The presence of Salmonella positives above the standard is an indication that the plant's system for addressing contamination is not working, and the plant must take steps to correct the problem. Table 1 presents the Salmonella summary data for broilers, swine, and ground beef. Caution should be used in comparing these data because the sampling protocols, seasonal periods, and the number of plants vary among the testing phases. Nevertheless, summary data indicate a general trend toward lower percentages of products that are positive for Salmonella compared to the baseline studies. Table 2 presents the percentage of plants meeting the Salmonella performance standards.
Results indicate that most plants for which sample sets have been completed have met standards.
Plants failing to meet the performance standard were formally notified and required to take immediate action, consistent with the regulations, to comply with the requirements. A more detailed report on Salmonella testing data in large plants will be available after data from the first year of sampling are analyzed.