NOTE: DO NOT IMPLEMENT THIS NOTICE UNTIL JUNE 1, 2024.

1. PURPOSE
   This notice provides instructions for inspection program personnel (IPP) to document the supplier information gathered during collection of routine MT43 ground beef and MT65_C bench trim samples using the sampling questionnaire instead of documenting the information in a Memorandum of Interview (MOI). IPP are also to document the supplier information using the sampling questionnaire when conducting follow-up sampling to these programs (MT44, MT44T_C, MT52_C, or MT53_C).
2. BACKGROUND
   Supplier and source material information gathered by IPP during collection of raw ground beef and bench trim samples (79 FR 47417) enables FSIS to trace the raw material back to the original slaughter establishment. See FSIS Directive 10,010.1, Sampling Verification Activities for Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in Raw Beef Products, and Attachment 1 of FSIS Directive 10,010.3, Traceback Methodology for Escherichia Coli O157:H7 in Raw Ground Beef Products and Bench Trim. FSIS also requires establishments that grind beef to keep complete supplier information (9 CFR 320.1(b)(4)). IPP can keep the label from empty packages of the source material. Establishment management can also provide information about the source materials. For imported source materials, IPP are to record the inspection certificate number.
3. IPP RESPONSIBILITIES
   1. IPP are to follow the instructions in FSIS Directive 10,010.1, to gather information about the source materials and suppliers when collecting a routine raw ground beef (MT43) and bench trim (MT65_C) sample, as well as when collecting follow-up samples to these programs (MT44, MT44T_C, MT52_C, and MT53_C), with the following changes beginning on June 1, 2024:
      1. IPP are to document the supplier information (found in Attachment 1 of FSIS Directive 10,010.3) by answering the questions in the beef sample task questionnaire and no longer need to document the information separately in an MOI as previously instructed in FSIS Directive 10,010.1 Chapter IV, Section VII.
      2. IPP are no longer required to gather the point of contact information when the source supplier is an inspected establishment, as this information is available in the Public Health Information System (PHIS).
      NOTE: The supplier information questions to be completed in the questionnaire are included in Attachment 1 of this notice.
   2. IPP are to discuss with the establishment why the establishment is unable to identify the source supplier of materials used to produce inspected raw beef products when IPP indicate in the sample task questionnaire that the source supplier information is “unknown.” IPP are to also consider whether the inability of the establishment to provide source supplier information at the time of sample collection represents noncompliance with 9 CFR 320.1(b)(4), 320.2, or 320.3 (see FSIS Directive 5000.10, Verifying that Records are Kept by Official Establishments that Grind Beef) and with one or more parts of the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) system (see FSIS Directive 5000.1, Verifying an Establishment's Food Safety System, and FSIS Directive 5000.6, Performance of the Hazard Analysis Verification).
4. ENFORCEMENT, INVESTIGATIONS AND ANALYSIS OFFICER (EIAO) RESPONSIBILITIES
   EIAOs (or other IPP as directed by the district office) are to access the source material and supplier information responses in the questionnaire by reviewing the PHIS sampling task for the related sample following a ground beef or bench trim presumptive positive for STEC from FSIS or another Federal or State agency. EIAOs can contact the district office if they have questions concerning accessing the questionnaire.
5. AWARENESS MEETING WITH ESTABLISHMENT MANAGEMENT
   During the next weekly meeting at establishments producing ground beef or bench trim, IPP are to share and discuss this notice with establishment management. IPP are to document the awareness meeting in a MOI as described in Section IV of FSIS Directive 5010.1, Food Safety Related Topics for Discussion During Weekly Meetings with Establishment Management.
6. QUESTIONS
   Refer questions regarding this notice to your supervisor or as needed to the Office of Policy and Program Development through askFSIS or by telephone at 1-800-233-3935. When submitting a question, complete the web form and select Sampling as the Inquiry Type.
   
   NOTE: Refer to FSIS Directive 5620.1, Using askFSIS, for additional information on submitting questions.