Bill Takes Aim at Stricter Poultry Regulations

The chickens have come home to roost—which seems common when USDA rule-making is met with opposition.

Republican Reps. Steve Womack (R-AR) and Tracey Mann (R-KS) introduced a bill that would block a USDA rule that increases salmonella regulations.

ICYMI: The USDA ruffled a lot of feathers after proposing the “Salmonella Framework for Raw Poultry Products” rule in July—a framework the agency had been working on since 2020.

If implemented, the rule tightens regulations on poultry production. Producers would be encouraged to increase biosecurity and boost vaccination protocols. It would require flock testing before birds are sent to slaughter facilities and establish contamination limits. 

Egg-spensive regulations: The representatives argued the regulations would drive production costs higher and put producers out of business. The restrictions, they said, are also arbitrary and will lead to more food waste.

Additionally, salmonella outbreaks dropped 60% since 2020; 97% of chicken tested negative for salmonella in 2022.

Soundbite: “The Biden administration’s proposed salmonella framework places burdensome, unnecessary testing requirements on our nation’s poultry producers. This leads to higher costs at the grocery store for consumers.” — Representative Steve Womack

Clucking for change: Consumer advocates are not so sure about that. Groups say the rule will benefit consumers and public health. Some of the groups said the rule is actually “too narrow” due to a lack of enforcement provisions.