Microbiology
BASELINE DATA
Baseline Data
Data were obtained to estimate the prevalence and levels of bacteria on a sample of inspected carcasses. Studies focus on bacteria of concern to public health.
E. COLI O157:H7 and SHIGA TOXIN-PRODUCING E. COLI
Raw Ground Beef - E. coli O157:H7 Testing Results
A description of the testing program for raw ground beef and components; links to data tables.
READY-TO-EAT
Ready-to-Eat Meat & Poultry Results
The data reported here are from product sampling projects covering the years 1990-2010. Report includes a discussion of Listeria and Salmonella test results, and links to data tables.
Results of Data Analysis for the Listeria monocytogenes RLm Risk-based Sampling Program for CY 2008 (PDF Only)
Sampling program detects Lm contamination from (1) Post-lethality environmentally exposed ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products, (2) RTE food contact surfaces, and (3) noncontact environmental sources.
- Results for Apr 2006- Dec 2007 (PDF Only)
Analysis of ALLRTE and RTE001 Sampling Results for Salmonella species, CY 2005-2008 (PDF Only)
In addition to Lm, ready-to-eat product samples from FSIS's ALLRTE and Risk-based RTE001 sampling programs are tested for Salmonella. This report focuses specifically on Salmonella.
Microbiological Testing Program for Pasteurized Egg Products
The monitoring program covers pasteurized liquid, frozen and dried egg products.
SALMONELLA, CAMPYLOBACTER
Salmonella Verification Testing Program for Raw Meat and Poultry: Periodic Reports
FSIS verifies that establishments are meeting performance standards by collecting and analyzing randomly selected product samples.
- Monthly Reports for Establishments by Performance Category
- Quarterly Progress Reports
- Annual Progress Report on Salmonella and Campylobacter Testing of Raw Meat and Poultry Products (1998-2012) | PDF
- Special Report: HACCP Verification Campylobacter Results (Jul-Dec 2011)
FSIS Establishment Eligibility Criteria and Scheduling Algorithm for the Salmonella Verification Sampling Program for Raw Meat and Poultry (PDF Only)
Each month, FSIS schedules up to 90 new sample sets for Salmonella. FSIS allocates sampling within classes of raw product according to these criteria.
Salmonella Initiative Program | PDF
The criteria for participation are explained.
End-of-Set Letter, Generic Example (PDF Only)
Example of the letter FSIS sends to establishments at the end of a Salmonella (and Campylobacter, where applicable) verification set. | More Information: Constituent Update (Dec 2, 2011)
Serotyping of Salmonellae from Meat and Poultry Products
Salmonella testing and serotype data provide an opportunity to examine the association among serotypes isolated on-farm, from meat and poultry products, and from human cases of salmonellosis.
- Annual Report (1998-2011)
- Quarterly Reports
- A comparison of Salmonella serotype incidence in FSIS-regulated products and salmonellosis cases (Feb 9, 2012; PDF Only)
Salmonella Isolates: Cooperative Agreement, Data Sharing (Aug 30, 2007; Image-only PDF)
FSIS and the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) signed a memorandum of agreement.
Related Information
National Advisory Committee on Microbiological Criteria for Foods (NACMCF)
FSIS is one of the sponsors of this committee, which provides impartial, scientific advice to federal food safety agencies.
Memorandum of Understanding Between USDA and DHHS Concerning Information Sharing Related to Food Safety, Public Health, and Other Food-Associated Activities (PDF [Searchable Image], 9.1mb)