US poultry salmonella strains become more dangerous and resistant, raising safety concerns

Farm Forward warns that antibiotic-resistant salmonella strains in US poultry are increasing in prevalence and severity, prompting debate over industry safety measures as government proposals are withdrawn.

Farm Forward has warned that the most dangerous salmonella strains in US poultry are becoming more common, more likely to cause serious illness and increasingly resistant to antibiotics, according to its August report. The group said three strains , Salmonella Infantis, Enteritidis and Typhimurium , accounted for about 68% of salmonella found in poultry in 2025, up from 25% in 2014, while antibiotic resistance among contaminated samples rose to 73.3% from 48.1%.

The findings come after the US Department of Agriculture withdrew a proposed 2024 rule that would have set tougher limits on salmonella in raw poultry and targeted six high-risk strains. FSIS says it is still pursuing a broader strategy to cut poultry-linked illness, including risk assessments, policy changes and work with industry aimed at reducing salmonella infections.

Farm Forward and veterinary public health specialists argue that the current system leaves consumers carrying too much of the burden. Poultry production in the US is dominated by large confined operations, which critics say create ideal conditions for contamination. They also note that the industry has focused on reducing strains that sicken birds, rather than those most harmful to people.

Industry groups have defended existing efforts and stress affordability, scientific rigour and consumer education on safe handling. But the debate now centres on whether voluntary controls and food safety advice are enough in the face of rising drug resistance.