Little Apple Times

U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann and Steve Womack have introduced legislation aimed at protecting poultry producers from a regulation proposed during President Biden's administration. The regulation, concerning Salmonella testing, has been criticized by the representatives as potentially harmful to producers and likely to increase consumer costs.

The proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) would impose additional testing requirements for Salmonella, which Mann and Womack argue are not scientifically justified. They cite USDA data indicating a 60% decrease in Salmonella outbreaks since 2020 and that over 97% of whole chickens tested negative for the bacteria in 2022.

"American families have been clear about the weight that skyrocketing food prices and inflation have had on their ability to put food on their tables," stated Rep. Mann. He criticized the Biden administration for what he sees as unnecessary regulations impacting rural America and emphasized his bill's aim to prevent taxpayer dollars from funding these measures.

Rep. Womack echoed these sentiments, describing the proposed framework as "burdensome" and asserting it would lead to higher grocery costs. He expressed pride in supporting Mann's legislative efforts to block federal funding for implementing the regulation.

The National Chicken Council has voiced its support for this legislative move.

In addition to this bill, Rep. Mann has introduced other legislation targeting regulations from the Biden administration, including efforts related to wildlife conservation and firearm licensing.