According to the press release, the new requirements apply to AMS ground beef contracts awarded on or after July 1, 2010. AMS will continue a "zero tolerance for E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella." Additionally, the new standards include: "(1) tighten microbiological testing protocols; (2) tighten the microbiological upper specification and critical limits; (3) increase microbiological sampling frequency for finished products to every 15 minutes; and (4) institute additional rejection criteria for every source trimmings used to manufacture AMS purchased ground beef."
These changes come after lawmakers and the press scrutinized USDA over the risk of E. coli O157:H7 in school lunches.
Secretary Vilsack stated, "It is one of my highest priorities to ensure that food provided to the National School Lunch Program and other nutrition programs is as safe and nutritious and possible."
To read the USDA press release, click here.
For the full text of the requirements, click here.
Posted: 07/2/2010
