What does the zero tolerance standard for poultry include?

The zero tolerance standard for poultry is primarily focused on ensuring that raw poultry products are free from any contamination that could pose a risk to public health. Under this standard, feces is specifically identified as an unacceptable contaminant because it harbors harmful pathogens that can lead to foodborne illness.

The scope of the zero tolerance standard is strict; any presence of fecal matter detected during inspection is not permissible. This is based on the understanding that fecal contamination can contaminate the meat and lead to severe health risks for consumers. As such, any poultry found to have feces present is deemed unfit for sale and consumption.

The other mentioned materials, such as bile, egg yolk, and feathers, are not included in the zero tolerance standard in the same way as feces. Bile, for instance, may have its own standards but does not carry the same health risks associated with fecal contamination. This delineation makes it clear why the standard emphasizes feces as the primary concern under the zero tolerance guideline for poultry inspection.