Are establishments required to perform raw beef sampling?

Establishments are not required to perform raw beef sampling as a general rule under USDA regulations. The USDA does set standards and requirements for various types of meat products, including ground beef and certain ready-to-eat products, but not specifically for all raw beef cuts.

In practice, establishments may choose to implement their own sampling protocols to ensure the safety and quality of their products, and they may follow voluntary guidelines such as those provided by the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). However, the mandatory sampling for all raw beef products is not a standard requirement. Instead, regulatory focus varies depending on the type of product, its processing methods, and the associated risk factors.

This enables establishments to tailor their quality assurance processes according to the specific hazards associated with their products, which can include other forms of testing and monitoring for pathogens or contaminants that might be more relevant to their operations.