What options do establishments have when raw beef product tests positive for E. coli O157:H7 or other STECs?

When a raw beef product tests positive for E. coli O157:H7 or other Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STECs), the primary concern is food safety and the prevention of public health risks. The correct response emphasizes options that prioritize safety and compliance with regulatory standards.

Designating the product for custom use by establishment employees is not considered a viable option, as this could potentially expose consumers to pathogens and undermine public health initiatives. Similarly, shipping the contaminated product to other establishments under seal does not adequately address the underlying safety issues associated with the product.

The appropriate actions for the establishment involve safe disposal or further processing methods that can effectively neutralize the pathogen. Sending the contaminated product for rendering, landfill disposal, or transferring it to another inspected establishment for further processing are measures that help to either eliminate the hazard or ensure that the product is handled in a way that mitigates risk to consumers. These options ensure that the safety of the food supply is maintained by limiting the distribution of dangerous pathogens. Thus, the combination of these actions reflects responsible practices to safeguard public health, which is why this chosen response is correct.