The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has released a report that identifies which turkey processing plants met, exceeded or failed to meet the FSIS performance standards for Salmonella control.
The report revealed good news in that plants operated by most Top Turkey Companies in the United States well exceeded the Salmonella control standards by achieving 50 percent or less of the maximum allowable percent positive during the most recent period of evaluation (October 29, 2017, to October 27, 2018). But it also indicated improvements still need to be made in the industry, as nearly half of the top companies in the U.S. had at least one facility that went beyond the maximum allowable percent positive during the same testing period.
Plants evaluated were placed into three categories. The first category identifies the plants that achieved 50 percent or less of the maximum allowable percent positive. The second category identifies the plants that met the maximum allowable percent but had results greater than 50 percent. The third identified the plants that exceeded the maximum allowable percent.
This report will include the facilities operated by turkey companies listed in the WATTAgNet Top Companies Database that achieved 50 percent or less of the maximum allowable percent and those that failed to meet the maximum allowable percentage. Plants operated by top companies that were listed in the middle category, as well as the performance of plants operated by smaller companies, can be found on the FSIS website.
Some cities where plants operate are listed twice. In all cases where a city is listed more than once, the young turkey carcass facilities exceeded Salmonella control standards while the comminuted turkey facilities did not meet them.
FSIS also evaluated Salmonella control at broiler plants.
Top Turkey Company plants that exceeded expectations
Turkey plants to achieve 50 percent or less of the maximum allowable percent positive for Salmonella presence that were operated by Top Turkey Companies, identified by company and location, are listed below. Companies and their plants are listed in no particular order.
Jennie-O Turkey Store
- Barron, Wisconsin
- Willmar, Minnesota
- Melrose, Minnesota
- Waco, Texas
- Springdale, Arkansas
- Dayton, Virginia
- California, Missouri
Pitman Family Farms/Norbest
- Moroni, Utah
- Sanger, California
- Storm Lake, Iowa
Empire Kosher
- Mifflintown, Pennsylvania
Cooper Farms
- St. Henry, Ohio
- West Liberty, Iowa
Butterball
- Mount Olive, North Carolina
- Carthage, Missouri
- Ozark, Arkansas
- Huntsville, Arkansas
Kraft-Heinz
- Newberry, South Carolina
Foster Farms
- Turlock, California
Michigan Turkey Producers
- Wyoming, Michigan
Dakota Provisions
- Huron, South Dakota
Hain Pure Protein
- New Oxford, Pennsylvania
Perdue Farms
- Washington, Indiana
- Gainesville, Georgia
Zacky Farms
- Fresno, California
Northern Pride
- Thief River Falls
Farbest Foods
- Huntingburg, Indiana
- Vincennes, Indiana
Koch’s Turkey Farm
- Tamaqua, Pennsylvania
Prestage Farms
- St. Pauls, North Carolina
Top Turkey Company plants that failed to meet standards
Plants that exceeded maximum allowable percent positive for Salmonella presence that were operated by Top Turkey Companies, identified by company and location, are listed below. Companies and their plants are listed in no particular order.
Jennie-O Turkey Store
- Barron, Wisconsin
- Willmar, Minnesota
- Faribault, Minnesota
Butterball
- Mount Olive, North Carolina
- Carthage, Missouri
Cargill
- Springdale, Arkansas
Foster Farms
- Turlock, California
Michigan Turkey Producers
- Wyoming, Michigan
Dakota Provisions
- Huron, South Dakota
Hain Pure Protein
- New Oxford, Pennsylvania
Perdue Foods
- Washington, Indiana
Prestage Farms
- St. Pauls, North Carolina
