All USDA can do now is shut down plants and seek criminal penalties, which is like having to seek the death penalty for every violation of the law. The agency won't do that very often, so we need penalties more suited to less extreme violations. As detailed in the article, Consumer Reports tested nearly 1,000 fresh chickens for salmonella and campylobacter from supermarkets and specialty stores in 36 cities across the country. Americans are eating more chicken than ever before an estimated 74 pounds per person in 1997, up from 58 pounds in 1987.
Food safety is a multifaceted problem.