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.

In an effort to promote data-backed, science-based programs and food safety policies, OFS plans to publish a summary outlining the strategy to reduce Salmonella in meat, poultry and egg products. The outline, entitled “Roadmap to Reducing Salmonella: Driving Change through Science-Based Policy,” will be released the week before the public meeting.

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. Comments are being accepted on or before Sept. 25, 2020, and can be submitted at http://www.regulations.gov.

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. 

Attendees must register online at https://ems8.intellor.com?do=register&t=1&p=831058 to participate and stakeholders may make oral comments during the proceedings but are required to notify FSIS during the registration process if they would like to make comments. Questions to be addressed at the meeting must be submitted via email by Sept. 10, 2020 at: FRN@usda.gov.