The final determination also announced FSIS’ intention to implement sampling and testing of raw incoming chicken components used to produce NRTE breaded stuffed chicken products (88 FR 35033, 35050-35051). The testing program was initially set to begin on May 1, 2025. On April 11, 2025, FSIS extended the start date until November 3, 2025, to give the Agency additional time to finalize relevant guidance and instructions and to prepare laboratories for sampling and testing (90 FR 15433).
FSIS is now announcing a further delay in the implementation of verification sampling and testing and other verification activities for NRTE breaded stuffed chicken products. The available methods, including the reference method Most Probable Number (MPN) have accuracy limitations and have resulted in findings of false positives for Salmonella at 1 CFU/g; that is, there have been instances in which some product that in fact contains less than 1 CFU/g has tested positive.
Specifically, an evaluation study conducted by the Agricultural Research Service (ARS), (1) tested source material for NRTE breaded stuffed chicken, consistent with the sampling approach FSIS planned to use and found false positives. #FSIS #USDA #FoodSafety