Source: USDA FSIS, 5/26/17

FSIS announced the launch of the Raw Pork Products Exploratory Sampling Program (RPPESP) in April 2015.  The goal of the project is to collect data on the presence of Salmonella, other pathogens, and indicator organisms in various pork products. The project includes retail sampling (completed in FY14), the first phase exploratory sampling at slaughter and processing establishments (May 2015 through November 2015), samples taken during the transition phase (January 2016 – May 2017), and a second phase of exploratory sampling (beginning June 1, 2017).

During the initial phase of the sampling program, the Agency analyzed approximately 1,200 samples and evaluated the sampling results. The Agency continued to collect and analyze raw pork products for Salmonella while the second phase of the study was being designed. A summary of the sample results obtained during the transitional period can be viewed at the following link: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/68f5f6f2-9863-41a5-a5c4-25cc6470c09f/Sampling-Project-Results-Data.pdf?MOD=AJPERES.