may cause confusion as they can appear cooked; FSIS states that efforts to improve labeling for the products has not been effective at reducing consumer illnesses. Cordon bleu and chicken Kiev are examples of such products.