Non-relevant Salmonella serotypes in fresh poultry meat: critical issues for official control officers at market level

European Union (EU) and Italian legislation provide extensive control measures for non-typhoidal (NTS) Salmonella along the poultry production chain; however, a regulatory gap persists for fresh poultry meat. Current EU microbiological criteria apply only to NTS serotypes of major public health significance ("relevant"), whereas the management of other NTS serotypes ("non-relevant") is not harmonized. This study assessed the risk management strategies adopted by official veterinarians following the detection of non-relevant serotypes in fresh poultry meat at the distribution stage. Relevant EU and Italian legislation were analyzed, and operational practices in Italy were investigated through a structured questionnaire administered to local health units. In addition, EU-level approaches were examined through the analysis of Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) notifications. The results revealed substantial heterogeneity in the management of comparable findings at both the national and EU levels, reflecting regulatory ambiguities and broad discretionary powers of competent authorities, thereby complicating the implementation of consistent and proportionate official controls. This variability is further challenged by the increasing epidemiological relevance of certain non-relevant serotypes, particularly S. Infantis. The study highlights the need for a revision and harmonization of the regulatory framework to support consistent and proportionate official control practices while ensuring a high level of consumer protection.