July, 17, 2014
USDA proposes rule to ensure traceability of ground meats
The United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has proposed a requirement that all makers of raw ground beef products keep records in order to further protect consumers by ensuring retailers can trace sources of ground meats.
"The improved traceback capabilities that would result from this proposal will prevent foodborne illness by allowing FSIS to conduct recalls of potentially contaminated raw ground products in a timelier manner," said USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Brian Ronholm. "By requiring retail outlets to maintain improved records on sources for ground products, the proposal will enable FSIS to quickly identify likely sources of contaminated product linked to an outbreak."
Retail outlets regularly make ground beef by mixing cuts of beef from various sources. This proposal, if finalised, will require them to keep clear traceability records identifying the source, supplier, and names of all materials used in the preparation of raw ground beef products.
Traceback investigations can be hindered when retail outlets produce ground beef by mixing product from various sources but fail to keep clear records that would allow investigators to determine which supplier produced the unsafe product.
FSIS has concluded that recordkeeping by retail facilities that grind raw beef to date, has not been sufficiently effective.