USDA proposes new rule to keep extensive records of ground meats

The US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has drafted a new rule that would require all manufacturers of raw ground beef products to keep extensive records in order to improve the traceability of such products.

USDA Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Brian Ronholm said: "The improved traceback capabilities that would result from this proposal will prevent foodborne illness by allowing FSIS to conduct recalls of potentially contaminated raw ground products in a timelier manner.

By requiring retail outlets to maintain improved records on sources for ground products, the proposal will enable FSIS to quickly identify likely sources of contaminated product linked to an outbreak."

Once finalised, the new rule would require retailers to keep clear records of source, supplier and names of all materials used in preparing raw ground beef products.

Public health inspectors investigate the source of ground beef product when food-borne illness outbreaks occur so as to remove any potentially unsafe product from sale.

According to FSIS, current record-keeping practices for retail facilities that grind raw beef are not sufficiently effective.

The agency has previously stressed the importance of keeping records to help identify FSIS-regulated products associated with food-borne illnesses during recall traceback and traceforward or other food safety incidents.

This proposal comes as part of the agency’s latest efforts to target its food safety prevention tools at areas that will have the most significant public health impact.