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USDA implements new poultry inspection system

USDA is implementing that New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS) for processors.  Food Safety and Inspection Service will now require that all poultry companies take measures to prevent Salmonella and Campylobacter contamination, rather than addressing contamination after it occurs. All poultry facilities will be required to perform their own microbiological testing at two points in their production process to show that they are controlling Salmonella and Campylobacter. These requirements are in addition to FSIS’ own testing, which the agency will continue to perform.

FSIS is also introducing the optional NPIS in which poultry companies must sort their own product for quality defects before presenting it to FSIS inspectors.  The goal is to have FSIS inspectors spend less time with quality assurance allowing them more time to observe the birds, take samples for testing, check plant sanitation and verify plant compliance.

The proposal was first published in January of 2012.  After receiving numerous comments, a number of changes were made to the plan including capping the line-speed at 140 birds per minute.

FSIS estimates that the NPIS will prevent nearly 5,000 Salmonella and Campylobacter foodborne illnesses each year

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