USDA repeal of Salmonella framework certain to make Americans sicker

Statement of CSPI Director of Regulatory Affairs Sarah Sorscher

When the United States Department of Agriculture proposed to ban raw poultry contaminated with dangerous Salmonella bacteria from commerce, we called it the greatest advance for food safety since USDA moved to ban certain E. coli in ground beef.

The decision by the Trump administration to repeal that proposal will let poultry processors continue to ship raw chicken and turkey even after products test positive for high levels of the most dangerous strains of Salmonella.

Salmonella is a leading cause of food poisoning. Every year, it sickens more than a million people, resulting in more than 26,000 hospitalizations, and about 420 deaths. One in six of these Salmonella infections shows at least some antimicrobial resistance.

Make no mistake: Shipping more Salmonella to restaurants and grocery stores is certain to make Americans sicker.