On Aug. 20, 2015, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued Directive 10,010.1, Rev. 4 (http://bit.ly/regleg1015). This directive instructs inspection program personnel (IPP) on how to conduct shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) sampling activities at establishments producing raw beef products, including veal and not-ready-to-eat beef. This directive is limited to sampling activities and is discussed below. FSIS also issued a separate directive for other agency STEC verification activities, 10,010.2, which will be discussed in next month’s column.
One purpose in issuing the revised directive is to improve the selection of establishments and products for sampling. Since sampling is scheduled through the Public Health Information System (PHIS), the directive instructs the IPP review the plant profile so that it is complete and correct. FSIS noted that incomplete profile information has resulted in scheduling incorrect sampling tasks. The IPP are to review and complete the sections on the raw beef products manufactured at the establishment (including whether raw materials were purchased or generated on site) and the volume of each, so appropriate sampling projects can be assigned at the proper frequency. Upon updating the plant profile, the IPP are to share the information with establishment management to ensure accuracy.