WASHINGTON – The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) on Friday issued Notice 80-08, which informs program personnel that they are to begin routine sampling of raw ground beef components other than trimmings for E. coli O157:H7 when they receive a sample request form (FSIS Form 10,210-3) with the MT54 project code.

Agency personnel are to collect samples from slaughter establishments. When the automated import information system (AIIS) requests a sample of beef manufacturing trimmings or other specified raw ground beef component for E. coli testing, import personnel are to sample the product identified in AIIS, using the MT51 code on the sampling request form. This product is adulterated if it tests positive for E. coli.

This notice is being issued as part of FSIS’ risk-based sampling program for E. coli. FSIS inspection program personnel already conduct routine sampling of beef manufacturing trimmings under FSIS Notice 18-07.

To view this notice, click here: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISNotices/80-08.pdf.

Source: American Meat Institute