FSIS Extends Comment Period for On-Line Antimicrobial Reprocessing of Pre-Chill Poultry Carcasses

WASHINGTON, Jan. 31, 2001--The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service is extending the comment period for the proposed rule, On-Line Antimicrobial Reprocessing of Pre-Chill Poultry Carcasses. The comment period is being extended for an additional 60 days because commentors have requested additional time to collect data. The comment period will be open until April 2.

Initially, FSIS published the proposed rule Dec. 1, 2000, to request comments on a proposal that will allow pre-chill poultry carcasses contaminated with digestive tract contents to be reprocessed on-line if significantly lower pathogen reduction standards for E. coli and Salmonella are met. The proposed change reinforces the agency's goal of pathogen reduction.

Written comments should be submitted to the FSIS Docket Clerk, Docket No. 98-062P, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, Room 102, Cotton Annex Building, 300 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20250-3700. All comments will be available for public inspection in the Docket Clerk's Office between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For Further Information, Contact:
FSIS Congressional and Public Affairs
Phone: (202) 720-9113
Fax: (202) 690-0460