Use of Trisodium Phosphate on Raw, Chilled Poultry Carcasses

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is amending the poultry products inspection regulations to permit the application of trisodium phosphate (TSP) on raw, chilled poultry carcasses passed for wholesomeness. The TSP solution will be permitted as an antimicrobial agent on such poultry carcasses at a level of 8 to 12 percent. The solution must be maintained at a temperature of 45 deg.F to 55 deg.F and applied by spraying or dipping carcasses for up to 15 seconds. Tests conducted by industry and FSIS have shown that the use of TSP, at the above-stated concentration, temperature, and duration, reduces microbial populations on raw, chilled poultry surfaces.