Novel Continuous and Manual Sampling Methods for Beef Trim Microbiological Testing

A new beef trim sampling concept has been developed through a joint R&D project with USDA Agricultural Research Service, Fremont, and Sentry Equipment. The methods developed from this effort have received a USDA Letter of No Objection. For beef trimmings, potential contaminants will be on the exterior surface of the product that was exposed during the slaughter and dressing process. Therefore, collection methods that provide more surface area for the test increase the sensitivity of the sampling. The United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service recommends collection methods specifications be designed to ensure that a high percentage of the collected product that is to be used for testing consists of exterior surface tissue.