Salmonella Control: Comparing US and EU Regulations for Poultry

Salmonella control in poultry in the US has come under intense regulatory scrutiny over the past few years. With increasing concerns about food safety, it might be worth considering whether the US should adopt the European Union’s (EU) regulatory mindset.

The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) declared Salmonella an adulterant in raw breaded stuffed chicken products when contamination levels exceed one colony-forming unit (CFU) per gram. 

This April 2024 action follows previous efforts aimed at reducing Salmonella in poultry, particularly by encouraging preharvest controls to reduce contamination before poultry reaches the slaughterhouse.

Related: New Rapid Salmonella Test Could Accelerate Poultry Safety

The EU takes a different approach to Salmonella control in poultry. Unlike the US, the EU classifies Salmonella as an adulterant in all poultry products, focusing on rigorous detection before the products reach foodservice or retail. This approach emphasizes stringent testing and preventive measures at earlier stages of the supply chain.

By focusing on these proactive measures, EU regulations aim to prevent Salmonella contamination before poultry products reach consumers. This proactive stance may help reduce the incidence of foodborne illnesses and protect public health more effectively.

Additionally, in the EU, potable water is mandatory during the cleaning stage of poultry processing, though enforcement can vary significantly between member countries. The presence of Salmonella in various parts of the bird, including feed particles, intestines, feathers and skin, underscores the importance of thorough cleaning to ensure food safety.

The US regulatory approach tends to place more responsibility on consumers to avoid Salmonella. This differs from the EU’s strategy, which imposes stricter controls on the poultry industry itself. The question arises whether shifting some of this responsibility to the industry could improve food safety outcomes in the US.

The contrasting approaches to Salmonella control in the US and EU highlight the importance of evaluating food safety regulations. Adopting some of the EU’s stringent measures could potentially benefit the US poultry industry and enhance consumer safety. The recent regulatory changes by the USDA’s FSIS mark a step in this direction, but there is room for further improvement.

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