INCREASE IN SCHEDULED MT03 SAMPLES IN JULY

FSIS has decided to increase the number of scheduled raw ground beef product samples for FSIS E. coli O157:H7 testing that it will collect in July. The Agency has taken this action following an increased number of positive Agency E. coli O157:H7 results that occurred within a short period of time in June 2007. The additional sampling should help clarify whether there have been any significant changes in the prevalence of this pathogen in raw ground beef. Therefore, FSIS has sent out an increased number of MT03 sample request forms this month.

Because of this increased raw ground beef product sampling, inspection program personnel may receive two or more MT03 sample request forms with July 2007 dates. Should inspection program personnel receive these sample request forms, they are to collect the raw ground beef product samples according to the instructions in Directives 10,210.1 and 10,010.1.

Direct questions to the Technical Service Center at 1-800-233-3935.

Philip S. Derfler
Assistant Administrator
Office of Policy, Program, and Employee Development