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USDA Halts Salmonella Rule, Igniting Food Safety Outrage

4/30/2025

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Summary

Story summary

In a surprising turn, the USDA has scrapped a proposed rule to curb salmonella levels in raw poultry, halting a key Biden administration effort to combat foodborne illnesses. This decision, shaped by more than 7,000 public comments, has sparked outrage among food safety advocates who warn it endangers public health, given that salmonella leads to 1.35 million infections each year in the U.S.

History

Historical Context

The USDA's decision to abandon the proposed salmonella rule reflects ongoing challenges in U.S. food safety regulation. Historical efforts, such as the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 and the Food Safety Modernization Act of 2011, aimed to enhance consumer protection. However, public health advocates warn that this latest reversal undermines progress against foodborne illnesses, which remain a significant health threat today.

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Story summary

In a surprising turn, the USDA has scrapped a proposed rule to curb salmonella levels in raw poultry, halting a key Biden administration effort to combat foodborne illnesses. This decision, shaped by more than 7,000 public comments, has sparked outrage among food safety advocates who warn it endangers public health, given that salmonella leads to 1.35 million infections each year in the U.S.

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