Source: Chris Scott, MEATINGPLACE, 11/20/14


The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has completed its analysis of the estimated costs of implementing a testing program for Shiga toxin-producing E. Coli (STEC) in ground beef and ground beef components is asking for public comments on its findings.

FSIS first announced the program in the fall of 2011 and added an economic analysis and a cost-benefit analysis in subsequent years. The agency reported that if it expanded testing to include bench trim and other components beyond raw ground beef – at an estimated cost of $1.37 million – the price tag will rise by about $1 million to a total of $2.37 million.

The agency is asking for additional public comments on the reports and is giving interested parties until Jan. 20, 2015 to submit comments through online and other means.

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