WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Turkey Federation (NTF) issued the following statement on the release of the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service’s (FSIS) Salmonella Framework Proposed Rule:

“Since the release of FSIS’ Proposed Regulatory Framework to Reduce Salmonella Illnesses Attributable to Poultry in 2022, the National Turkey Federation (NTF) and its members have actively contributed industry data to the FSIS Salmonella Risk Assessment and maintained an ongoing dialogue with the agency to identify effective, practical solutions that build on the turkey industry’s ongoing efforts to combat Salmonella throughout turkey production.

“Regarding the Salmonella Framework, while NTF believes that FSIS already possesses the authority and regulatory tools necessary to drive improvements in food safety without implementing a final product standard for Salmonella in turkey products, we will diligently review and provide meaningful comment on the proposal. NTF believes any standard should be science-based and should not impose unnecessary costs and product destruction for members of the U.S. turkey industry.

“As we delve deeper into the Salmonella Framework, NTF is committed to continuing our engagement with FSIS to develop comprehensive strategies that will advance this crucial priority while reflecting the concerns of NTF members expressed throughout this policy progression.”