April 10, 2008

USDA to test ground beef samples for non-O157 E. coli
 

The USDA will test ground beef and ground beef component samples for non-O157 Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli (STECs) to determine whether to declare them adulterants.

Samples that test positive and negative for E. coli O157:H7 will be analysed but production lots will not be recalled, seized or detained if they only test positive for non-O157 STECs.

At this time, the data is being generated for study purposes only.

The evidence that will be gathered from the tests will be used by the agency to decide whether to declared selected non-O157 STECs to be adulterants, said Daniel Engeljohn, Food Safety and Inspection Service deputy assistant administrator.