Food Safety and Inspection Service’s 

Annual Sampling Program Plan 

Fiscal Year 2018 

United States Department of Agriculture 

Food Safety and Inspection Service 

December 2017 

1 
Table of Contents 

Introduction....................................................................................................................................... 4 

Background ................................................................................................................................... 5 

General FY2017 Accomplishments .............................................................................................. 7 

Overview........................................................................................................................................... 8 

1 Only domestic raw beef manufacturing trim and imported raw beef trim and other ground beef 

components have Non-O157 STEC testing. All other raw beef products are tested for 

Salmonella and E.coli O157:h7 only. ........................................................................................... 8 

2 Dependent upon the program as not all poultry projects are analyzed for indicator organisms. 

....................................................................................................................................................... 8 

Salmonella and Campylobacter .................................................................................................... 8 

E. coli O157:H7 and non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC)....................................... 9 

Ready To Eat (RTE): Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) and Salmonella ......................................... 10 

Exploratory and Baseline Studies ............................................................................................... 11 

Import Sampling Programs ......................................................................................................... 12 

FSIS conducts sampling on imported products for microbiological, chemical, and pathology 

analytes. Information for the various projects can be found under their respective product 

classes in the table appendix. ...................................................................................................... 12 

Other Sampling Programs ........................................................................................................... 13 

Other Proposed Projects .............................................................................................................. 14 

Appendix A: Microbial Sampling Numbers by Product................................................................. 15 

Table A1: FY17 and FY18 Sample Numbers for Raw Beef..................................................... 15 

Table A2: FY17 and FY18 Sample Numbers for Raw Pork..................................................... 16 

Table A3: FY17 and FY18 Sample Numbers for Raw Siluriformes........................................ 16 

Table A4: FY17 and FY18 Sample Numbers for Raw Poultry ................................................ 17 

Appendix B: Chemical Residue Sampling Numbers by Product ................................................... 20 

Table B1: FY17 and FY18 Sample Numbers for Chemical Residues ..................................... 20 

Appendix C: Other Sampling Programs..................................................................................... 22 

Table C1: FY17 and FY18 Sample Numbers for FSIS Sampling Programs other than 

Microbiological and Chemical Residues................................................................................... 22 

Table D1: Total Planned Number of Microbiological Analyses and Analytes Reported by 

Year ............................................................................................................................................. 24 

2 
Table D2: Total Planned Number of Chemical Residue Analyses and Analytes Reported by 

Year ............................................................................................................................................. 25 

1The analyses for import and State testing are driven by In Plant and Import Personnel selection. 

..................................................................................................................................................... 25 

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Introduction 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) inspects 

meat, poultry, and processed egg products to ensure that the food produced is safe, 

wholesome, and properly labeled. Verification activities serve to protect the public from 

foodborne hazards. A key FSIS inspection verification activity is the sampling of product for 

microbiological contaminants or chemical residues. 

The report begins by describing FSIS’ various sampling programs, and then highlights, by 

sampling program, the major accomplishments during the 2017 fiscal year (FY) and the changes 

that are planned for FY18. That narrative is followed by appendices containing tables which 

summarize the number of samples collected for microbiological (Appendix A), residue 

(Appendix B), and other (Appendix C) testing. Appendix D presents tables summarizing the 

number of tests and analytes FSIS screens for in the different sampling programs. 

Sampling Plans 

FSIS released the Report on the Food Safety and Inspection Service Microbiological and Residue 

Sampling Programs in December 2011, which identified all of FSIS’ sampling programs and 

discussed the statistical and policy basis for the programs.1 FSIS has released a new sampling 

plan for each subsequent fiscal year (FY).2 These sampling plans continued FSIS’ efforts to 

comprehensively identify the Agency’s microbiological and chemical residue sampling activities 

and consider them in light of data-driven strategic planning efforts, and are aligned with the 

Agency’s Strategic and Annual Plan priorities. The sampling plans also described FSIS’ major 

activities related to microbiological and chemical residue sampling, collectively known as 

analytes,

3 in domestic establishments, imports, and in-commerce facilities during the fiscal 

year, and the Agency’s overall strategy for directing its sampling resources for the following 

year. 

This new FY2018 sampling plan seeks to accomplish the same goals by describing both FSIS’ 

major activities related to sampling in FY2017, as well identifying the Agency’s overall strategy 

1 Please see the following website for more information: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/0816b926-c7ee4c24-9222- 34ac674ec047/FSIS_Sampling_Programs_Report.pdf?MOD=AJPERES 2 To review past Annual sampling plans, please see the following website for more information: 

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/data-collection-and-reports/fsis-data-analysis-and-reporting/datareporting 

3 The term analyte refers to the target of detection in the analysis, whether it is for microbiological pathogens, chemical 

residues, pathology diagnoses or other various analyses. 

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for directing its sampling resources in FY2018. 

Background 

FSIS Agency Planning 

FSIS published a strategic plan for FY2017-2021 in FY2017, which aims to strengthen FSIS 

sampling programs.

4 FSIS is focusing its sampling efforts, in part, through using strategic plan 

measures to: i) ensure establishments are meeting pathogen reduction performance standards, 

ii) increase the percentage of country/product combinations from equivalent countries tested, 

and iii) increase the percentage of products from domestic establishments that are sampled. In 

addition, in FY2018 FSIS will complete an evaluation of data collected through questionnaires in 

PHIS (sampling, inspection, and enforcement) forms to improve FSIS questionnaire consistency, 

data quality, standardization, and targeting, as well as to better use FSIS field inspector time and 

resources on sampling collection. 

The activities in this FY2018 Sampling Plan also directly align with those in FSIS’ FY2018 Annual 

Plan, which further delineate FSIS’ specific priorities. In addition, to support planning, analysis, 

and future decision-making related to sampling, FSIS will conduct an internal evaluation this year 

to assess its past allocation and use of domestic and import sampling resources to ensure that 

the Agency, going forward, establishes criteria to allocate and use its sampling and inspection 

resources as effectively as possible. FSIS will use the evaluation results to modify future annual 

sampling plans as needed, help FSIS better manage sampling resources, as well as inform 

resource allocation, close sampling gaps, and maximize the public health benefit through 

prioritizing testing by degree of hazard. 

FSIS Sampling Scheduling, Collection, and Analysis 

The Agency’s process of scheduling, collecting, and analyzing routine domestic samples 

typically begins with a sampling task assigned to FSIS inspection program personnel (IPP) 

through the Agency’s Public Health Information System (PHIS). The IPP then collect and ship 

the samples collected to one of three FSIS testing laboratories, where the sample is tested for 

specified analytes. For imported product, the type of inspection verification PHIS assigns to the 

received product informs IPP when samples are to be collected and sent for laboratory analysis. 

The FSIS laboratories perform different tests depending on the sampling project for which the 

4 Please see the following website for more information on the FY2017-2021 FSIS Strategic Plan: 

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/317d14d6-1759-448e-941a-de3cbff289e5/Strategic-Plan-2017-2021.pdf?MOD=AJPERES 

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sample was collected. Some sampling projects are considered routine, while others are 

triggered by positive test results from other projects or events and, as such, are not considered 

routine. 

Tables in Appendix A-C contain the following information: 

1. Number of samples which were planned to be analyzed in FY2017;5 

2. Number of samples actually analyzed in FY2017; and 

3. Number of samples which are planned to be analyzed in FY2018. 

Tables in Appendix D contain the following information: 

1. Number of analyses and analytes that were planned for FY2016, FY2017 and FY2018; 

and 

2. The difference between FY2017 and FY2018 analyses and analytes. 

Totals in the individual tables have been rounded. The FY2018 sampling plan is based on the 

number of samples anticipated to be analyzed instead of to be scheduled. Operational abilities 

allow FSIS to adjust the number of samples scheduled on a monthly basis to better target the 

number of samples collected and analyzed.6 

The estimates for each sampling project are based on current plans, FSIS policies, and industry 

practices and, therefore, are subject to change over the course of the fiscal year. In FY2017, FSIS 

performed a review of the sampling projects to determine if the number of planned samples 

consistently meets the number of analyzed samples. The review included the previous three 

years of planned versus actual sample numbers, and FSIS reduced the planned number of 

samples for FY2018 according to the results of this analysis. Narrative is included to describe 

significant changes to sampling programs or projects that occurred in FY2017 and what changes 

are planned for FY2018. 

Finally, it is important to note there may be a difference between the number of samples that 

are anticipated to be analyzed and the total number of samples actually analyzed within the 

5 The total number of samples planned to be scheduled in FY2017 was included in the FSIS Annual Sampling Program 

Plan, Fiscal Year 2016. 6 FSIS targets the number of samples collected on an annual basis instead of focusing on specific collection rates as not 

all establishments currently being sampled under FSIS sampling projects produce every eligible product every day. In 

order to collect samples from infrequent producers and optimize the total number of samples collected and analyzed, 

FSIS adjusts the number of samples being scheduled based on the average number of samples collected throughout the 

sampling year. 

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Fiscal Year period. Some of the challenges IPP face when trying to collect all of the samples 

accounted for in the sampling plan are the availability of eligible products and the resources 

available to the Office of Field Operations (OFO); some sampling tasks may not be completed 

because of other inspection priorities. Other potential reasons for discrepancies include 

improvements made to the sampling frame throughout the year which correct for lower 

sampling volumes, product availability at the establishment level, and other unforeseen 

circumstances. 

General FY2017 Accomplishments 

During FY 2017, FSIS continued to close existing sampling gaps by implementing programs in 

several different areas. These programs include exploratory sampling for Religious Exempt and 

Low Volume poultry establishments, residue testing on new subclasses for bulls/stags and veal 

other than bob veal, as well as exploratory sampling for imported raw pork product. In 

addition to the expanded sampling, FSIS designed a baseline study which was implemented in 

June 2017 based off the data collected during Phase I of the Raw Pork Product Exploratory 

Sampling Program (RPPESP). 

FSIS implemented a pilot project in support of the National Action Plan for Combating 

Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (CARB) and the USDA Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Action Plan. 

This project is an effort to link NARMS sampling data with associated residue information from 

the same animal (dairy cow) or flock (young chicken). 

In September 2017, FSIS moved out of its transitional testing for Siluriformes. With this move, 

the Agency expanded sampling to include RTE Siluriformes products for both domestic and 

imported product. These samples were included in the normal RTE sample workflow. The 

number of samples to be analyzed has also increased for both domestic and import sampling. 

This will allow for FSIS to expand testing to more domestic establishments and to more 

product/country pairings for imported products. 

In FY 2017, FSIS expanded its Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) capability to all three FSIS 

Field Service Laboratories, greatly increasing the number of isolates the Agency has the 

capacity potential for FSIS to sequence. FSIS committed in its FY2017 Annual Plan to 

performing WGS on 100% of bacterial isolates from FSIS regulatory sampling programs. The 

Agency met this goal and has performed WGS on over 7,000 isolates, including FSIS regulatory 

sampling program isolates and Salmonella and Campylobacter isolates from the NARMS Cecal 

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Project. Additionally, FSIS has performed WGS on those Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. 

isolates from the NARMS cecal samples with a defined antimicrobial resistance phenotype, 

resulting in an expanded look at genotypes possible. 

FSIS, in consultation with appropriate stakeholders, will also explore how to broaden the 

application for WGS in our regulatory framework and develop an action plan. In the short 

term, the agency plans to continue to use WGS to better understand Lm harborage in 

regulated establishments producing RTE products. In addition, FSIS plans to work with FDA and 

other partners to develop specific procedures for sharing WGS information involving dual 

jurisdiction establishments. 

Overview 

The table below acts as a quick reference guide of the microbiological analytes by various FSIS 

regulated products in FY2018. For a more in-depth review, the tables in the “Sampling by 

Product” section contain the stratification of the different analytes by product classes. 

Table 1 

Microbiological Analyte 

L. E. coli Non-O157 Indicator 

Product Salmonella Campylobacter monocytogenes O157:H7 STEC Organisms 

Raw Beef √ √ √1 

Raw Pork √ √ √ √

Raw Siluriformes √

Raw Poultry √ √ √2 

RTE Product √ √

Eggs – Processed √ √

1 Only domestic raw beef manufacturing trim and imported raw beef trim and other ground beef components have 

Non-O157 STEC testing. All other raw beef products are tested for Salmonella and E.coli O157:h7 only. 2 Dependent upon the program as not all poultry projects are analyzed for indicator organisms. 

Salmonella and Campylobacter 

In raw poultry products, FSIS analyzes young chicken and turkey carcasses, comminuted7 chicken 

and turkey, and chicken part samples for Salmonella and Campylobacter. For raw beef products, 

7 Comminuted is defined as a product “that has been ground, mechanically separated, or hand- or mechanically 

deboned and further chopped, flaked, minced or otherwise processed to reduce particle size” as per 9 CFR 417. 

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FSIS analyzes raw ground beef, and bench and manufacturing trim samples, as well as samples of 

components for raw ground beef, for Salmonella. In addition, FSIS analyzes raw fish, ready-toeat8 meat, processed egg product, and poultry product samples for Salmonella. 

Salmonella and Campylobacter Sampling Projects FY2017 Key Activities 

1. FSIS implemented follow-up sampling of chicken and turkey carcasses for Salmonella. 

2. FSIS implemented other raw chicken parts sampling in November 2016. 

3. The Agency also implemented sampling on religious exempt and low volume poultry 

establishments in the beginning of Quarter 4 of FY2017. 

4. Pork sampling progressed from Phase I exploratory to Phase II baseline. Intact/nonintact – Other product categories were excluded from the baseline. 

No changes have been planned at this time for FY2018 

E. coli O157:H7 and non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) 

FSIS conducts STEC sampling projects for product produced in domestic establishments, 

imported products, and raw ground beef in retail. FSIS tests for E. coli O157:H7 in samples of 

raw non-intact ground beef products and raw beef intended for raw non-intact products, 

including ground beef, raw ground beef components, and beef trimmings. “Beef manufacturing 

trimmings” are trimmings produced from cattle slaughtered onsite. “Bench trim” is trim derived 

from cattle not slaughtered onsite (i.e., purchased product).9 In addition to E. coli O157:H7, nonO157 STEC with the following six O-antigen groups are considered adulterants in raw beef used 

for production of non-intact beef products and include the stx and eae gens and one of the 

following O-antigen groups: O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, and O145. 

Changes Planned to E. coli O157:H7 and non-O157 Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) 

Sampling Projects for FY2018 

1. FSIS intends to expand its routine verification testing for the six non-O157 Shiga toxinproducing Escherichia coli (STEC) to include raw ground beef components other than raw 

8 RTE products also receive Lm testing under the RTEPROD projects. See RTE section below for more information. 9 “Beef manufacturing trimmings” are trimmings produced from cattle slaughtered onsite. “Bench trim” is trim derived 

from cattle not slaughtered onsite (i.e., purchased product). 

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beef manufacturing trimmings produced at slaughter establishments. Therefore, FSIS 

intends to expand this analysis to include head meat, cheek meat, weasand (esophagus) 

meat, and product from advanced meat recovery (AMR), and heart meat. 

Ready To Eat (RTE): Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) and Salmonella 

FSIS conducts microbiological testing of RTE meat and poultry products for Lm and 

Salmonella in both domestically produced and imported RTE and egg products. 

Routine RTE product sampling is scheduled every month under both a random sampling 

project and risk-based sampling project. Under the Risk-based Listeria monocytogenes (RLm) 

sampling program, establishments producing post lethality exposed RTE product are scheduled 

on a rotating basis, and samples of product, contact surfaces, and the processing environment 

are collected and tested for Lm. Intensified Verification Testing (IVT) is carried out whenever an 

establishment has a positive sample collected under the RLm sampling program or either one 

of the routine RTE sampling projects. 

RTE Lm and Salmonella Sampling Projects FY2017 Key Activities 

1. FSIS reviewed and reallocated sampling between the RTEPROD_RISK and 

RTRPROD_RAND projects for an even split of sampling tasks versus 

weighting the majority of the sampling on the RTEPROD_RISK project. 

2. FSIS reviewed and updated the sampling algorithms to shift sample 

collection focus, giving greater weight to product production alternatives, 

product type percent positive, and establishment size. 

Changes Planned to RTE Lm and Salmonella Sampling Projects for FY2018 

1. FSIS intends to further review and update the risk factors associated with the 

scheduling algorithm for the RTEPROD_RISK sampling projects as well as the product 

sampling priority list IPP use to select a product for RTEPROD_RISK sampling. 

2. The changes to implementation of the PHRE reduced the number of RLm sampling 

events required. Additionally, FSIS completed its review of the scheduling methodology 

for the RLm sampling project and intends to issue instructions in FY18 for using a new 

risk-based approach to prioritize PHREs at establishments eligible for RLm sampling. 

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3. FSIS will expand Siluriformes testing to RTE products and incorporate Siluriformes into 

the RTEPROD_RAND project. 

Chemical Residues 

FSIS conducts sampling for chemical residues in regulated meat, poultry, and egg products. 

Domestic sampling projects are summarized in Appendix B Table B1. 

Chemical Residue Sampling Programs FY2017 Key Activities 

1. FSIS implemented Tier 2 residue testing for bulls/stags and veal classes other than bob 

veal. 

2. FSIS concluded the special residue study on old-breeder turkeys. 

Changes Planned to Chemical Residue Sampling Programs for FY2018 

1. FSIS plans to increase the number of samples allocated to veal other than bob veal by 

25%. 

2. FSIS intends to increase the number of samples analyzed for pesticides by 

approximately 25% for beef cows, dairy cows, steers, heifers, market hogs, sows, 

young chicken, and young turkey. 

3. FSIS intends to increase the number of samples analyzed for hormones by 

approximately 25% for beef cows and dairy cows. 

4. FSIS plans to add Tier 3 sampling for pesticide testing in feral swine. 

5. FSIS intends to analyze Carbadox in liver tissue for Roaster Swine. 

6. FSIS intends to remove analysis for Trace Metals in all products except Siluriformes. 

7. FSIS intends to conduct a Dioxin survey of beef, poultry and pork products. 

8. FSIS is currently validating a multi-residue method for egg products and anticipates the 

sampling of egg products in the latter part of FY 2018. 

Exploratory and Baseline Studies 

FSIS conducts exploratory and baseline studies to estimate the national prevalence of 

pathogens (i.e., bacteria of public health concern), indicator bacteria, or both. Typically each 

baseline or exploratory study, FSIS samples a specific species, type of animal or product, and, 

at the end of the sampling, prepares a report summarizing and compiling the results. FSIS uses 

the data from those studies when it decides whether to develop routine sampling programs for 

the species or product and, if so, how such a project should be structured. 

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Exploratory and Baseline Studies FY2017 Key Activities 

1. FSIS implemented Phase II of its Raw Pork Products Exploratory Sampling Program 

(RPPESP). Phase II baseline sampling for Salmonella, STECs, and other analytes 

consisted of collecting samples of comminuted, intact, and non-intact raw pork 

products and analyzing them for Salmonella, Campylobacter, and other analytes. 

2. FSIS published a report with the findings from the Nationwide Beef and Veal Carcass 

Microbiological Baseline Data collection Program. 

3. FSIS implemented Salmonella testing of imported raw pork product samples. 

4. FSIS implemented exploratory Salmonella, Campylobacter and indicator organism 

sampling in religious exempt and low volume poultry establishments. 

Changes Planned for the Exploratory and Baseline Studies in FY2018 

1. The RPPESP Phase II baseline will conclude in May 2018. 

Import Sampling Programs 

FSIS conducts sampling on imported products for microbiological, chemical, and pathology 

analytes. Information for the various projects can be found under their respective product 

classes in the table appendix. 

Import Sampling Programs FY2017 Key Activities 

1. FSIS added sampling of Imported Raw Pork products in January 2017. 

2. FSIS increased sampling re-inspection task levels of beef products from Brazil, Ireland, 

France and the Netherlands 

3. FSIS increased the sampling re-inspection task level of boneless beef manufactured 

trimmings for products from Uruguay. 

4. FSIS monitored and adjusted sampling projects to account for the increased shipments 

and new/reinstated countries and products. 

Changes Planned for Import Sampling Programs in FY2018 

1. FSIS intends to start normal routine import sampling of Siluriformes from all countries 

exporting to the US 

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2. FSIS intends to add nitrofurans analysis for imported fresh chicken and fresh turkey 

products. 

3. FSIS intends to add avermectin analysis for imported processed goat products. 

Other Sampling Programs 

FSIS also samples domestically-produced and imported products through the following FSIS 

projects10: 

1. Advanced Meat Recovery (AMR) - FSIS tests beef product from AMR processes to 

verify that industry is preventing spinal cord material from entering the food supply 

and being misrepresented as meat. 

2. NARMS (National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System)11– FSIS participates 

in NARMS, a national public health surveillance system that tracks antibiotic 

resistance in foodborne bacteria. NARMS monitors antimicrobial resistance among 

enteric bacteria from humans, retail meats, and food animals. The major bacteria 

currently under surveillance are Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli, and 

Enterococcus. 

3. NARMS and Residue Pilot program (RESNARMS) – As part of a paired sampling task, 

FSIS collects tissues for residue analysis from the same dairy cow or chicken flock 

from which a NARMS cecal sample was collected. 

4. Foodborne Illness and Outbreak Sampling – FSIS collects and analyzes food 

samples potentially related to human illness outbreaks. When a sample test 

positive, analyses of the isolate include both culture and characterization 

methods, such as PFGE, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, molecular serotyping, 

and WGS. 

5. Food Chemistry – FSIS performs other food chemistry analyses, such as moisture, 

protein, and fat analyses. FSIS also tests for the presence of food additives to 

10 The USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) conducts an ongoing surveillance program for 

bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), in which) approximately 25,000 animals are sampled each year. Under the 

program, either APHIS or FSIS collect samples from the cattle populations where the disease is most likely to be 

detected, similar to the enhanced surveillance program procedures. Laboratory analysis of collected samples is handled 

exclusively by APHIS. For more information about FSIS’ role in sample collection for BSE, please see FSIS Directive 

10,400.1, http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/09bf6ed8-1e4b-4ef5-a3e1-

fa454b116b8e/10400.1.pdf?MOD=AJPERES. 11 Additional data for NARMS can be found at the following CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/narms/reports/ 

FDA website: 

http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/AntimicrobialResistance/NationalAntimicrobialResistanceMonito 

ringSystem/default.htm 

USDA website: 

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/data-collection-and-reports/microbiology/antimicrobialresistance/narms 

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identify mislabeling, economic fraud, and adulteration of meat, poultry, and egg 

products. 

6. Species Identification – FSIS conducts species verification on both imported 

and domestic samples. 

7. Pathology - FSIS conducts diagnostic and consultative pathology services to 

identify diseases, parasites, and related conditions in response to the needs of 

field operations. 

8. Compliance Testing - FSIS investigators collect compliance samples at in-commerce 

businesses on a “for-cause” basis in response to complaints, allegations, and their 

own observations during routine or for-cause surveillance activities. 

Other Sampling Programs FY2017 Key Activities 

1. FSIS created a stand-alone Nutritional Labeling exploratory program. For this program 

samples were collected in their final packaging if they contained a Nutritional Facts 

panel and were analyzed for fat and sodium content. 

2. FSIS implemented an antibiotic residue testing program to complement the NARMS 

program sampling project, as described above. 

Changes Planned for Other Sampling Programs in FY 2018 

1. FSIS is considering implementing additional label verification testing for antibiotics, soy 

and/or hormones. 

Other Proposed Projects 

These are projects under consideration by FSIS. Sampling through these projects may occur by 

FSIS or other coordinating Agencies. 

1. FSIS is considering developing a pilot program for Salmonella from food contact 

surfaces. 

2. FSIS is considering developing a surface sampling (cloth or sponge) method pilot 

program with ARS for beef components and trimmings. 

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Appendix A: Microbial Sampling Numbers by Product 

This appendix summarizes the numbers of samples in FSIS’ microbiological sampling program, and presents 

the number of samples planned and actually analyzed in FY17, and the number of samples planned to be 

analyzed in FY18, by product type. Raw products are presented first, beginning with beef (Table A1), followed 

by pork (Table A2), fish of the order Siluriformes (Table A3) and Poultry (Table A4). Ready-to-eat, not-ready-toeat and egg product sampling numbers are presented in Table A5. 

Table A1: FY17 and FY18 Sample Numbers for Raw Beef 

Number of Samples Number of Samples 

Sampling FY2017 FY2018 

Product Class Project Pathogen(s) Planned Actual Planned 

Raw ground beef 

Follow-Up testing to a 

ground beef E. coli positive 1 

Raw ground beef 

components other than 

trim 

Bench trim 

Beef manufacturing trim 

Follow-up testing at 

supplier establishments 

following MT43, MT44, or 

MT65 positive 1 

Follow-up testing to 

an MT60, MT64, 

MT65, or MT52 

positive 1 

Raw ground beef at retail 

stores 

Follow-up testing to a MT05 

sample 1 

Imported raw ground beef 3 

Imported trim and other 

raw ground beef 

components 

MT43 

MT44 and 

MT44T 

MT64 

MT65 

MT60 

MT52 

MT53 

MT05 

MT06 

MT08 

MT51 

E. coli O157:H7 and 

Salmonella 

E. coli O157:H7 and 

Salmonella 

E. coli O157:H7, 

Non-O157 STEC 

and Salmonella 

E. coli O157:H7 and 

Salmonella 

E. coli O157:H7, 

Non-O157 STEC 

and Salmonella 

E. coli O157:H7, 

Non-O157 STEC 

and Salmonella 

E. coli O157:H7, 

Non-O157 STEC 

and Salmonella 

E. coli O157:H7 and 

Salmonella 

E. coli O157:H7 and 

Salmonella 

E. coli O157:H7 and 

Salmonella 

E. coli O157:H7, 

Non-O157 STEC and 

Salmonella 

12,500 

TBD 

1,000 

2,000 

4,500 

TBD 

TBD 

560 

TBD 

25 

900 

11,110 

169 

561 

1,153 

3,566 

154 

677 

574 

3 

37 

1,6972 

11,500 

TBD 

600 

1,500 

3,750 

TBD 

TBD 

575 

TBD 

50 

2,000 

1 Dependent on positive findings from other E. coli O157:H7 or non-O157 STEC sampling projects. 2 Lab sampling for Imports depends on the import frequency for these products. 
 

 

 

 

 

Table A2: FY17 and FY18 Sample Numbers for Raw Pork 

Number of Samples 

FY2017 

Number of 

Samples FY2018 

Product Class Sampling Project Pathogen(s) Planned Actual Planned 

Comminuted Pork 

Exploratory Sampling1 

Intact Pork Cuts 

Exploratory Sampling1 

Intact Other Pork 

Exploratory Sampling1 

Non- Intact Pork Cuts 

Exploratory Sampling1 

Non-Intact Other Pork 

Exploratory Sampling1 

EXP_PK_COM02 

EXP_PK_ICT02 

EXP_PK_IOT01 

EXP_PK_NCT02 

EXP_PK_NOT01 

Salmonella and Non-O157 

STEC and Indicator Organisms 

Salmonella and Non-O157 

STEC and Indicator Organisms 

Salmonella and Indicator 

Organisms 

Salmonella and Non-O157 

STEC and Indicator Organisms 

Salmonella and Indicator 

Organisms 

1,700 

1,400 

0 

1,400 

0 

1,512 

1,100 

344 

603 

171 

1,120 

840 

0 

840 

0 

Imported Pork IMP_PORK Salmonella 770 326 1,000 

1 Phase II baseline for Raw Pork began in June 2017. Sampling occurred previously under the 

EXP_PK_xxx01 projects. With Phase II, FSIS eliminated sampling for the Other Intact/Non-Intact Pork 

Products. 

Table A3: FY17 and FY18 Sample Numbers for Raw Siluriformes 

Number of Samples 

FY2017 

Number of 

Samples FY2018 

Product Class Sampling Project Analyses Planned Actual Planned 

Domestic Raw fish EXP_FI_MIC01 Salmonella 200 190 650 

of the order 

Siluriformes 

Imported Raw fish IMPFISH_MI Salmonella 100 2112 1,800 

of the order 

Siluriformes 1 

1 FSIS will ramp up sampling of Imported Siluriformes projects beginning in Quarter 2 of FY 2018. 2 Lab sampling for imported Siluriformes depends on the frequency in which these products are imported, a higher 

number of shipments were received for these products. 
 

Table A4: FY17 and FY18 Sample Numbers for Raw Poultry 

Number of Samples Number of 

FY2017 Samples FY2018 

Product Class Sampling Project Pathogen(s) Planned Actual Planned 

Young Chicken 

Carcasses 

Ground and Other 

Comminuted 

Chicken (not 

Mechanically 

Separated) 

Exploratory -

Mechanically 

Separated Chicken 

Chicken Parts – Legs, 

Breasts, Wings 

Chicken Parts – 

Other Parts1 

Chicken Parts – 

Quarters, Halves1 

Turkey Carcasses 

Ground and Other 

Comminuted Turkey 

(not Mechanically 

Separated) 

Exploratory -

Mechanically 

Separated Turkey 

Imported Raw Intact 

Chicken and Turkey 

Religious exempt 

establishments2 

HC_CH_CARC01 

HC_CH_COM01 

EXP_CH_MSK01 

HC_CPT_LBW01 

EXP_CPT_OT01 

EXP_CPT_QH01 

HC_TU_CARC01 

HC_TU_COM01 

EXP_TU_MSK01 

IMP_POULTRY 

RE_CH_CARC01 

Salmonella, 

Campylobacter and 

Indicator Organisms4 

Salmonella, 

Campylobacter and 

Indicator Organisms4 

Salmonella, 

Campylobacter and 

Indicator Organisms4 

Salmonella, 

Campylobacter and 

Indicator Organisms4 

Salmonella, 

Campylobacter and 

Indicator Organisms4 

Salmonella, 

Campylobacter and 

Indicator Organisms4 

Salmonella, 

Campylobacter and 

Indicator Organisms6 

Salmonella, 

Campylobacter and 

Indicator Organisms4 

Salmonella, 

Campylobacter and 

Indicator Organisms4 

Salmonella, 

Campylobacter and 

Indicator Organisms4 

Salmonella, 

Campylobacter and 

Indicator Organisms 

12,000 

4,000 

150 

8,000 

NA 

NA 

2,500 

1,500 

150 

800 

NA 

9,0685 10,000 

1,4545 2,500 

112 150 

7,633 8,000 

243 360 

93 120 

1,8905 2,000 

9995 1,500 

104 150 

596 1,000 

6 6,600 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Samples Number of 

FY2017 Samples FY2018 

Product Class Sampling Project Pathogen(s) Planned Actual Planned 

Low Volume 

Establishments2 

Follow-up Sampling 

for Chicken Parts, 

Carcasses, 

Comminuted 

Chicken and Turkey3 

LO_CH_CARC01 

LO_TU_CARC01 

LO_CH_COM01 

LO_TU_COM01 

LO_CH_MSK01 

LO_TU_MSK01 

LO_CPT_LBW01 

LO_CPT_OT01 

LO_CPT_QH01 

F_CPT_LBW01 

F_CH_COM01 

F_TU_COM01 

F_CH_CARC01 

F_TU_CARC01 

Salmonella, NA 204 

Campylobacter and 

Indicator Organisms 

Salmonella, TBD 650 TBD 

Campylobacter and 

Indicator Organisms4 

1 FSIS began sampling other chicken parts along with quarters/halves in FY2017. 

2 Religious exempt and low volume poultry establishments began sampling in July 2017. 3 Dependent on findings from other Salmonella and Campylobacter projects. 4 Indicator Organisms are not currently performed on these projects. However during FY2018, FSIS may plan to extend analysis 

to Indicator Organisms for these projects. This extension would not happen all at once, but rolled out over a period of time. 

Table A5: FY17 and FY18 Sample Numbers for RTE, NRTE and Egg Products 

Number of Samples Number of 

FY2017 Samples FY2018 

Product Class Sampling Project Pathogen(s) Planned Actual Planned 

Both post lethalityexposed and nonpost lethalityexposed RTE 

products 

Post lethalityexposed RTE 

products 

RLm product 

samples 

(Composited 5-

sample Units) 

RLm food contact 

surface samples 

RLm non-food 

contact 

environmental 

samples 

(Composited 5-

sample Units) 

4,400 6,831 7,400 RTEPROD_Rand Lm & Salmonella 

RTEPROD_Risk 10,400 7,667 7,400 Lm & Salmonella 

RLMPRODC 690 1563 115 Lm 

RLMCONT 6,880 2,6143 1,150 Lm 

RLMENVC 690 1643 115 Lm 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Samples 

FY2017 

Number of 

Samples FY2018 

Product Class Sampling Project Pathogen(s) Planned Actual Planned 

Intensified INTPROD TBD 190 TBD Lm or Salmonella 

Verification Testing 

(IVT) product 

samples 1 

IVT food contact TBD 541 TBD INTCONT Lm or Salmonella 

surface samples 1 

IVT non-food contact INTENV Lm or Salmonella TBD 268 TBD 

environmental 

samples 1 

Imported intact RTE IMVRTE Lm & Salmonella 2,200 2,961 3,000 

product 

Follow up testing to FLISTERIA TBD 53 TBD Lm 

imported RTE 

product 

Follow up testing to FRTESALMONEL Salmonella TBD 15 TBD 

imported RTE 

product 

Processed Egg EM31-EM37 Lm & Salmonella 1,600 1,690 1,600 

Products 

Pasteurized EGGIMP Lm & Salmonella 125 144 150 

imported liquid, 

frozen or dried egg 

products 

Abbreviations: NRTE, not-ready-to-eat; RTE, ready-to-eat. 

1 Dependent on positive findings from RTEPROD_RAND, RTEPROD_RISK, and RLm sampling projects 

2 NRTE Stuffed Chicken products did not begin in FY 2017 and should be implemented in FY 2018. 3 The changes to how the PHRE is evaluated reduced the number of sampling events required. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix B: Chemical Residue Sampling Numbers by Product 

This appendix summarizes the numbers of samples in FSIS’ chemical residue sampling program for 

FY17 and FY18. Table B1 presents the number of samples by production class. Table B2 presents the 

testing method used in each production class. 

Table B1: FY17 and FY18 Sample Numbers for Chemical Residues 

Number of Samples Number of Samples 

FY2017 FY2018 

Production Class Sampling Project Planned Actual Planned 

Beef Cows NRP_BC 712 716 712 

Bob Veal NRP_BV 356 369 356 

Dairy Cows NRP_DC 712 795 712 

Heifers NRP_HF 356 349 356 

Steer NRP_ST 356 391 356 

Market Swine NRP_MS 712 731 712 

Sows NRP_SW 712 622 712 

Young Chicken NRP_YC 712 712 712 

Young Turkey NRP_YT 712 928 712 

Sheep NRP_SH 150 163 150 

Goats NRP_GO 150 337 300 

Old Breeder Turkeys (Mature Turkeys) NRP_OBT 100 38 04 

Roaster Swine NRP_RS 300 216 300 

National Residue Program State Residues1 Various 700 386 660 

Bulls/Stags NRP_BS 100 149 100 

Veal other than bob veal NRP_HC, 100 109 150 

NRP_FFV, 

NRP_NFFV 

Feral Swine NRP_FS NA NA 100 

Siluriformes – Domestic RES_FI 200 190 650 

Siluriformes – Imports IMPFISH_CH_E and 100 4336 1,800 

IMPFISH_CH_W 

Dioxin Survey DIOX_18_xx5 NA NA 610 

KISTM Test2 KIS NA 176,864 NA 

KISTM Test – Laboratory Confirmation 3 KIS NA 3,945 NA 

Collector Generated Residues Various NA 98 NA 

Import Residue Various 3,000 2,285 3,000 

Abbreviations: KISTM, Kidney Inhibition Swab; NA, non-applicable. 

1 FSIS schedules in PHIS and analyzes 88 samples per year for states of the same species it tests at federally-inspected establishments. 

2 These KIS tests are performed by OFO in the field and not by the laboratories. 

3 FSIS in-plant inspection personnel send positive KIS tests to FSIS laboratories for confirmation. 

4 Old Breeder Turkeys (Mature Turkeys) were removed from Tier II testing. 

5 FSIS will conduct the Dioxin survey on poultry (YC – young chicken; YT – young turkey), pork (MH – market hogs) and beef (STHR – 

steers and heifers) products. The “xx” indicated above will be replaced by the two letter identifier in the parenthesis for each product 

group of this note, or an alternate project code may be implemented, the ARS labs will be performing the analysis of these samples. 

6 Lab sampling for imported Siluriformes depends on the frequency in which these products are imported, a higher number of 

shipments were received for these products and testing is doubled because lab sampling occurred for all analyses applicable. 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table B2: Chemical Residues Tested by Production Class 

Tier 1: Production Class Tier 2: Production Class Tier 3 

Methods 

Beef 

Cows 

Dairy 

Cows 

Bob 

Steers Heifers Veal 

Market 

Swine 

Market 

Sows 

Young 

Chicken 

Young 

Turkey Goats 

Non-Bob 

Sheep Veal Bull 

Roster 

Swine 

Feral 

Swine Eggs Siluriformes 

Multi-class √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Aminoglycoside √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Pesticides √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Metals √

Β-agonists √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Carbadox √

Hormones √ √ √ √ √

Avermectins √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Arsenic √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Nitrofurans √ √ √

Antifungal Dyes √

21 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix C: Other Sampling Programs 

Table C1 in this appendix summarizes the numbers of samples in FSIS’ sampling programs other than 

microbiological and chemical residue sampling programs for FY17 and FY18. 

Table C1: FY17 and FY18 Sample Numbers for FSIS Sampling Programs other than 

Microbiological and Chemical Residues 

Number of Samples 

FY2017 

Number of 

Samples FY2018 

Sampling Project Sampling Project Planned Actual Planned 

Domestic AMR - Beef1 AMR01 150 112 150 

Import AMR – Beef 1 IMPAMRBEEF 10 24 10 

Follow-up AMR01 – Beef 1,2 FAMR01 NA 10 NA 

NARMS Sampling for Enteric Bacteria NARMS 6,400 5,689 6,400 

NARMS Sampling for Residues on Dairy Cows11 RESNARMS_DC TBD 365 1,280 

NARMS Sampling for Residues on Young Chickens11 RESNARMS_YC TBD 278 768 

Foodborne Illness and Outbreak Sampling 3,4 Various 7,000 117 7,000 

Label Verification for Nutrient Content - Raw Ground Beef 5 NUTR_GB and 200 8311 200 

EXP_LV_NUTR 

Label Verification - Allergens6 EXP_LV_SOY 100 NA 200 

Label Verification – Antibiotic Free6 EXP_LV_ABX 200 NA 400 

Label Verification – Hormone Free6 EXP_LV_HORM 100 NA 200 

Species Identification - Collector Generated SPECID NA 1 NA 

Import Species Identification IMPSPECIESID 250 192 250 

Food Chemistry - Collector Generated 7 FOODCHEM NA 1 NA 

Compliance Testing 3,8 COMPLIAN NA 71 NA 

Pathology - Collector Generated 3,9 Various NA 3,754 NA 

Import - Abnormal Container IMPABNCONT and NA 16 NA 

ABNCONT 

Abbreviations: AMR, advanced meat recovery; NARMS, National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System. Monitoring 

Sampling. 

1 FSIS collects samples in regulated establishments to test for AMR processes to verify that industry is preventing beef spinal 

cord material from entering the food supply and being misrepresented as meat. If an AMR sample is positive, additional 

samples are assigned to the establishment in PHIS through the FAMR01 sampling. FSIS is considering expanding the beef 

AMR program to include calcium and iron. 

2 Dependent on positive findings from the AMR01 sampling project. 3 Samples for these projects are not planned in advance, but rather an inspector in the field can collect a sample on the basis 

of their findings or other circumstances. The planned samples for the Foodborne Illness and Outbreak Sampling is a baseline 

of 2,000 plus the follow-up sampling from projected numbers. 4 FSIS collects and analyzes food samples potentially related to human disease outbreaks. Analyses include cultural and 

molecular methods such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), PFGE, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and molecular 

serotyping to identify and further characterize organisms in outbreak samples 

5 FSIS changed over programs from an Exploratory to a Label Verification project. NUTR_GB is no longer running. 
 

 

6 FSIS may bring on-line several other Label Verification programs in FY2018 which were originally scheduled to begin in 

FY2016. 

7 FSIS performs food chemistry analyses such as moisture, protein, fat and testing for the presence of food additives to 

identify mislabeling, economic fraud, and adulteration of meat, poultry, and egg products 8 FSIS investigators collect compliance samples at in-commerce businesses on a “for-cause” basis in response to complaints, 

allegations, and their own observations during routine or for-cause surveillance activities. 9 FSIS carries out diagnostic and consultative pathology services to identify diseases, parasites and related conditions in 

response to the needs of field operations. 

10 These projects gather data to determine if there is a link between antimicrobial resistance and drug use in animals. 11 There are a low number of establishments eligible for this sampling based off their responses to the questionnaires, thus 

the number of samples that could be assigned was lower. 
 

 

 

 

Appendix D: Planned Number of Tests and Analytes Tested for per Sample 

FSIS continuously strives to improve sampling procedures and testing of the products collected. 

One way of increasing efficiency is by increasing the number of analytes assessed per sampling 

collection event. Table D1 and Table D2 summarize, for microbiological and chemical residue 

programs, respectively, the total planned number of analyses and corresponding planned number 

of analytes tested for during FY16, FY17 and FY18 by product class. Data is based on the proposed 

number of samples and which analyses were performed during that specific fiscal year. The term 

analyses (tests) refers to the method used on a sample, while the term analyte refers to each 

individual, reportable item tested for in the method. For example, one raw ground beef sample will 

be tested for Salmonella, E.Coli O157:H7 and Non-O157 STEC. This would result in 3 separate 

analyses for the sample. However, since the Non-O157 STEC method tests for 6 different species of 

E.Coli, the number of analytes tested would be 8, 6 from the STEC analysis, 1 from the E.Coli 

O157:H7 analysis and 1 from Salmonella. 

Table D1: Total Planned Number of Microbiological Analyses and Analytes Reported 

by Year 

Difference 

Planned for 2016 Planned for 2017 Planned for 2018 (FY2018-FY2017) 

Product Class 

Tests 

Performed 

Analytes 

Reported 

Tests 

Performed 

Analytes 

Reported 

Tests 

Performed 

Analytes 

Reported 

Tests 

Performed 

Analytes 

Reported 

Raw Beef 89,280 149,904 70,656 250,008 67,248 234,072 -3,408 -15,936 

Raw Pork 3,600 10,800 15,840 58,080 9,432 31,896 -6,4082 -26,1842 

Raw Poultry 32,328 32,328 102,768 171,816 105,228 175,380 2,4602 3,5642 

Raw 300 300 300 300 2,460 2,460 2,1602 2,1602 

Siluriformes 

RTE 34,032 34,032 34,032 34,032 35,616 35,616 0 -1,584 

RLm 16,560 16,560 8,280 8,280 1,392 1,392 -6,8882 -6,8882 

NRTE 0 0 4,416 4,416 1,980 1,980 -2,4362 -2,4362 

Eggs 1,680 1,680 3,456 3,456 3,504 3,504 0 0 

NARMS 10,800 10,800 6,408 6,408 6,408 6,408 0 0 

Total1 188,580 256,332 246,156 536,796 226,724 484,044 -14,520 -47,304 

1 The total number of tests performed and analytes do not include the test and analytes from further characterization 

testing performed on isolates. 

2 The differences between FY2017 and FY2018 plans include the following: 

• In transitioning to a baseline project for raw pork, the number of samples requested was reduced in addition to 

the elimination of two of the projects. This change resulted in a reduced number of analyses to be performed for 

raw pork. 

• Several new projects for religious exempt and low volume were implemented for raw poultry which will increase 

the number of analyses to be performed. 

• Increased sampling for raw Siluriformes in FY2018 will increase the number of analyses to be performed. 

• NRTE Stuffed Chicken project was not implemented in FY2017 so the number of samples needed was reduced 

thus the decrease for analyses. 

• Reduction in the number of RLms being performed is in support of new risk based approach to conducting 

PHRE’s at establishments eligible for RLms. 3 The overall number of samples and subsequently analyses planned for FY2018 was reduced after reviewing previous 

performance of all the sampling projects. Projects were adjusted to reflect more attainable goals. 
Table D2: Total Planned Number of Chemical Residue Analyses and Analytes 

Reported by Year 

Difference 

Planned for 2016 Planned for 2017 Planned for 2018 (FY2018-FY2017) 

Tests Analytes Tests Analytes Tests Analytes Tests Analytes 

Product Class Performed Reported Performed Reported Performed Reported Performed Reported 

Tier I 

Beef Cows 3,560 119,972 3,560 119,972 3,560 119,972 0 0 

Bob Veal 1,780 59,986 1,780 59,986 1,780 59,986 0 0 

Dairy Cows 3,560 119,972 3,560 119,972 3,560 119,972 0 0 

Heifers 1,780 59,986 1,780 59,986 1,780 59,986 0 0 

Steer 1,780 59,986 1,780 59,986 1,780 59,986 0 0 

Sows 3,560 116,768 3,560 116,768 3,560 116,768 0 0 

Market Swine 3,560 118,548 3,560 118,548 3,560 118,548 0 0 

Young Chickens 2,492 116,056 2,492 116,056 2,492 116,056 0 0 

Young Turkeys 2,492 116,056 2,492 116,056 2,492 116,056 0 0 

Tier II 

Sheep 1,246 52,154 525 23,325 525 23,325 0 0 

Goats 1,246 52,154 525 23,325 1050 46,650 525 23,325 

Mature 

Turkeys 

270 8,820 300 10,650 0 0 -300 -10,650 

Roaster Swine 300 31,950 300 46,050 300 46,050 0 0 

Bulls/Stags 0 0 400 15,550 400 15,550 0 0 

Veal - Other 0 0 300 10,850 450 16,275 150 5,425 

Tier III 

Siluriformes 1,500 44,250 1,500 44,250 12,500 368,750 11,000 324,500 

Other 

1

State NRP - - - - - - - -

1

Imports - - - - - - - -

KIS 8,000 424,000 8,000 424,000 8,000 424,000 0 0 

Total1 39,900 1,036,150 37,014 1,485,330 48,389 1,827,930 11,375 342,600 

1

The analyses for import and State testing are driven by In Plant and Import Personnel selection.