Beyond FSIS sampling of previously inspected ground beef being reground at inspected establishments, there are increasing “third-party testing” activities. These include state governmental samples of raw ground beef that has left the official establishment and customer sampling of incoming product as part of verification activities.
Since even the very best establishment can have isolated contamination, the increased sampling may result in positive E. coli O157:H7 findings. If there is a positive finding, FSIS will consider whether a recall of all product implicated by the sample is appropriate, including product shipped to other locations.