WASHINGTON – Food safety officials and representatives from multiple government agencies are convening for a virtual public meeting focused on reducing Salmonella in the food supply chain. Hosting the meeting, scheduled for Sept. 22, 2020, from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. EST, are the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Office of Food Safety (OFS) and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Participants include the US Food and Drug Administration, the Agricultural Research Service and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

A science-based and data-driven plan to decrease Salmonella, known as “The Roadmap to Reducing Salmonella: Driving Change through Science-Based Policy, was published by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) Sept. 18, 2020. Focused on proven programs and regulations to produce safe meat, poultry and egg products, the plan is also intended to promote continued innovations targeting Salmonella control.

“This roadmap represents FSIS’ commitment to lead with science and data in all that we do. It puts us on a course to aggressively target Salmonella and other foodborne pathogens,” said Mindy Brashears, Ph.D., undersecretary for food safety at USDA. “I look forward to continued partnership with the food safety community in driving a science-based approach to protecting public health.”

According to the USDA, “FSIS will discuss the agency’s commitment to reduce pathogen contamination by leading with science, building relationships, and influencing behavior change to decrease Salmonella infections associated with FSIS-regulated products and save lives.”

A Federal Register notice will announce the virtual meeting and the FSIS is accepting comments on the Salmonella-reduction proposals discussed at the public event. 

In its announcement of the public meeting the USDA said Salmonella is a significant threat to numerous food products regulated by the FSIS. The goal of the meeting is to promote regulatory transparency and share data and science-based strategies and initiatives with stakeholders. 

Virtually attending the meeting is free. Written comments on the Salmonella Roadmap can be submitted on or before Sept. 25, 2020 at http://www.regulations.gov. It is past the deadline to submit written comments for the virtual meeting.

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