This notice asks inspectors to verify and document the sample source in the Public Health Information System (PHIS) when collecting raw beef samples under FSIS’s verification testing programs for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC).
This allows companies to use the NeoSEEK system to comply with the USDA’s recently implemented regulation that requires the testing of raw beef trim for six new STEC serogroups, in addition to the previously regulated STEC, E. coli O157:H7.
On March 5, 2012, the Food Safety and Inspection Service’s (FSIS) adulteration decision on the top six non-O157 STECs (pathogenic STEC, or pSTEC) is due to become effective for raw, non-intact beef products made from cattle slaughtered on or after that date.
Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) announced that it has performed comprehensive STEC testing with a variety of clients and has become proficient in testing for the six E. coli serogroups known as STEC.
The American Meat Institute joined seven other industry associations in requesting an extension of the comment period regarding the Food Safety and Inspection Service’s (FSIS) recent Federal Register publication, Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Certain Raw Beef Products, which declares that six non-O157 strains will be treated as adulterants when found in certain beef products.
