Delayed Verification Sampling of Not Ready-to-Eat Breaded Stuffed Chicken Products

FSIS is delaying the implementation of its verification activities related to Salmonella in not ready-to-eat (NRTE) breaded stuffed chicken product because of current testing method limitations. The current available test methods have accuracy limitations and have resulted in findings of false positives, especially at low levels of contamination. At this time, FSIS is not establishing a new implementation date. The duration of the delay will depend largely on whether the Agency is able to refine the current method or develop and validate an alternative method that can be reliably applied in a regulatory context. FSIS will provide advance notice in the Federal Register before beginning verification sampling and testing activities.