WASHINGTON – Notice 72-12 “Documenting Sample Source When Collecting Samples for Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia Coli (STEC) Verification Testing” has been issued by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Inspectors are asked in this notice to verify and document the sample source in the Public Health Information System (PHIS) when collecting raw beef samples under its verification testing programs for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), according to the American Meat Institute.

Sample sources will consist of either beef, veal or mixed.

Based on FSIS test results, the percent positive for STEC from ground beef and trimmings produced from veal is higher than for STEC from ground beef and trimmings produced from other cattle slaughter classes. FSIS plans to begin reporting veal and beef separately on its website where it reports results from its STEC verification testing programs in raw beef products.

To read the full notice, visit http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISNotices/72-12.pdf.