Source: USDA' S FSIS, 3/31/17

On Dec. 21, 2015, FSIS published in the Federal Register a final rule to require that all official establishments and retail stores that grind raw beef products for sale in commerce maintain records about their grinding activities. This rule put in place requirements necessary to improve FSIS’ ability to accurately trace the source of foodborne illness outbreaks involving ground beef and to identify the source materials that need to be recalled.

The rule became effective June 20, 2016. Enforcement by FSIS investigators and inspection program personnel began on Oct.1, 2016. Since Oct. 1, 2016 through March 31, 2017, FSIS’ Office of Investigations, Enforcement and Audit (OIEA) Investigators have been reviewing grinding logs at retail stores and educating retailers on the Federal Register Notice. In retail stores, starting on April 1, 2017, OIEA Investigators will verify compliance by following the instructions found in FSIS Directive 8010.1, Methodology for Conducting In-Commerce Surveillance Activities. FSIS will issue updated instructions to OIEA field personnel prior to this date.
The final rule is available on FSIS’ website at https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/4900af9c-0657-4525-bb6b-225293143862/2009-0011F.htm.