Food Safety: USDA Should Take Additional Actions to Strengthen Oversight of Meat and Poultry

Each year, millions of Americans are affected by foodborne illnesses, with pathogens like Salmonella and Campylobacter continuing to pose significant risks. While the USDA has taken steps to reduce contamination in meat and poultry, progress in updating safety standards has been slow, with several proposed pathogen regulations still on hold. Recent outbreaks highlight the urgency of stronger oversight, especially as outdated standards may leave gaps in food safety protections. By prioritizing comprehensive risk assessments and updated guidelines, agencies can better safeguard public health and prevent future outbreaks.