Overview

• The USDA has officially withdrawn a Biden-era proposal to regulate salmonella levels in raw chicken and turkey products.
• The rule aimed to reduce salmonella infections by 25% through mandatory testing and recalls of contaminated poultry stock.
• Over 7,000 public comments, including industry opposition citing economic burdens on small processors, influenced the decision.
• Food-safety advocates criticized the withdrawal, warning it weakens protections against foodborne illnesses that cause 1.35 million infections annually in the U.S.
• The USDA stated the withdrawal has no immediate effect on food-supply safety since the rule had not yet been implemented.