1 

Food Safety and Inspection Service’s 

Annual Sampling Program Plan

Fiscal Year 2016 

United States Department of Agriculture

Food Safety and Inspection Service 

October 2015 
2 

Table of Contents

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 3

Background ................................................................................................................................. 4

General FY2015 Accomplishments ............................................................................................ 5

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

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

Shiga Toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) ....................................................................................... 9

Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) .................................................................................................... 10

Chemical Residues .................................................................................................................... 11

Exploratory and Baseline Studies ............................................................................................. 12

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

Sampling Numbers by Product ..................................................................................................... 15

Meat ........................................................................................................................................... 15

Raw Beef ............................................................................................................................... 15

Raw Pork ............................................................................................................................... 18

Poultry ....................................................................................................................................... 19

Ready-to-Eat Products............................................................................................................... 21

Chemical Residues .................................................................................................................... 23

Other .......................................................................................................................................... 25
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Introduction

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) within the United States Department of 

Agriculture (USDA) inspects meat, poultry, and egg products establishments to ensure that the 

food produced in them is safe, wholesome, and properly labeled. The overall purpose of FSIS 

inspection activities is to verify that establishments meet requirements to control physical, 

chemical, and microbiological hazards in regulated product. Verification activities serve to 

protect the public from foodborne hazards. A key component of FSIS’ inspection activities is the 

sampling of product to test for microbiological contaminants or chemical residues. 

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

 Subsequent to the release of the 

original report in 2011, FSIS has released a new Sampling Plan (Plan) for each fiscal year 

(FY).2,3,4,5

 These Plans continued FSIS’ efforts to comprehensively identify the Agency’s

microbiological and chemical residue sampling activities and consider them in light of datadriven strategic planning efforts. The Plans also described FSIS’ major activities related to 

microbiological and chemical residue sampling in domestic establishments, imports, and incommerce facilities during the fiscal year and the Agency’s overall strategy for directing its 

sampling resources for the following year. 

This new FY2016 Plan seeks to accomplish the same goals, by describing FSIS’ major activities 

related to microbiological and chemical residue sampling programs for domestic establishments, 

 

1 Please see the following website for more information:

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/0816b926-c7ee-4c24-9222-

34ac674ec047/FSIS_Sampling_Programs_Report.pdf?MOD=AJPERES 2 Please see the following website for more information: 

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/9a484b86-583d-4e2a-aa29-

9fa208acd37d/Sampling_Program_Plan_FY2012.pdf?MOD=AJPERES

3 Please see the following website for more information: 

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/7f3810da-cc8f-47a7-89a1-

570438511130/Sampling_Program_Plan_FY2013.pdf?MOD=AJPERES 4 Please see the following website for more information: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/62fad225-

9052-47fa-9ffe-397f436dc96a/Sampling-Program-Plan-FY2014.pdf?MOD=AJPERES. 5

 Please see the following website for more information: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/62fad225-

9052-47fa-9ffe-397f436dc96a/Sampling-Program-Plan-FY2014.pdf?MOD=AJPERES 
4 

imports, and in-commerce facilities in FY2015 and describing the Agency’s overall strategy for 

directing its sampling resources in FY2016. 

Background

The 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 microbiological 

contaminants or chemical residues. For imported product, the types of inspection assigned to the 

lot by PHIS inform IPP when samples are to be collected and sent for laboratory analysis. 

The FSIS laboratories perform different tests depending on the type of sample and the sampling 

project for which the sample was collected. Some sampling projects are considered routine, 

while others are triggered by positive test results from other projects and so are not considered to 

be routine. 

All tables in this Plan contain the following information: 

1. Number of samples that were planned to be analyzed in FY2015,6 

2. Number of samples actually analyzed in FY2015, and 

3. Number of samples that are planned to be analyzed in FY2016. 

Totals in the individual tables have been rounded. The FY2016 Plan is based on the number of 

samples analyzed because 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.7

 

 

6 The total number of samples planned to be scheduled in FY2015 was included in the FSIS Annual Sampling 

Program Plan, Fiscal Year 2015. 7 FSIS targets the number of samples collected on an annual basis instead of focusing on specific collection rates. 

This is because not all establishments that produce products that are currently being sampled under FSIS sampling 

projects produce every eligible product every day. In order to optimize the number of samples collected and 

analyzed and to collect samples from infrequent producers, FSIS adjusts the number of samples being scheduled 

based on the average number of samples collected. 
5 

In FY2016, FSIS plans to collect and analyze approximately 80,000 microbiological samples, 

10,000 chemical residue samples, 5,000 other samples. Totals have been rounded to reflect that 

they are approximations. 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. Sections are included to describe significant changes to sampling programs or 

projects that occurred in FY2015 and what changes are planned for FY2016. 

Finally, it is important to note that the number of samples that were anticipated to be analyzed in 

FY2015 may differ from the total number of samples actually analyzed over the same period. 

This discrepancy occurs for a variety of reasons, including improved sampling frames due to 

updates to establishment profiles in PHIS (which could lead to more samples being analyzed 

than previously planned), emergencies, lack of production at the establishment level, and other 

unforeseen circumstances (which could lead to fewer samples being analyzed than previously 

planned). When these discrepancies occur, IPP may not be able to collect samples for all 

sampling tasks originally assigned. This same discrepancy may exist moving forward for 

samples scheduled in FY2016. 

General FY2015 Accomplishments

On January 26, 2015, FSIS announced and requested comment on new pathogen reduction 

performance standards for Salmonella and Campylobacter in raw chicken parts and not-ready-toeat (NRTE) comminuted chicken and turkey products (80 FR 3940). 

The Agency also announced that it would begin sampling raw chicken parts to gain additional 

information on the prevalence and the microbiological characteristics of Salmonella and 

Campylobacter in those products. In addition, FSIS announced that it would begin exploratory 

sampling of raw pork products for pathogens of public health concern, as well as for indicator 

organisms, and begin sampling imported poultry carcasses, imported raw chicken parts, and 

imported NRTE comminuted chicken and turkey for Salmonella and Campylobacter. 

Finally, for products that are currently subject to Salmonella or Campylobacter performance 

standards, FSIS announced that it will begin using routine sampling throughout the year rather 
6

than the current set-based approach. FSIS stated that it would perform this assessment using a 

moving window of sampling results.

In FY15, FSIS started an exploratory raw pork sampling initiative. In contrast to previous FSIS 

pork sampling which was on carcasses, the new initiative is looking at several different product 

classes that are closer to the consumer, intact and non-intact cuts, comminuted, and other raw 

pork products. After collecting approximately 1,200 samples FSIS intends to analyze the 

sampling results to determine the need to focus on specific product types.

In FY15, FSIS began performing whole genome sequencing (WGS) in positive isolates from 

verification testing programs. FSIS is collaborating with the CDC, FDA, NIH, and State agencies 

on the rapid adoption of technology for bacterial characterization and comparison purposes. 

These agencies are working together to develop analyses that could replace several current 

routine laboratory analyses to improve overall speed and efficiency, including pulsed-field gel 

electrophoresis (PFGE), antimicrobial susceptibility testing, serotyping, and identification of 

know virulence characteristics. Expected outcomes that will benefit FSIS are as follow:

• WGS will provide improved discrimination between bacterial isolates. FSIS expects to 

use this information to identify environmental harborage and recurrences of pathogens in 

FSIS-regulated establishments which can further support FSIS HACCP inspection 

verification and decisions regarding enforcement actions.

• FSIS will make WGS data available in addition to serotype, PFGE, and antimicrobial 

susceptibility results to establishment owners and operators to further assist them in 

developing supportable HACCP systems, taking effective corrective actions and 

performing adequate reassessments. 

• In the context of outbreaks and special investigations WGS will:

o Provide information on pathogen resistance to antimicrobial agents and sanitizers, 

and known virulence attributes.

o Supplement current methods (i.e. serotype, PFGE, MVLA) to help differentiate 

case-patients from background, sporadic, and non-outbreak patients.

o Allow FSIS and other public health partners to focus investigative efforts on 

exposure, purchase histories, and traceback of persons/products more likely to be 

part of an outbreak, which will help reduce time to source implication and 

possible public health actions. 

o Aid in the selection of isolates for conducting special studies to understand 

specific phenotypic characteristics that may make bacteria better able to survive 
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throughout processes associated with FSIS-regulated products (i.e. heat tolerance, 

acid tolerance, and other environmental adaptation factors). 

In August 2014 FSIS launched a 12-month Nationwide Beef and Veal Carcass Baseline Survey 

(BVCBS) to sample establishments that slaughter and process beef and veal carcasses. During 

this survey, FSIS is collecting samples from the carcasses of steers, heifers, cows, bulls, stag, 

dairy cows, and veal at two locations in the slaughter process, immediately after hide removal 

(pre-evisceration) and at pre-chill (after all anti-microbial interventions). This study will provide 

FSIS the data on percent positives and quantitative levels of select foodborne bacterial pathogens 

such as Salmonella sp., E. coli O157:H7, non-O157 Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) and 

levels of indicator bacteria, including total bacteria (aerobic plate count), generic E. coli, 

coliforms and Enterobacteriaceae. Data obtained from the BVCBS will be used for the 

estimation of the national prevalence of select pathogens, assessment of slaughter dressing 

procedures and process control, development of performance guidelines and for other policy 

considerations. 
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Overview 

Salmonella and Campylobacter

FSIS conducts Salmonella testing on a broad array of products both in domestic establishments 

and on imported products. 

o Raw Poultry 

o Chicken Carcasses

o Turkey Carcasses

o Chicken Parts

o Comminuted8 Chicken

o Comminuted Turkey 

o Raw Ground Beef and its components 

o Raw ground beef 

o Bench (purchased) and manufacturing trim

o Raw ground beef components other than trim 

o Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Products 

o Processed Egg Products 

In raw poultry, sampling is conducted for the Salmonella and Campylobacter for young chicken 

and turkey carcasses, raw comminuted chicken and turkey, and chicken parts. In raw beef, FSIS 

tests for Salmonella on raw ground beef, bench and manufacturing trim, and components for raw 

ground beef. Ready-to-Eat and processed egg products are tested for Listeria monocytogenes and 

Salmonella. 

Major Activities in Salmonella and Campylobacter Sampling Projects in FY2015 

1. FSIS continued implementing the Salmonella Action Plan (SAP), which outlined several 

actions FSIS will take to drive innovations that will lower Salmonella contamination 

rates, including implementing the New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS), establishing 

 

8 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.
9 

new performance standards; developing new strategies for inspection and throughout the 

full farm-to-table continuum; addressing all potential sources of Salmonella; and 

focusing the Agency’s education and outreach tools on Salmonella. 

2. FSIS implemented continuous sampling for chicken and turkey carcasses.

3. FSIS began sampling raw chicken parts, including legs, breasts and wings.

4. FSIS began implementing the New Poultry Inspection System (NPIS). FSIS anticipates 

the NPIS will prevent at least 5,000 illnesses from Salmonella and Campylobacter 

annually by focusing inspectors’ duties solely on food safety. 

5. FSIS started testing imported poultry for Salmonella and Campylobacter. 

6. FSIS began reporting positive rates in raw ground beef, bench (purchased) and 

manufacturing trimmings and raw ground beef components other than trim. This 

information is posted on the FSIS website. 

Changes to Salmonella and Campylobacter Sampling Projects Planned for FY2016 

1. FSIS intends to implement new performance standards for Salmonella and 

Campylobacter in raw chicken parts and raw comminuted poultry. 

2. FSIS plans to announce a new performance standard for Salmonella in ground beef and 

intends to develop performance standards for beef manufacturing trim as well as beef 

carcasses.

3. FSIS is planning to implement a Salmonella sampling program for other raw chicken 

parts not included in the current chicken parts sampling (necks, hearts, livers, gizzards, 

and half and quarter carcasses).

4. FSIS will compute estimates for the levels of Salmonella in young chickens, turkeys, 

chicken parts, comminuted chicken, comminuted turkey, raw ground beef, and beef 

manufacturing trimmings. Those estimates will be posted on the FSIS website.

5. FSIS will compute estimates for the levels of Campylobacter in young chickens, turkeys, 

chicken parts, comminuted chicken, and comminuted turkey. Those estimates will be 

posted on the FSIS website. 

6. FSIS intends to begin testing low volume and religious exempt poultry establishments for 

Salmonella and Campylobacter.

Shiga Toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) 

FSIS maintains many STEC sampling projects for domestic establishments, imported products, 

and raw ground beef in retail. All STEC sampling is of raw ground beef or raw ground beef 
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components. “Bench trim” is trim derived from cattle not slaughtered onsite (i.e., purchased 

product). “Beef manufacturing trimmings” are trimmings produced from cattle slaughtered 

onsite. 

Major Activities in STEC Sampling Projects in FY2015 

1. FSIS implemented its redesigned bench trim and non-trim components sampling projects 

to improve detection of E. coli O157:H7 in regulated product using a data-driven 

approach; the new sampling design is nationally representative and comparable to the 

existing MT60 and MT43 sampling designs. This was implemented in September 2015. 

2. FSIS published the completed analysis on the estimated costs and benefits associated 

with the implementation of its non-O157 STEC testing on beef manufacturing trimmings 

and the costs and benefits associated with the potential expansion of its non-O157 STEC 

testing to raw ground beef and raw ground beef components other than beef 

manufacturing trimmings.

3. FSIS reissued FSIS Directive 10,010.1, entitled “Sampling Verification Activities for 

Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in Raw Beef Products” (Dir. 10,010.1, 

Revision 4).9

Changes Planned to STEC Sampling Projects for FY2016 

1. FSIS plans to publish beef slaughter guidance. 

2. FSIS plans to address recommendations made by the Agency Strategic Performance 

Working Group (SPWG) especially those relating to sanitary dressing procedures. 

3. FSIS plans to publish prevalence calculations for E. coli O157:H7 in raw ground beef and 

beef manufacturing trimmings. 

4. FSIS plans to publish prevalence estimates for non-O157 (STEC) in beef manufacturing 

trim.

5. FSIS is considering beginning analyzing raw ground beef, raw ground beef components, 

and bench (purchased) trimmings for non-O157 (STEC). 

6. FSIS is considering a veal carcass sampling program. 

Listeria monocytogenes (Lm) 

 

9 http://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/wcm/connect/c100dd64-e2e7-408a-8b27-

ebb378959071/10010.1.pdf?MOD=AJPERES 
11 

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

monocytogenes and Salmonella in both domestically produced and imported ready-to-eat 

products as well as in domestically produced and imported processed egg products.

Routine product sampling is scheduled every month under both a random sampling project and 

risk-based sampling project. Under RLm, establishments producing 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 RLm or routine RTE sampling projects. 

Major Activities in Sampling Projects for Lm and Salmonella in FY2015 

1. FSIS began reviewing the sampling methodology for the RLm sampling project. 

2. FSIS began reviewing the sampling methodology for the processed egg sampling 

projects.

Changes Planned to RTE Sampling Projects for Lm and Salmonella for FY2016

1. FSIS is considering implementing a follow-up sampling project to begin immediately 

collecting product samples after a positive sampling result. 

2. FSIS intends to implement modifications to the processed egg product sampling projects.

3. FSIS intends to review and update the risk factors associated with the scheduling 

algorithm for the RTEPROD_RAND and RTEPROD_RISK sampling projects. 

4. FSIS will continue to review the current scheduling methodology for RLm. 

Chemical Residues

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

Domestic sampling projects are summarized in Table 4. 

Major Activities in Chemical Residue Sampling Programs in FY2015 

1. FSIS continued Tier 2 sampling projects for sheep and goats. 

2. FSIS began a Tier 2 sampling project for Old Breeder Turkeys. 

3. FSIS began routinely using a new hormone method for beef muscle. 
12 

Changes Planned for Chemical Residue Sampling Programs for FY2016 

1. FSIS intends to evaluate the creation of residue sampling projects for both domestically 

produced and imported further processed raw meat and poultry products.

2. FSIS intends to evaluate the creation of a residue sampling project for both domestically 

produced and imported ready-to-eat and not-ready-to-eat (combination) products.

3. FSIS is considering modifying directions for in-plant KIS tests. To get additional 

information, FSIS is planning a pilot with dairy cows and bob veal.

4. FSIS is starting a Tier 2 sampling project for market swine.

5. FSIS is considering adding one more animal class.

6. FSIS is continuing Tier 2 sampling projects for sheep, goats, and old breeder turkeys.

Exploratory and Baseline Studies

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

bacteria or indicator bacteria of public health concern. Each report produced after the completion 

of a baseline or exploratory study is a compilation of data obtained for a particular species or 

type of animal or product. FSIS uses this information to determine if routine sampling projects 

are needed and how they should be structured. 

Major Activities in Exploratory and Baseline Studies in FY2015

1. FSIS continued the beef and veal carcass baseline survey.

2. FSIS began sampling raw pork products for Salmonella and Campylobacter; this includes 

both intact and non-intact raw pork products. Results from this sampling may be used to 

establish performance standards in these products. 

Changes Planned for Exploratory and Baseline Studies in FY2016

1. FSIS will continue the Nationwide Beef and Veal Carcass Microbiological Baseline Data 

Collection Program. 

2. FSIS will use the exploratory raw pork products sampling results to focus sampling on 

specific pork products. 

3. FSIS is considering implementing a Salmonella sampling program for imported raw pork 

products. 

4. FSIS intends to compute Salmonella percent positive rates in raw pork products and

imported raw pork. Those estimates will be posted on the FSIS website. 
13 

5. FSIS intends to initiate a sampling project for not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) poultry products 

(combination products). 

6. FSIS intends to begin planning a Tier II microbiological sampling program that will have 

a pool of sampling resources available each year to rotate among different species 

(including minor species), product, and hazard combinations as needed. 

Other Sampling Programs

FSIS also conducts sampling in other areas both on domestically produced and imported 

products.10 These projects include:

1. AMR - FSIS tests meat from advanced meat recovery (AMR) processes to help prevent 

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. 

2. NARMS – NARMS is 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. Foodborne Illness and Outbreak Sampling – FSIS collects and analyzes food samples 

potentially related to human disease outbreaks. Analyses include both cultural and 

characterization methods such as PFGE, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and 

molecular serotyping. 

4. Food Chemistry – 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. 

5. Species Identification – FSIS conducts species verification on both imported and 

domestic samples

 

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

bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) where approximately 40,000 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. 
14 

6. Pathology - FSIS carries out diagnostic and consultative pathology services to identify 

diseases, parasites and related conditions in response to the needs of field operations. 

7. 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

Major Activities in Other Sampling Programs in FY2015 

1. FSIS conducted intensified testing of a variety of products in response to foodborne 

illnesses investigations and recalls. 

Changes Planned for Other Sampling Programs for FY 2016 

1. FSIS intends to begin microbiological and chemical residue sampling for products from fish 

in the order of Siluriformes after the final rule has published.

2. FSIS intends to increase nutritional analysis sampling in raw ground beef
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Sampling Numbers by Product

Meat

Raw Beef

Product Class Sampling 

Project Pathogen(s)

Planned Number 

of Samples to 

Analyze FY2015

Actual Number of 

Samples 

Analyzed in 

FY2015

Planned Number 

of Samples to 

Analyze in 

FY2016

Raw ground beef MT43

E. coli O157:H7 

& Salmonella 12,500 11,688 12,500

Raw ground beef + HC01_GB Salmonella 0 430 0

Follow-Up testing to a ground beef E. coli 

positive *

MT44 & 

MT44T

E. coli O157:H7 

& Salmonella N/A 211 N/A

Raw ground beef components other than 

trim^ MT54/MT64 E. coli O157:H7 & Salmonella 1,000 518 1,000

Bench trim^ MT55/MT65 E. coli O157:H7 & Salmonella 2,000 1,373 2,000

Beef manufacturing trim

MT60

E. coli O157:H7, 

Non-O157 

(STEC) & 

Salmonella 4,200 3,278 4,500

Follow-up testing at supplier 

establishments following MT43, MT44, or 

MT55 positive* MT52

E. coli O157:H7, 

Non-O157 

(STEC) & 

Salmonella N/A 109 N/A
16

Follow-up testing to an MT60, MT54, 

MT55, or MT52 positive* MT53

E. coli O157:H7, 

Non-O157 

(STEC) & 

Salmonella N/A 692 N/A

Raw ground beef at retail stores MT05 E. coli O157:H7 

& Salmonella 460 485 560

Follow-up testing to a MT05 sample* MT06

E. coli O157:H7 

& Salmonella N/A 0 N/A

Imported raw ground beef**, ++ MT08

E. coli O157:H7 

& Salmonella 100 12 10

Imported trim and other raw ground beef 

components ++

MT51

E. coli O157:H7, 

Non-O157 

(STEC) & 

Salmonella 850 698 850

Beef and Veal Carcass Baseline *** B52_PRECH

E. coli O157:H7, 

Non-O157 

(STEC) & 

Salmonella N/A 1,137 750

Beef and Veal Carcass Baseline *** B52_PSTHR

E. coli O157:H7, 

Non-O157 

(STEC) & 

Salmonella N/A 1,137 750

* Dependent on positive findings from other E. coli O157:H7 or non-O157 (STEC) sampling projects.

** The number of lots of imported raw ground beef is too low to collect 100 samples.

*** FSIS stopped routinely sampling carcasses in FY2011 because the positive pathogen rate was low, and the 

potential public health benefit did not justify the expenditure of the necessary Agency resources to perform the 

sampling. The Agency decided to reallocate those resources to sampling procedures that would yield a more effective 

public health benefit. However, if a need arises, based on positive sample results or other events, FSIS can and will 

conduct sampling in carcasses.

+ These samples were collected for Category 3 establishments only.
17

++ In FY16, FSIS is moving imported samples from the calendar year to the fiscal year. The actual number of samples 

analyzed in FY2015 is a combination of the CY14 and CY15 import plans.

^ The sampling project codes for bench trim and raw ground beef components other than trim changed in September 

2015 when the statistical design changes were implemented. The new codes are MT65 for bench trim and MT64 for 

the raw ground beef components other than trim program.
18 

Raw Pork

Product Class Sampling 

Project Pathogen(s)

Planned Number 

of Samples to 

Analyze FY2015

Actual Number 

of Samples 

Analyzed in 

FY2015

Planned Number 

of Samples to 

Analyze in 

FY2016

Exploratory Sampling for Pork -

Comminuted * EXP_PK_COM01

Salmonella & 

Indicator Organisms N/A 503 TBD

Exploratory Sampling for Pork - Intact 

Cuts * EXP_PK_ICT01

Salmonella & 

Indicator Organisms N/A 278 TBD

Exploratory Sampling for Pork - Intact 

Other * EXP_PK_IOT01

Salmonella & 

Indicator Organisms N/A 137 TBD

Exploratory Sampling for Pork - NonIntact Cuts * EXP_PK_NCT01Salmonella & 

Indicator Organisms N/A 40 TBD

Exploratory Sampling for Pork - NonIntact Other * EXP_PK_NOT01Salmonella & 

Indicator Organisms N/A 62 TBD

Imported Pork ++, *** TBD TBD N/A N/A 770

Pork Carcasses ** TBD Salmonella 0 0 0

* In FY16, after collecting approximately 1,200 raw pork samples FSIS intends to analyze results and rebalance sample 

distribution to focus on specific pork products.

** FSIS stopped routinely sampling carcasses in FY2011 because the positive pathogen rate was low, and the potential 

public health benefit did not justify the expenditure of the necessary Agency resources to perform the sampling. The 

Agency decided to reallocate those resources to sampling procedures that would yield a more effective public health 

benefit. However, if a need arises, based on positive sample results or other events, FSIS can and will conduct Salmonella

sampling in carcasses.

*** In FY16, FSIS is considering to start sampling imported raw pork products

++ In FY16, FSIS is moving imported samples from the calendar year to the fiscal year. The actual number of samples 

analyzed in FY2015 is a combination of the CY14 and CY15 import plans.
19 

Poultry 

Product Class Sampling 

Project Pathogen(s)

Planned Number 

of Samples to 

Analyze FY2015

Actual Number of 

Samples 

Analyzed in 

FY2015

Planned Number 

of Samples to 

Analyze in 

FY2016

Young Chickens*

HC11_BR & 

HC_CH_CARC01

Salmonella & 

Campylobacter 10,700 6,372 12,000

Raw Comminuted Chicken***

NRTE_EXP_CH

Salmonella & 

Campylobacter 5,400 1,970 0

Sampling for Ground and Other Comminuted 

Chicken (not Mechanically Separated)*** HC_CH_COM01

Salmonella & 

Campylobacter N/A 358 4,000

Exploratory Sampling for Mechanically 

Separated Chicken*** EXP_CH_MSK01

Salmonella & 

Campylobacter 36 28 150

Chicken Parts HC_CPT_LBW01

Salmonella & 

Campylobacter 3,850 2,236 8,000

Turkeys**

HC11_TU & 

HC_TU_CARC01

Salmonella & 

Campylobacter 4,000 1,569 2,500

Raw Comminuted Turkey# NRTE_EXP_TU

Salmonella & 

Campylobacter 3,000 1,035 0

Sampling for Ground and Other Comminuted 

Turkey (not Mechanically Separated)# HC_TU_COM01

Salmonella & 

Campylobacter N/A 283 1,500

Exploratory Sampling for Mechanically 

Separated Turkey# EXP_TU_MSK01

Salmonella & 

Campylobacter 36 25 150

Imported Raw Intact Chicken and Turkey ++ IMP_POULTRY

Salmonella & 

Campylobacter N/A 121 800

Minor Species + TBD

Salmonella & 

Campylobacter N/A N/A TBD
20

* In FY15, samples were collected under HC01_BR and HC_CH_CAR01 as FSIS transition from set based sampling to 

continuous sampling.

** In FY15, samples were collected under HC01_TU and HC_TU_CAR01 as FSIS transition from set based sampling to 

continuous sampling.

*** In FY15, split the NRTE_EXP_CH project into HC_CH_CARC01 and EXP_CH_MSK01. This transition and delays starting the 

new projects caused the number of samples analyzed to be lower than the number planned.

# In FY15, split the NRTE_EXP_TU project into HC_TU_CARC01 and EXP_TU_MSK01. This transition and delays starting the 

new projects caused the number of samples collected to be lower than the number planned.

+ FSIS is considering an exploratory sampling program for minor species.

++ In FY16, FSIS is moving imported samples from the calendar year to the fiscal year. The actual number of samples 

analyzed in FY2015 is a combination of the CY14 and CY15 import plans.
21 

Ready-to-Eat Products

Product Class Sampling 

Project

Pathogen(s

) 

Planned 

Number of 

Samples to 

Analyze FY2015

Actual Number 

of Samples 

Analyzed in 

FY2015

Planned 

Number of 

Samples to 

Analyze in 

FY2016

Both post lethality-exposed and non-post lethalityexposed RTE productsRTEPROD_Ran

d

Lm & 

Salmonella 4,400 3,403 4,400

Post lethality-exposed RTE products RTEPROD_Risk

Lm & 

Salmonella 10,400 9,811 10,400

RLm product samples (Composited 5-sample Units) RLMPRODC Lm 690 535 690

RLm food contact surface samples RLMCONT Lm 6,880 5,314 6,880

RLm non-food contact environmental samples 

(Composited 5-sample Units) RLMENVC Lm 690 539 690

Intensified Verification Testing (IVT) product samples* INTPROD

Lm or

Salmonella N/A 496 N/A

IVT food contact surface samples* INTCONT

Lm or

Salmonella N/A 1,017 N/A

IVT non-food contact environmental samples* INTENV

Lm or

Salmonella N/A 549 N/A

Imported intact RTE product ++ IMVRTE

Lm & 

Salmonella 2,200 3,592 2,200

Follow up testing to imported RTE product FLISTERIA Lm N/A 24 N/A

Follow up testing to imported RTE product FSALMONEL Salmonella N/A 0 N/A

Processed Egg Products EM31-EM37 Salmonella 1,600 1,687 1,600

Collector-generated egg product testing EGGDOM Lm N/A 21 N/A

Pasteurized imported liquid, frozen or dried egg 

products EGGIMP Salmonella 80 91 80

* Dependent on positive findings from RTEPROD_RAND, RTEPROD_RISK, and RLm sampling projects
22

++ In FY16, FSIS is moving imported samples from the calendar year to the fiscal year. The actual number of samples 

analyzed in FY2015 is a combination of the CY14 and CY15 import plans.
23 

Chemical Residues

Product Class Sampling 

Project

Planned Number

of Samples to 

Analyze FY2015

Actual Number of 

Samples 

Analyzed in 

FY2015

Planned Number 

of Samples to 

Analyze in 

FY2016

Beef Cows NRP_BC 712 689 712

Bob Veal NRP_BV 712 483 356

Dairy Cows NRP_DC 712 687 712

Heifers NRP_HF 356 375 356

Steer NRP_ST 356 362 356

Market Sows NRP_MS 712 695 712

Market Swine NRP_SW 712 699 712

Young Chicken NRP_YC 712 667 712

Young Turkey NRP_YT 712 683 712

Sheep NRP_SH 300 285 356

Goats NRP_GO 300 242 356

Old Breeder Turkeys NRP_OBT N/A 27 90

Roaster Swine NRP_RS N/A N/A 300

National Residue Program State Residues* Various 700 552 700

Various species for export to EU EU N/A 346 N/A

KISTM Test KIS N/A 161,165 N/A

KISTM Test – Laboratory Confirmation ** KIS N/A 4,037 N/A

Collector Generated Residues Various N/A 140 N/A

Import Residue ++ Various 1,550 2,929 3,000

++ In FY16, FSIS is moving imported samples from the calendar year to the fiscal year. The actual number 

of samples analyzed in FY2015 is a combination of the CY14 and CY15 import plans.
24

* FSIS schedules and analyzes samples for states using PHIS. Those samples are spread across the same 

species that FSIS samples at federal establishments at the rate of 88 per year.

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

Methods Tier 1: Production Class Tier 2: Production Class

Beef 

Cows

Dairy 

Cows Steers Heifers Bob 

Veal

Market 

Swine

Market 

Sows

Young 

Chicken

Young 

Turkeys Goats Sheep Mature 

turkey

Roster 

Pigs

Multi-class √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Aminoglycoside √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Pesticides √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Metals √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Β-agonists √ √ √ √ √ √

Carbadox √

Hormones √ √ √ √ √

Avermectins √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Arsenic √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √

Nitrofurans √ √ √
25 

Other

Sampling Project Sampling 

Project

Planned Number 

of Samples to 

Analyze FY2015

Actual Number of 

Samples 

Analyzed in 

FY2015

Planned Number 

of Samples to 

Analyze in 

FY2016

Advanced Meat Recovery (AMR) - Beef ## AMR01 150 111 150

Import AMR Beef ##, ++ IMPAMRBEEF 10 8 10

Follow-up testing to a AMR01 Beef Sample *,## FAMR01 N/A 35 N/A

AMR Pork ###

National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring 

System for Enteric Bacteria *** NARMS 5,400 4,733 5,400

Foodborne Illness and Outbreak Sampling +, ^ Various N/A 2,109 3,000

Nutrient Content - Raw Ground Beef NUTR_GB 100 105 240

Species Identification - Collector Generated SPECID N/A 1 N/A

Import Species Identification **, ++ IMPSPECIESID N/A 248 250

Food Chemistry - Collector Generated FOODCHEM N/A 2 N/A

Compliance Testing+,$ COMPLIAN N/A 115 N/A

Pathology - Collector Generated +, % Various N/A 4,260 N/A

Import Abnormal Container ++

IMPABNCONT & 

ABNCONT N/A 7 N/A

Siluriformes %% TBD N/A N/A TBD

Import Siluriformes %% TBD N/A N/A TBD

* Dependent on positive findings from the AMR01 sampling project.

** Species sampling occurs for 1 out of every 48 lots reinspected by FSIS.
26

*** NARMS is a national public health surveillance system that tracks antibiotic resistance in foodborne 

bacteria. NARMS monitors antimicrobial susceptibility among enteric bacteria from humans, retail meats, 

and food animals. The major bacteria currently under surveillance are Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli, and 

Enterococcus. In FY2013, FSIS began collecting intestinal cecal samples from cattle (steer, heifer, dairy cow, 

and beef cow), swine (market swine and sows), young chickens, and young turkeys presented for slaughter at 

FSIS-inspected establishments for the pathogens listed above. 

# a. 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

## FSIS conducts a sampling project in regulated establishments for AMR processes to help prevent 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.

+ Samples for these projects are not planned in advance, but rather are collector-generated in the field based 

on inspector findings or other circumstances.

++ In FY16, FSIS is moving imported samples from the calendar year to the fiscal year. The actual number of 

samples analyzed in FY2015 is a combination of the CY14 and CY15 import plans.

$ 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.

^ 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

% FSIS carries out diagnostic and consultative pathology services to identify diseases, parasites and related 

conditions in response to the needs of field operations. 

%% FSIS will begin testing for Siluriformes after the final rule publishes. FSIS is considering testing for 

Salmonella, Speciation, and Chemical Residues

### FSIS is considering implementing an AMR pork program.