Food Safety and Inspection Service 

Annual Sampling Plan 

Fiscal Year 2024 

U.S. Department of Agriculture 

Food Safety and Inspection Service 

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Contents 

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

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

FSIS Agency Planning....................................................................................................................................... 4 

FSIS Process for Scheduling, Collecting, and Analyzing Samples................................................................... 4 

Data Sharing and Analysis ................................................................................................................................ 5 

Salmonella Exploratory Sampling..................................................................................................................... 5 

Cell-Cultured Products ...................................................................................................................................... 5 

Collaborative Sampling Programs..................................................................................................................... 5 

Microbiological and Chemical Residue Sampling Planned Changes from FY 2022 to FY 2024........................ 8 

Table 1: Planned Number of Microbiological Analyses (Tests) and Analytes FY 2022-FY 2024 .................... 8 

Table 2: Planned Number of Chemical Residue Analyses (Tests) and Analytes Reported FY 2022-FY 2024 . 9 

Table 3: FY 2024 Sampling Priorities............................................................................................................. 10 

Table 4: Rationale for Changes in Sampling Allocations ............................................................................... 12 

Appendix A: Microbial Sampling Numbers by Product..................................................................................... 17 

Table A1: Summary of Analyte tested by Product........................................................................................... 17 

Table A2: FY 2023 and FY 2024 Sample Numbers for Raw Beef................................................................... 18 

Table A3: FY 2023 and FY 2024 Sample Numbers for Raw Pork .................................................................. 19 

Table A4: FY 2023 and FY 2024 Sample Numbers for Raw Poultry .............................................................. 19 

Table A5: FY 2023 and FY 2024 Sample Numbers for RTE, NRTE, and Egg Products ................................ 20 

Table A6: FY 2023 and FY 2024 Sample Numbers for Cell-Cultured Meat and Poultry Food Products...... 21 

Appendix B: Chemical Residue Sampling Numbers by Product........................................................................ 22 

Table B1: FY 2023 and FY 2024 Sample Numbers for Chemical Residues.................................................... 22 

Table B2: Planned Number of Chemical Residues Analysis by Production Class: Domestic Residue Plan.. 23 

Table B3: Planned Number of Chemical Residues Analysis by Production Class: Import Residue Plan .... 24 

Appendix C: Collaborative Sampling Programs................................................................................................ 25 

Table C1: FY 2023 and FY 2024 Sample Numbers for NARMS ..................................................................... 25 

Table C2: FY 2023 and FY 2024 Sample Numbers for State Chemical Residue Sampling............................ 26 

Table C3: FY 2024 Planned FSIS-Collected Samples to be Analyzed by ARS Collaborators ....................... 26 

Table C4: FY 2023 and FY 2024 Sample Numbers for Interagency Isolate Characterization....................... 27 

Appendix D: Other Sampling Programs ............................................................................................................. 28 

Table D1: FY 2023 and FY 2024 Sample Numbers for FSIS Sampling Programs other than Microbiological 

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and Chemical Residues.................................................................................................................................... 28 

Appendix E: Terms, Definitions, and References............................................................................................... 30 

References ....................................................................................................................................................... 32 

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Introduction 

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is the food safety regulatory agency within the U.S. Department of 

Agriculture (USDA) responsible for ensuring that domestic and imported meat, poultry, and egg products are safe, 

wholesome, and accurately labeled. Verification activities serve to protect the public from foodborne hazards. Sampling 

and testing products under FSIS jurisdiction for microbiological and chemical residues is a key FSIS inspection verification 

activity. 

This planning document describes the Agency’s overall strategy for directing sampling resources in fiscal year (FY) 2024 

and identifies changes made from the previous FY. 

Background 

FSIS Agency Planning 

FSIS’ sampling resource allocation remains aligned with the Agency’s FY 2023-2026 Strategic Plan and the FY 2024 

Annual Plan. FSIS will continue to leverage technological and sampling advances to detect microbiological contaminants 

and chemical residues, thereby protecting the food supply. 

FSIS Process for Scheduling, Collecting, and Analyzing Samples 

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 Public Health Information System (PHIS). The 

number of sampling tasks IPP can receive at a domestic establishment varies greatly depending on the types and 

quantities of products produced. Additional non-routine sampling tasks may be assigned to an establishment in 

response to results or other establishment performance history. Similarly, sampling “type of inspection” (TOI) tasks are 

assigned to imported products for each foreign country and product combination based on the number of imported 

shipments received; these sampling rates vary based on the amount and type of product imported each year. Additional 

non-routine TOI tasks can also be assigned to countries for imported product in response to sampling results, foreign 

establishment performance history, or as part of foreign country equivalence determination activities. 

It is important to note that this document reflects the Agency’s plan and there may be a difference between the number 

of samples that are anticipated to be analyzed and the total number of samples analyzed within the fiscal year. Several 

variables can impact the plan as the fiscal year progresses. The lack of available products that are eligible for sampling 

within the specific sampling tasks’ allotted timeframe is one of the biggest challenges IPP face when trying to collect all 

the samples anticipated in the sampling plan. Therefore, the FSIS Annual Sampling Plan is based on the number of 

samples anticipated to be analyzed instead of those assigned. Additionally, differences between the planned number 

and analyzed number of samples may be due to changes in the number of inspected establishments producing eligible 

products. FSIS adjusts the number of samples assigned based on the average number of samples collected throughout 

the sampling year to collect samples from infrequent producing establishments and optimize the total number of annual 

planned samples collected and analyzed. The estimates for each sampling program are based on current plans, FSIS 

policies, and industry practices that are subject to change over the course of the fiscal year. 

After receiving the sampling tasks and verifying eligible product availability, IPP collect and ship the samples to one of 

three FSIS Field Service Laboratories (FSLs), where samples are tested for specified analytes. An analyte is a substance 

whose constituents are identified and measured, and the FSIS laboratories perform different tests depending on the 

sampling program and target analytes. The Agency increases sample resource efficiency by maximizing the number of 

analytes tested per sample collection event. 

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Data Sharing and Analysis 

FSIS routinely analyzes sampling data. The results of these analyses are used in a variety of ways, including verifying 

whether product is safe and not adulterated, verifying the effectiveness of Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point 

systems where applicable, informing Agency policy making, estimating public health impact, and advising strategic and 

performance planning. FSIS posts sampling data on the Agency’s website and shares the data directly with 

establishments. 

FSIS laboratories perform whole genome sequencing (WGS) on all foodborne pathogens isolated and confirmed from 

FSIS-regulated products. When product samples test positive for bacterial pathogens, FSIS engages with Federal partners 

to use WGS data for regulatory and public health purposes. The information gathered from WGS helps FSIS to detect 

and investigate outbreaks of foodborne illness, identify potential instances of harborage, and identify unique genes, 

including antimicrobial resistance genes. In FY 2023, FSIS worked with a contractor to develop an allele code scheme for 

naming both Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. The allele codes provide a nomenclature that is amenable to 

reporting and allows for the comparison of FSIS isolate sequences to each other, which allows for the identification of 

repetitive or persistent subtypes. The Campylobacter allele codes are publicly available in the establishment-specific 

sampling datasets. Additionally, FSIS has developed standardized language for reporting results of samples with 

incomplete characterization. This allows data users to know that the current result is final and/or that there is no linking 

data available on the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) website. FSIS continues to explore new ways 

to expand the use of WGS data. Current and future efforts include exploring the use of genomic data to attribute 

Salmonella and Campylobacter illnesses to foods, to understand pathogen adaptability, persistence, and pathogenicity, 

and to use subtyping data to understand the diversity and ubiquity of pathogen subtypes found in regulated 

products. These efforts will also build on the public health, regulatory, and research partners’ endeavors in support 

of FSIS Research Priorities. 

Salmonella Exploratory Sampling 

FSIS will continue to explore Salmonella enumeration analysis of multiple poultry product types in support of the 

Agency’s comprehensive approach to reduce Salmonella illnesses associated with poultry products. As not only the 

presence of Salmonella, but also the quantity of Salmonella microorganisms can impact the likelihood of illness, FSIS will 

continue to examine how quantification can be incorporated into this approach. Moreover, with emerging science 

suggesting that not all Salmonella are equally likely to cause human illness, FSIS will explore Salmonella serotypes and 

virulence factors that pose the greatest public health risk. 

Cell-Cultured Products 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and FSIS jointly oversee the production of human food products made with 

cultured cells derived from livestock or poultry. Per the agreement delineating each agency’s jurisdiction, FDA oversees 

the production process and produced biological material prior to harvest, including tissue collection, cell lines and cell 

banks, manufacturing controls, and all components and inputs. At harvest, FDA and FSIS coordinate a transfer of 

jurisdiction to FSIS, who oversees the processing, packaging, and labeling of the resulting meat and poultry products per 

FSIS Directive 7800.1 and FSIS Notice 31-23. FSIS samples cell-cultured meat and poultry food products, food contact 

surface swabs, and environmental swabs to verify establishment food safety programs and assess process control. 

Collaborative Sampling Programs 

FSIS collaborates with a multitude of partners to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of food safety outcomes. 

Select product sampling and pathogen isolate characterization partnerships with federal and state agencies are 

described below and in Appendix C: Collaborative Sampling Programs. Additional details for all FSIS partnerships and 

collaborations are provided in the FSIS FY 2023–2026 Strategic Plan. 

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Exploratory Sampling: Raised Without Antibiotics As described in the September 22, 2023 Constituent Update, FSIS is 

implementing a multi-step effort aimed at strengthening the substantiation of animal-raising claims. FSIS has received 

several petitions, comments, and letters from a wide range of stakeholders asking the agency to reevaluate its oversight 

of animal-raising claims, specifically, how they are substantiated. In addition, the veracity of “negative” antibiotics claims 

(e.g., “raised without antibiotics” or “no antibiotics ever”) has come into question. In FY 2024, in partnership with 

USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS), FSIS will conduct sampling at establishments slaughtering cattle that will be 

used for products labeled with negative antibiotic claims, such as “No Antibiotics,” “No Antibiotics Ever,” “Raised 

Without Antibiotics,” “Antibiotic Free,” “No Antibiotics Administered,” or related claims. The purpose of the new 

exploratory sampling program is to assess whether antibiotic residues are found in cattle intended for product with 

raised without antibiotics (RWA) claims. 

Dioxin Survey FSIS is announcing plans to begin sampling for the FY 2024 Dioxin Survey in FY 2024 Q1. FSIS will also issue 

instructions to inspection program personnel (IPP) in upcoming FSIS Notices for Livestock and Siluriformes sample 

collection. This is the next survey of a cycle of dioxin surveys that FSIS has conducted with other federal partners, 

including ARS, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the FDA. The goal of the survey is to determine levels of 

dioxins and dioxin-like compounds in FSIS-regulated products. Dioxins are a group of compounds of public health 

concern. These compounds are ubiquitous, but generally occur at very low levels throughout the environment as 

persistent environmental contaminants. FSIS plans to suspend the sampling of poultry products in the FY 2024 Dioxin 

Survey as this slaughter class has shown a statistically significant downward trend in dioxin levels over all of the surveys. 

FSIS will collect survey samples over 12 months, with ARS completing analysis after sample collection has ended. 

NARMS The National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) is an interagency, collaborative partnership 

with State and local public health departments, the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and FSIS. 

This national public health surveillance system tracks changes in antimicrobial susceptibility of select foodborne enteric 

bacteria found in ill people (CDC), retail meats (FDA), and food animals (FSIS). The NARMS program at FSIS focuses on 

two sampling points: samples collected from intestinal (cecal) content from food animals and carcass or food commodity 

samples. 

State Cooperative Agreement Program Laboratories in the Food Emergency Response Network State Cooperative 

Agreement Program (CAP) laboratories will continue targeted food defense surveillance of FSIS-regulated commodities 

at retail for select/threat agents. The goal is to test approximately 5,000 retail samples over the course of the year, 

divided among microbiological, chemical, and radiochemical analysis. Any findings are subject to further review and 

Agency action, which may include product recalls. Importantly, this testing represents the only chemistry and 

radiochemistry analysis done on processed products regulated by FSIS. 

National Residue Program and State Residue Sample Analysis The National Residue Program (NRP) sampling guides the 

collection of domestic and imported meat, poultry, and egg product samples. The domestic sampling plan includes 

surveillance sampling, inspector-generated, and special project sampling in both Federal and State-inspected slaughter 

establishments. 

Collaborative PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) Analysis FSIS assists Federal Agencies, states, tribes, and local 

communities to identify and quantify specific PFAS which are impacting areas of interest. This information could be used 

to identify some specific sources and responsible parties, to identify and assess risk from exposure, and to enable 

selection of the optimal strategies for treating, removing, and disposing of PFAS contaminated material and restoring 

PFAS-contaminated agricultural and subsistence systems. 

Isolate characterization for State MPI and AMS Commodity Purchase Program The FSIS Microbiology Characterization 

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Branch performs further characterization analyses on confirmed pathogen isolates obtained by laboratories in State MPI 

programs and the AMS Commodity Purchase Program. Pathogens tested include Listeria monocytogenes, E. coli 

O157:H7, non-O157 STEC, Salmonella, and Campylobacter. Analyses include confirmation of analyte, antimicrobial 

susceptibility testing (AST), WGS, lyophilization, and Salmonella serotype derivation. The results of the further 

characterization analyses may be used to improve capabilities in further investigating public illnesses and outbreak 

situations. WGS data is entered into the NIH NCBI database Home - Pathogen Detection - NCBI (nih.gov) and shared with 

PulseNet | CDC. 

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Microbiological and Chemical Residue Sampling Planned Changes from FY 2022 to FY 2024 

Table 1 and Table 2 summarize microbiological and chemical residue sampling, respectively, the total planned number of analyses and corresponding planned 

number of analytes tested for during FY 2022, FY 2023 and FY 2024 by product class to provide perspective over time. Data is based on the proposed number 

of samples and actual analyses performed during the previous fiscal years. Results for the fiscal year can be found in FSIS’ Annual Sampling Summary Report. A 

link to past years’ Sampling Summary Reports can be found in the References section. 

Table 1: Planned Number of Microbiological Analyses (Tests) and Analytes FY 2022-FY 2024 

Planned for FY 2022 Planned for FY 2023 Planned for FY 2024 Difference1 (FY 2024-FY 2023) 

Samples Tests Analytes Samples Tests Analytes Samples Tests Analytes Samples Tests Analytes 

Product Class Planned Planned Planned Planned Planned Planned Planned Planned Planned Planned Planned Planned 

Raw Beef 20,023 52,824 100,920 21,271 55,320 103,416 20,263 39,768 152,448 -1,008 -15,552 49,032 

Raw Pork 11,040 22,080 33,120 11,040 22,080 33,120 2,196 4,146 4,392 -8,844 -17,934 -28,728 

Raw Poultry 47,892 64,248 64,248 48,692 67,136 67,136 38,892 60,000 60,000 -9,800 -7,136 -7,136 

Raw 660 660 660 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Siluriformes RTE/Eggs 

RTE 15,919 29,616 29,616 15,919 29,616 29,616 11,112 22,224 22,224 -4,807 -7,392 -7,392 

RLm 5,437 5,437 5,437 5,437 5,437 5,437 5,437 5,437 5,437 0 0 0 

Eggs 1,600 3,200 3,200 1,600 3,200 3,200 1,290 2,400 2,400 -310 -800 -800 

Cecal, NARMS 6,492 25,968 419,832 5,655 22,752 418,920 5,090 16,152 416,688 -565 -6,600 -2,232 Cell- cultured Raw 0 0 0 20 40 40 60 120 120 40 80 80 

RTE 0 0 0 10 20 20 30 60 60 20 40 40 

FCS/ENV 0 0 0 60 120 120 180 360 360 120 240 240 

Imports2 6,312 13,884 27,893 5,604 13,176 27,576 5,604 13,176 27,576 0 0 0 

Total 115,375 217,917 684,926 115,222 218,721 688,425 90,154 163,843 691,705 -25,068 -54,878 3,280 

Abbreviations: RTE, ready-to-eat; RLm, Routine Listeria monocytogenes monitoring; Eggs, Egg products; NARMS, National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System; FCS, 

food contact surface; ENV, environmental surface. 1 The differences between FY 2022 and FY 2023 plans include the addition of MT60_CLOTH and exploratory beef carcass sampling, harmonizing STEC analysis into one 

workflow and fewer tests, suspension of NARMS expansion testing and the discontinuation of Siluriformes sampling. For a full list of allocation changes FY 2023 to FY 2024, 

please see Table 4. 

2 Import microbiology testing analyses estimates are driven by expected shipment frequency and volume-based TOI assignments. 

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Table 2: Planned Number of Chemical Residue Analyses (Tests) and Analytes Reported FY 2022-FY 2024 

Planned for FY 2022 Planned for FY 2023 Planned for FY 2024 Difference3 (FY 2024-FY 2023) 

Samples Tests Analytes Samples Tests Analytes Samples Tests Analytes Samples Tests Analytes 

Product Class Planned Planned Planned Planned Planned Planned Planned Planned Planned Planned Planned Planned 

Domestic Residues 

Beef Cows 752 2,268 130,788 752 2,268 130,788 752 2,268 130,788 0 0 0 

Bob Veal 400 1,224 70,584 400 1,224 70,584 400 1,224 70,584 0 0 0 

Dairy Cows 788 2,376 137,016 788 2,376 137,016 788 2,376 137,016 0 0 0 

Heifers 340 1,044 60,204 340 1,044 60,204 340 1,044 60,204 0 0 0 

Steer 328 1,008 58,128 328 1,008 58,128 328 1,008 58,128 0 0 0 

Sows 788 2,772 143,748 788 2,772 143,748 788 2,772 143,748 0 0 0 

Market Swine 728 2,562 132,858 728 2,562 132,858 728 2,087 124,783 0 -475 -8,075 

Young Chickens 394 1,584 72,270 388 1,386 71,874 388 998 65,278 0 -388 -6,596 

Whole Chickens 394 1,584 72,270 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 

Young Turkeys 788 2,772 137,808 388 1,188 68,508 388 1,188 68,508 0 0 0 

Sheep 100 300 16,728 100 300 16,728 100 300 16,728 0 0 0 

Lamb 100 300 16,728 100 300 16,728 100 300 16,728 0 0 0 

Goats 300 600 35,100 300 600 35,100 300 600 35,100 0 0 0 

Roaster Swine 300 300 300 300 300 300 0 0 0 -300 -300 -300 

Veal – Other 150 500 29,064 150 500 29,064 150 500 29,064 0 0 0 

Egg Product 250 500 36,427 250 500 36,427 100 200 14,570 -150 -300 -21,857 

Siluriformes 650 2,640 116,160 200 816 35,904 200 816 35,904 0 0 0 

State-Inspected 

Establishment Sampling 

for U.S. National Residue 300 960 52,740 300 948 52,741 300 936 52,537 0 -12 -204 

Program1 

Other 

2

Imports 3,400 17,688 689,857 2,250 13,080 537,841 2,250 13,080 537,841 0 0 0 

KISTM 4,000 8,000 468,936 4,000 8,000 468,936 4,000 8,000 468,936 0 0 0 

Total 15,250 50,982 2,477,714 12,850 41,172 2,480,135 12,400 39,697 2,066,445 -450 -1,7475 -37,032 

Abbreviation: KISTM, Kidney Inhibition Swab. 1 State sampling adjusted to reflect number of eligible State establishments. 2 Import residue testing analyses estimates are driven by expected shipment frequency and volume-based TOI assignments. 3 The differences between the FY 2023 and FY 2024 plans include: Reduction in egg products and Siluriformes sampling. 

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Significant Changes for the FY 2024 Plan 

Table 3 lists key priorities FSIS plans to implement in FY 2024. Each row describes the challenges the Agency faces moving into FY 2024, what process is 

impacted and the objective(s) to achieve during the fiscal year. FSIS intends to complete these changes in multiple phases, with all changes complete by Jan 

2024. This table also includes modifications that may have taken place during FY 2023 after the FY 2023 Plan was published. 

Table 3: FY 2024 Sampling Priorities 

FY 2024 Modification 

Impacted Sampling, Related 

Process, or Analyte Description of Modification Implemented 

Reducing Salmonella in Poultry Initiative Poultry Products • Identify screening and quantification technology for Salmonella 

serotypes. 

• Implement verification testing approaches for raw, not ready-to-eat 

(NRTE) breaded, stuffed chicken products. 

• Identify verification testing approaches for enhanced Salmonella 

controls in raw poultry products. 

Availability of new rapid Salmonella 

serotype methods 

Pathogen Identification • Evaluate newly available, rapid Salmonella serotyping methods. 

Continue sampling cell-cultured meat and 

poultry food products 

Cell-Cultured Meat and Poultry 

Food Products 

• Continue to collect exploratory samples as new establishments receive 

FSIS Grants of Inspection and start producing cell-cultured products. 

• Plan to transition new establishments producing cell-cultured meat and 

poultry products from exploratory sampling into routine verification 

sampling over time. 

Reexamine sampling strategies for lower 

volume establishments 

Sample Scheduling • Monthly production volume will be factored into scheduled sampling 

thereby reducing sampling of lower production volume establishments. 

Implement allergen sampling for milk, eggs, 

crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, 

wheat, and soybeans 

RTE Products with negative 

allergen label claims 

• RTE products to be collected and screened for allergens based on the 

allergen verification task (FSIS Directive 7230.1). 

• Results will be compared to product labeling to confirm negative label 

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FY 2024 Modification 

Impacted Sampling, Related 

Process, or Analyte Description of Modification Implemented 

claims. 

Use WGS technology to predict isolate 

antimicrobial susceptibility 

Routine Isolate Characterization • Expand WGS utilization by replacing antimicrobial susceptibility 

phenotype testing (AST) with WGS genotyping technology to 

characterize 90% of collected isolates. Remaining 10% will continue 

phenotype testing as verification for genotype determination through 

WGS. 

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Table 4 lists all products subject to sampling and includes a description of the sampling and testing, whether changes were made to sampling allocations for 

each product, and the Agency’s reasoning for the changes. While many sampling allocations did not change, rationale is included for changes between FY 

2023 and FY 2024 sampling plans. FSIS’ Sampling Summary reports contain more information regarding changes identified below. 

Table 4: Rationale for Changes in Sampling Allocations 

Sampling by 

Program/Commodity 

Program Description Rationale for Any Changes from the FY 2023 Sampling 

Allocations 

Beef Products • FSIS conducts Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) 

sampling for raw beef products produced in domestic 

establishments, in imported products, and at retail. 

• Raw non-intact beef products and raw beef products 

intended for raw non-intact use are eligible for sampling, 

including raw ground beef, beef manufactured trimmings, 

bench trim, and other raw ground beef components. 

• FSIS analyzes all raw beef products collected under the 

routine and follow-up sampling programs, including raw 

ground beef, beef manufactured trimmings, bench trim, 

and other raw ground beef components for seven 

adulterant STEC serogroups (O157, O26, O45, O103, 

O111, O121, and O145)and Salmonella. 

• FSIS collects samples from beef carcasses before and 

after pathogen reduction interventions are applied in 

establishments that have requested a regulatory waiver 

related to presentation of carcasses for inspection. 

Carcass samples are analyzed for aerobic count and 

Salmonella. 

• Expanded non-O157 STEC analysis to all raw beef products 

previously analyzed only for E. coli O157:H7 (+ 49,032 

analytes; implemented Feb. 1, 2023). 

• Discontinued the beef manufactured trimmings cloth 

exploratory study and implemented cloth method for 

routine domestic sampling (-1,008 samples; -15,552 tests 

due to reduced need for subsamples; implemented Feb. 1, 

2023). 

• Increase allocations for exploratory beef carcass (pre- and 

post-evisceration) samples due to additional 

establishment(s) volunteering for this exploratory project 

(on-going). 

Pork Products • FSIS analyzes raw intact, non-intact, and comminuted 

domestic and imported pork products for Salmonella 

• Reduce comminuted pork sampling to minimum samples to 

estimate establishment categorization, i.e., 10 

samples/establishment/year + 176 samples to monitor 

small establishments (-6,940 samples; implement Oct. 1, 

2023). 

• Reduce pork cuts sampling to minimum samples to 

estimate establishment categorization, i.e., 10 

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Sampling by 

Program/Commodity 

Program Description Rationale for Any Changes from the FY 2023 Sampling 

Allocations 

samples/establishment/year + 50 samples to monitor small 

establishments (-1,910 samples; implement Oct. 1, 2023). 

Poultry Products • FSIS analyzes young chicken and turkey carcasses, 

comminuted chicken and turkey, and chicken parts 

samples for Salmonella and Campylobacter. 

• Evaluate options for enumeration of samples positive for 

Salmonella. 

• Suspended the exploratory young chicken carcass at 

rehang sampling (800 samples; implemented Nov. 2022). 

• Suspend exploratory sampling of mechanically separated 

turkey and chicken products (-300 samples; implement Oct. 

1, 2023); FSIS has collected adequate data from these 

products for analysis. 

• Suspend exploratory sampling of chicken halves and 

quarters (-120 samples; implement Oct. 1, 2023); FSIS has 

collected adequate data from these products for analysis. 

• Decrease Campylobacter analysis in all poultry products to 

the minimum samples needed to estimate prevalence (-

13,600 tests; implement Oct. 1, 2023) while FSIS considers 

next steps for Campylobacter policy. 

• Decrease sample scheduling for comminuted chicken and 

turkey products by 50% to align with the routine sampling 

assignments for carcasses and parts(-2,000 samples; 

implement Jan. 1, 2024). 

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Sampling by 

Program/Commodity 

Program Description Rationale for Any Changes from the FY 2023 Sampling 

Allocations 

• Reduce turkey carcass sampling to the minimum samples 

needed to categorize most establishments (-1,042 

samples; implement Oct. 1, 2023). 

Cell-cultured meat and poultry 

food products 

FSIS conducts sampling of cell-cultured meat and poultry 

food products, food contact surface swabs, and 

environmental swabs to verify establishment food safety 

programs and assess process control. 

• Add scheduled samples for any additional establishments 

that receive an FSIS Grant of Inspection to produce cellcultured meat and poultry food products (on-going). 

Ready-To-Eat (RTE): Meat, • FSIS conducts microbiological testing for Listeria • Reduce RTEPROD_RAND sampling by 50% (-3,700 samples; 

Poultry, and Egg Products monocytogenes (Lm) and Salmonella in both domestically 

produced and imported egg products in addition to other 

RTE products. 

• Product sampling is scheduled every month under 

random and risk-based sampling under 2 RTEPROD 

projects for meat and poultry RTE products. Product 

sampling is scheduled every month based on production 

volume under 2 EGG project codes for liquid, frozen, and 

dried egg products. 

• RLm sampling program is performed in establishments 

producing post-lethality exposed RTE product. An RLm 

sampling event includes samples, consisting of product, 

contact surfaces, and the processing environment, 

collected and sampled for Lm under 3 RLm project codes. 

• Intensified Verification Testing (IVT) is performed 

whenever an eligible establishment has a positive sample 

collected under the RLm sampling program projects, or 

either one of the RTEPROD sampling projects. 

implement Oct. 1, 2023), this maintains product sampling 

at higher risk establishments in the RTEPROD_RISK 

program. 

• Reduce egg products sampling to realign with industry 

production volume changes (-400 samples; implement Jan. 

1, 2024). 

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Sampling by 

Program/Commodity 

Program Description Rationale for Any Changes from the FY 2023 Sampling 

Allocations 

National Residue Program 

(NRP) 

• The NRP sampling guides the collection of domestic and 

imported meat, poultry, and egg product samples. The 

domestic sampling plan includes surveillance sampling, 

inspector-generated, and special project sampling in both 

Federal and State-inspected slaughter establishments. 

• FSIS IPP perform inspector-generated sampling (KIS) in 

livestock slaughter species as per FSIS Directive 10,800.1. 

Per this directive, a positive sample is submitted to the 

FSIS laboratory for confirmatory testing. 

• Chemical residue exposure in egg product has been 

negligible, therefore FSIS is reducing the sampling number 

from 250 to 100 samples (-150 samples; implement Oct. 1, 

2023). 

• Suspend PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) testing 

in domestic pork and poultry products, as products shown 

to have very few positive samples. By suspending analysis 

in those two classes, FSIS labs can instead devote time and 

resources towards expanding the analytical method to 

detect additional PFAS of concern (-875 analyses; 

implement Oct. 1, 2023). 

• Suspend carbadox sampling in roaster pigs, which have 

been shown to have very few positive samples (-300 

samples; implement Oct. 1, 2023). 

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Sampling by 

Program/Commodity 

Program Description Rationale for Any Changes from the FY 2023 Sampling 

Allocations 

NARMS Cecal and Expansion 

Project Sampling 

• FSIS analyzes cecal content from beef, swine, young 

chicken, turkeys, veal, sheep, goat, and lamb for the 

presence of Salmonella, Campylobacter, generic E. coli, 

and Enterococcus to monitor trends in antimicrobial 

resistance. 

• NARMS sampling reduced by 10% to reflect best estimates 

for the number of samples needed to generate the isolate 

targets for each pathogen (-565 samples; implement Oct. 1, 

2023). 

• Resume NARMS sheep and lamb sampling in support of 

One Health Tri-agency (FSIS-APHIS-FDA) study (no 

additional samples, allocation redistributed from other 

NARMS projects as specified in Appendix C). 

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Appendices A–C outline the sampling plan grouped by product group and divided by the individual sampling 

programs. Information for changes from previous years is provided in the preceding tables. Totals in the 

appendices’ tables have been rounded. Each table contains the following information: 

1. Planned number of samples to be analyzed in FY 2023; and 

2. Planned number of samples to be analyzed in FY 2024. 

Appendix A: Microbial Sampling Numbers by Product 

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

the number of samples planned in FY 2023, and the number of samples planned to be analyzed in FY 2024, 

by product type. Raw products are presented first, beginning with beef (Table A2), followed by pork (Table 

A3), and poultry (Table A4). Ready-to-eat (RTE), not ready-to-eat (NRTE), and egg product sampling numbers 

are presented Table A6. Cell-cultured meat and poultry food product sampling numbers are presented in 

Table A7. 

Table A1 is a quick reference guide of the microbiological analytes by various FSIS regulated products in FY 

2024. For a more in-depth review, the tables in Appendix A contain the stratification of the different analytes 

by product classes. 

Table A1: Summary of Analyte tested by Product 

Indicator Salmonella 

Product Salmonella Campylobacter L. monocytogenes STEC Organisms Enumeration 

Raw Beef √ √ √1 

Raw Pork √

Raw Poultry √ √ √2 

RTE Products √ √

Egg Products √ √

Cell-cultured 

Meat & Poultry √3 √3 √

Products 

1 Dependent upon the program as not all beef projects are analyzed for indicator organisms. 2 Dependent upon the program as not all poultry projects are analyzed for Salmonella enumeration. 3 Raw product samples are tested for Aerobic Count (AC), Salmonella, chemical residues, speciation, and pathology 

(microscopic anatomy and histologic examination). Environmental and FCS swab samples at establishments producing 

raw products are tested for AC and Salmonella. RTE product samples are tested for Aerobic Count (AC), Listeria 

monocytogenes (Lm), chemical residues, speciation, and pathology (microscopic anatomy and histologic examination). 

Environmental and FCS swab samples at establishments producing RTE products are tested for AC and Lm. 

17 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table A2: FY 2023 and FY 2024 Sample Numbers for Raw Beef 

Sampling FY 2023 FY 2024 

Product Project Code Pathogen(s) Planned Planned 

Raw ground beef 11,500 11,500 

Follow-up testing to

beef E. coli positive 

a ground TBD TBD 

Raw ground beef co

other than trim 

mponents 1,250 1,250 

Bench trim 1,500 1,500 

Beef manufacturing trim 4,000 4,000 

Beef manufacturing t

study 

rim cloth 1,000 0 

Follow-up testing at

establishments follo

MT43, MT44, or MT6

supplier 

wing 

5 

TBD TBD 

positive 

Follow-up testing to

MT60, MT64, MT65, 

an 

or 

TBD TBD 

MT52 positive 

Raw ground beef at retail stores 500 500 

Follow-up testing to

sample 

a MT05 TBD TBD 

Imported raw ground beef1 50 50 

Imported trim and ot

ground beef compon

her raw 

ents1 

1,200 1,200 

Exploratory beef carc

evisceration3 

asses pre- TBD TBD 

Exploratory beef carcasses post- TBD TBD 

interventions3 

MT43 STEC and Salmonella 

MT44 and STEC and Salmonella 

MT44T 

MT64 STEC and Salmonella 

MT65_C2 STEC and Salmonella 

MT60_C2 STEC and Salmonella 

MT60_CLOTH STEC and Salmonella 

MT52_C2 STEC and Salmonella 

MT53_C2 STEC and Salmonella 

MT05 STEC and Salmonella 

MT06 STEC and Salmonella 

MT08 STEC and Salmonella 

MT51 STEC and Salmonella 

MT_PSTHR Salmonella and Indicator 

Organisms (Aerobic Count) 

MT_PRECH Salmonella and Indicator 

Organisms (Aerobic Count) 

1 Lab sampling for imports depends on the number of shipments received by country and the product. 2 Beef sampling project codes were revised to include “_C” to denote projects that use a cloth surface sampling device as 

of February 1, 2023. 3 Allocations for these sampling projects fluctuate depending on how many establishments are selected for the project. 

18 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table A3: FY 2023 and FY 2024 Sample Numbers for Raw Pork 

Sampling FY 2023 FY 2024 

Product Project Code Pathogen(s) Planned Planned 

Comminuted Pork HC_PK_COM01 Salmonella 8,640 1,700 

Intact and Non-Intact Cuts HC_PK_CUT01 Salmonella 2,400 490 

Imported Pork1 IMP_PORK Salmonella 400 400 

1 Sampling for imports depends on the number of shipments received by country and product. 

Table A4: FY 2023 and FY 2024 Sample Numbers for Raw Poultry 

Sampling FY 2023 FY 2024 

Product Project Code Pathogen(s) Planned Planned 

Young Chicken Carcasses HC_CH_CARC01 Salmonella, Campylobacter, 9,630 9,630 

Salmonella Enumeration 

Ground and Other Comminuted HC_CH_COM01 Salmonella, Campylobacter 2,500 1,250 

Chicken (not Mechanically 

Separated) 

Exploratory – Mechanically EXP_CH_MSK01 Salmonella, Campylobacter, 150 0 

Separated Chicken Salmonella Enumeration 

Chicken Parts – Legs, Breasts, HC_CPT_LBW01 Salmonella, Campylobacter 16,300 16,300 

Wings 

Chicken Parts – Quarters, Halves EXP_CPT_QH01 Salmonella, Campylobacter 120 0 

Exploratory – Young Chicken EX_CHCAR_RH1 Salmonella and Indicator 800 0 

Carcass at Rehang Organisms (Aerobic Count) 

Turkey Carcasses HC_TU_CARC01 Salmonella, Campylobacter 1,730 700 

Ground and Other Comminuted HC_TU_COM01 Salmonella, Campylobacter 1,500 750 

Turkey (not Mechanically 

Separated) 

Exploratory - Mechanically EXP_TU_MSK01 Salmonella, Campylobacter 150 0 

Separated Turkey 

Imported Raw Intact Chicken IMP_POULTRY Salmonella, Campylobacter 800 800 

and Turkey1 

NPIS Fowl Carcass Exploratory HC_HF_CARC01 Salmonella, Campylobacter 240 180 

TBD TBD Follow-up Sampling for Chicken F_CPT_LBW01 Salmonella 

Parts, Carcasses, Comminuted F_CH_COM01 

Chicken and Turkey2 F_TU_COM01 

F_CH_CARC01 

F_TU_CARC01 

1 Sampling for imports depends on the number of shipments received by country and product. 2 Dependent on findings from other Salmonella sampling results. 

19 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table A5: FY 2023 and FY 2024 Sample Numbers for RTE, NRTE, and Egg Products 

Sampling FY 2023 FY 2024 

Product Project Code Pathogen(s) Planned Planned 

Both post lethality-exposed and 

not post lethality-exposed RTE 

products 

Post lethality-exposed RTE 

products 

RLm product samples 

(composited 5-sample units) 

RLm food contact surface 

samples 

RLm non-food contact 

environmental samples 

(composited 5-sample units) 

Intensified Verification Testing 

(IVT) product samples1 

IVT food contact surface 

samples1 

IVT non-food contact 

environmental samples1 

Imported intact RTE product3 

Egg Products 

Pasteurized imported liquid, 

frozen, or dried egg products 

RTEPROD_RAND Lm, Salmonella 7,400 3,700 

RTEPROD_RISK Lm, Salmonella 7,400 7,400 

RLMPRODC Lm 422(2,110)2 422(2,110)2 

RLMCONT Lm 4,220 4,220 

RLMENVC Lm 422(2,110)2 422(2,110)2 

INTPROD Lm or Salmonella TBD TBD 

INTCONT Lm or Salmonella TBD TBD 

INTENV Lm or Salmonella TBD TBD 

IMVRTE Lm, Salmonella 3,000 3,000 

EGG_DY_MIC01 Lm, Salmonella 1,600 1,200 

EGG_LQ_MIC01 

EGGIMP Lm, Salmonella 120 120 

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

1 Dependent on positive findings from RTEPROD_RAND, RTEPROD_RISK, and RLm sampling projects. 2 The number in parenthesis represents the number of samples collected by FSIS Office of Field Operations (OFO) IPP to 

generate the composite number of samples planned. 3 Sampling for imports depends on the number of shipments received by country and product. 

20 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Table A6: FY 2023 and FY 2024 Sample Numbers for Cell-Cultured Meat and Poultry Food 

Products 

Product 

Sampling 

Project Code Pathogen(s) 

FY 2023 

Planned 

FY 2024 

Planned 

Raw Product CC_PROD_NRTE Salmonella and Indicator 

Organisms (Aerobic Count)1 

20 602 

Raw Food Contact Surface CC_ECS_NRTE Salmonella and Indicator 

Organisms (Aerobic Count) 1 

20 60 

Raw Environmental CC_ENV_NRTE Salmonella and Indicator 

Organisms (Aerobic Count) 1 

20 60 

RTE Product 

RTE Food Contact Surface 

RTE Environmental 

CC_PROD_RTE 

CC_FCS_RTE 

CC_ENV_RTE 

Lm and Indicator Organisms 

(Aerobic Count) 1 

Lm and Indicator Organisms 

(Aerobic Count) 1 

Lm and Indicator Organisms 

(Aerobic Count) 1 

10 

10 

10 

30 

30 

30 

1 Samples are split to allow analysis for chemical residues, speciation, and pathology (microscopic anatomy and histologic 

examination). 

2 Samples collected will depend upon the number of establishments which apply for and receive a grant of inspection 

from FSIS after clearing FDA regulatory review per the interagency agreement in FY 2024. 

21 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix B: Chemical Residue Sampling Numbers by Product 

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

2023 and FY 2024. Chemical residues can include both drug residues and environmental 

contaminants. Table B1 presents the number of samples by production class. Tables B2 and B3 

present the number of analyses performed by method used in each production class broken out by 

domestic and import sampling. 

Table B1: FY 2023 and FY 2024 Sample Numbers for Chemical Residues 

Sampling FY 2023 FY 2024 

Production Class Project Code Planned Planned 

Beef Cows NRP_BC 752 752 

Bob Veal NRP_BV 400 400 

Dairy Cows NRP_DC 788 788 

Heifers NRP_HF 340 340 

Steer NRP_ST 328 328 

Market Swine NRP_MS 728 728 

Sows NRP_SW 788 788 

Young Chicken NRP_YC 388 388 

Young Turkey NRP_YT 388 388 

Sheep NRP_SH 100 100 

Lambs NRP_LA 100 100 

Goats NRP_GO 300 300 

Roaster Swine NRP_RS 300 0 

Veal other than bob veal (formula-fed, non- NRP_FFV, 150 150 

formula fed) NRP_NFFV 

Feral Swine NRP_FS 75 75 

Egg Products NRP_EG 250 100 

Siluriformes – Domestic RES_FI 200 200 

Siluriformes – Imports IMPFISH_CH 250 250 

KISTM Test1 KIS NA NA 

KISTM Test – Laboratory Confirmation2 KIS NA NA 

Collector Generated Residues Various NA NA 

Import Residue Various 2,000 2,000 

Total 8,625 8,175 

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

1 These KISTM tests are performed by FSIS IPP in the field and not by the laboratories. 

2 FSIS IPP send positive KISTM tests to FSIS laboratories for confirmation. 

22 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Table B2: Planned Number of Chemical Residues Analysis by Production Class: Domestic Residue Plan 

Number of Antifungal MultiMethods Animals Aminoglycosides Dyes Carbadox Metals residue Nitrofurans Pesticides PFAS Sulfonamides 

Beef Cows 800 800 - - 100 800 - 400 TBD1 -

Bob Veal 400 400 - - 100 400 - 200 TBD1 -

Dairy Cows 800 800 - - 100 800 - 400 TBD1 -

Heifers 400 400 - - 100 400 - 200 TBD1 -

Steers 400 400 - - 100 400 - 200 TBD1 -

Market Swine 800 800 - - 100 800 - 400 - -

Sows 800 800 - - 100 800 - 400 - -

Feral Swine 75 - - - - 75 - 75 75 -

Young Chickens 400 400 - - 150 400 - 200 - -

Young Turkeys 400 400 - - 150 400 - 200 - -

Goats 300 300 - - - 300 - - - -

Siluriformes 200 - 100 - 100 200 100 100 100 -

Egg Products 100 - - - - 100 - 100 - -

Formula-Fed Veal 75 75 - - - 75 - - - -

Non-Formula-Fed 

Veal 75 75 - - - 75 - - - -

Sheep 100 100 - - - 100 - 50 - -

Lamb 100 100 - - - 100 - 50 - -

Total 6,225 5,850 100 0 1,100 6,225 100 2,975 175 0 1 PFAS analysis will be conducted on inspector-generated ("KIS Test - Laboratory Confirmation") samples, which are not scheduled and therefore not captured in 

this table. 

23 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Table B3: Planned Number of Chemical Residues Analysis by Production Class: Import Residue Plan 

Methods Aminoglycosides 

Antifungal 

Dyes Avermectins Carbadox Metals 

Multiresidue Nitrofurans Pesticides PFAS Sulfonamides 

Beef, Raw 200 - - - 50 200 - 100 - -

Beef, Processed - - 25 - 12 - - - - 25 

Chicken, Raw 50 - - - 25 50 - 25 - -

Chicken, Processed - - - - 5 - - - - 5 

Turkey, Raw 40 - - - 10 40 - 25 - -

Turkey, Processed - - - - 5 - - - - 5 

Veal, Raw 70 - - - - 70 - 35 - -

Veal, Processed - - 5 - - - - - - -

Goat, Raw 25 - - - - 25 - 25 - -

Goat, Processed - - 5 - - - - - - -

Lamb, Raw 20 - - - - 20 - 10 - -

Lamb, Processed - - 5 - - - - - - -

Mutton, Raw 5 - - - - 5 - 5 - -

Mutton, Processed - - 5 - - - - - - -

Pork, Raw 200 - - - 50 200 - 100 - -

Pork, Processed - - 25 - 12 - - - - 25 

Siluriformes, Raw - 125 - - 125 250 125 125 125 -

Egg Products - - - - - - - 40 - -

Total 610 125 70 0 294 860 125 490 125 60 

24 
 

 

 

 

 

Appendix C: Collaborative Sampling Programs 

The NARMS program at USDA focuses on two sampling points: samples collected from intestinal (cecal) 

content from food animals and carcass or food product/commodity samples. While the carcass or food 

product/commodity results are derived by co-analyzing samples collected for existing sampling programs, 

the cecal sampling program involves collection of cecal content samples from food animals at slaughter 

facilities. The planned number of samples are best estimates for the number of samples needed to execute 

the cecal program based on how many expected isolates each sample should recover. Table C1 

summarizes how resources are attributed to each commodity. 

Table C1: FY 2023 and FY 2024 Sample Numbers for NARMS 

Sampling FY 2023 FY 2024 

Sampling Project Description Project Code Planned Planned 

NARMS-Beef Cows NARMS_BC 456 456 

NARMS-Veal (Bob Veal, Formula-Fed Veal, and NARMS_BV, NARMS_FFV, 0 0 

Non-Formula-Fed Veal) NARMS_NFFV 

NARMS-Dairy Cows NARMS_DC 980 690 

NARMS-Heifers NARMS_HF 456 430 

NARMS-Steers NARMS_ST 1,368 972 

NARMS-Market Swine NARMS_MS 860 442 

NARMS-Sows NARMS_SW 410 300 

NARMS-Goat NARMS_GO 0 0 

NARMS-Lamb NARMS_LB 0 420 

NARMS-Sheep NARMS_SH 0 180 

NARMS-Young Chickens NARMS_YC 690 690 

NARMS-Young Turkeys NARMS_YT 435 510 

Total All NARMS 5,655 5,090 

25 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FSIS conducts analyses for State establishments, which are part of the State Meat and Poultry 

Inspection program and produce the same species as those at federally inspected establishments. 

Numbers are based on the number of qualifying establishments. 

Table C2: FY 2023 and FY 2024 Sample Numbers for State Chemical Residue Sampling 

Sampling FY 2023 FY 2024 

Sampling Project Description Project Code Planned Planned 

Beef Cow – State NRP_BC_S 48 48 

Dairy Cows – State NRP_DC_S 12 12 

Steer – State NRP_ST_S 72 72 

Market Swine – State NRP_MS_S 72 72 

Sows – State NRP_SW_S 12 12 

Young Chicken – State NRP_YC_S 12 12 

Young Turkey – State NRP_YT_S 12 12 

Collaborative-PFAS1 STATE 400 400 

Total All 640 640 

1

Predominantly, samples are collected for cattle and pork, but other species are analyzed on request. 

In FY 2024, FSIS will conduct sampling at establishments slaughtering cattle that will be used for products 

labeled with negative antibiotic claims, such as “No Antibiotics,” “No Antibiotics Ever,” “Raised Without 

Antibiotics,” “Antibiotic Free,” “No Antibiotics Administered,” or related claims. The purpose of the new 

exploratory sampling program is to assess whether antibiotic residues are found in cattle intended for product 

with RWA claims. The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) will analyze FSIS samples from eligible 

establishments as part of a collaborative study. Depending on the results, FSIS may consider establishing a 

permanent sampling and testing program for this product or may consider initiating rulemaking. FSIS also plans 

to begin sampling for the FY 2024 Dioxin Survey in FY 2024 Q1. FSIS will collect survey samples as described in 

Table C3 over 12 months, with ARS completing analysis after sample collection has ended. 

Table C3: FY 2024 Planned FSIS-Collected Samples to be Analyzed by ARS Collaborators 

Sampling FY 2023 FY 2024 

Sampling Project Description Project Code Planned Planned 

Raised without Antibiotics Label Verification 

Dioxin Survey – Steers and Heifers1 

EXP_LV_RWA 

DIOX_ST_F, DIOX_ST_FL 

DIOX_HF_F, DIOX_HF_FL 

0 

0 

300 

139 

Dioxin Survey – Market Swine DIOX_MS_F 0 137 

Dioxin Survey – Siluriformes DIOX_FI 0 50 

Total All 

1

FSIS plans to collect paired liver samples for 60 of the 139 steers/heifers. 

0 626 

26 
 

 

Table C4: FY 2023 and FY 2024 Sample Numbers for Interagency Isolate Characterization 

FY 2023 FY 2024 

Sampling Project Description Pathogen Planned Planned 

State MPI Programs STEC 4 4 

Salmonella 30 30 

Campylobacter 10 10 

Listeria 10 10 

AMS Commodity Purchase Program STEC 16 16 

Salmonella 325 325 

Listeria 1 1 

Total All 396 396 

27 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix D: Other Sampling Programs 

Table D1 summarizes the numbers of samples in FSIS’ sampling programs other than 

microbiological and chemical residue sampling programs for FY 2023 and FY 2024. 

Table D1: FY 2023 and FY 2024 Sample Numbers for FSIS Sampling Programs other than 

Microbiological and Chemical Residues 

Sampling FY 2023 FY 2024 

Sampling Project Description Project Code Planned Planned 

Domestic AMR – Beef1 AMR01 150 150 

Import AMR – Beef1 IMPAMRBEEF 10 10 

Follow-up AMR01 – Beef1,2 FAMR01 NA NA 

Foodborne Illness and Outbreak Sampling3,4 Various 7,000 7,000 

Label Verification for Nutrient Content – Raw EXP_LV_NUTR 200 1256 

Ground Beef 

Label Verification – Allergens5,7 EXP_LV_SOY 200 256 

Label Verification – Antibiotic Free5 EXP_LV_ABX 400 2506 

Label Verification – Hormone Free5 EXP_LV_HORM 200 256 

Species Identification – Collector Generated SPECID NA NA 

Import Species Identification IMPSPECIESID 250 250 

Food Chemistry – Collector Generated5 FOODCHEM NA NA 

Compliance Testing3,777 COMPLIAN NA NA 

Pathology – Collector Generated3,888 Various NA NA 

Import – Abnormal Container IMPABNCONT and ABNCONT NA NA 

Total 8,410 7,835 

Abbreviation: AMR, advanced meat recovery. NA, non-applicable 1 FSIS collects and analyzes samples in regulated establishments 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. 2 Dependent on positive findings from the AMR01 sampling project. 

3 Samples for these projects are not planned, but rather an inspector can collect a sample on the basis of their findings or other 

circumstances. The planned samples for the Foodborne Illness and Outbreak Sampling are a baseline of 2,000 samples plus a 

calculated projected number of samples that includes the follow-up sampling. Since follow-up sampling is notated as TBD 

throughout the appendices, this notates the allocations set aside for all follow-up sampling and outbreak events. Actual values 

for follow-up sampling are located within their respective product class tables. 4 FSIS collects and analyzes food samples potentially related to foodborne disease outbreaks. Analyses are conducted to identify 

and further characterize organisms in outbreak samples. 5 FSIS performs food and residue chemistry analyses to identify mislabeling, economic fraud, and adulteration of meat, poultry, 

and egg products. 6 FY 2024 planned sample allocation for label verification programs is based on average samples collected for previous three 

fiscal years in this program to be a more accurate estimation of budget needs. FSIS does not expect to collect fewer samples in 

FY 2024 compared to FY 2023. 

7 FSIS investigators collect compliance samples at in-commerce businesses on a “for-cause” basis in response to complaints, 

28 
 

 

 

■ 

allegations, and observations during routine or for-cause surveillance activities. 8 FSIS carries out diagnostic and consultative pathology services to identify diseases, parasites, and related conditions in 

response to the needs of field operations. 

29 
 

 

 

 

 

 

Appendix E: Terms, Definitions, and References 

Terms and Definitions 

Analyses: A target detection methodology is applied to a sample based on the sampling project. 

Analytes: The target of detection in the analysis, whether for microbiological pathogens, chemical 

residues, pathology diagnoses, or other various analyses. 

Analyzed: A sample that was processed by the laboratory. 

Beef Manufacturing Trimmings: Beef parts of any size, including primal cuts, subprimal cuts, and smaller 

pieces of trimmings from subprimal cuts, that the producing slaughter establishment intends for raw, 

non-intact use. 

Bench Trim: Beef parts of any size, including primal cuts, subprimal cuts, and smaller pieces of trimmings 

from subprimal cuts, derived from animals slaughtered at another establishment intended for raw, 

non-intact use (i.e., not slaughtered onsite). 

Comminuted: Product that has been ground, mechanically separated, or mechanically or hand-deboned 

and further chopped, flaked, minced, or otherwise processed to reduce particle size. 

Distributed: FSIS sampling task scheduling algorithm results in a sampling task to appear in PHIS. The 

algorithm may set to over distribute samples to compensate for predicted under performance in a 

particular sampling project. This excess distribution is often referred to as “over scheduling.” 

Follow-up sampling: Sampling that is a result of failed performance standards or incomplete moving 

windows or positive results. 

For-cause sampling: Sampling that occurs in response to the production of adulterated product, product 

associated with an illness outbreak, or product that has an increased risk of producing a public health 

concern (e.g., failing a performance standard or receiving a public health-related noncompliance 

record). 

Moving Window: The results from FSIS sampling over 52 consecutive Sunday-to-Saturday weeks. For 

more information on moving windows, please see 83 FR 56046. 

Performed: A sample was collected and submitted to the laboratory, and the laboratory analyzed the 

sample. 

Planned: Quantity of samples identified by the workgroup and annual FSIS Sampling Plan to be collected 

and analyzed. 

Routine Sample: Sample collected for sampling projects which are planned with predicted collection 

frequencies based on establishments’ regular operations. Positive routine samples, or other 

unpredicted events, may trigger additional sample collections whose samples would not be 

considered “routine.” 

Sampling Plan: A comprehensive annual Agency issuance (this document), which identifies the planned 

sampling programs, including statistical and policy basis, for a fiscal year. The data-driven strategic 

planning effort for microbiological and chemical residue sampling activities are aligned with the 

Agency’s Strategic and Annual Plan priorities. 

Sample Scheduling Frequency: The sampling frequency targeting the number of samples collected on an 

annual basis instead of focusing on specific collection rates. To collect samples from infrequent 

producing establishments 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. 

Scheduled: A sample is specifically designated a collection date by the FSIS user in PHIS. An FSIS user may 

not be able to schedule all the samples distributed to a particular establishment in PHIS due to factors 

such as eligible project availability and other inspection activities. 

Test: See Analyses definition. 

30 
 

 

■ 

Windows: An established timeframe FSIS uses to calculate categorization. For example, poultry 

performance standards use the results from the past 52 weeks to determine an establishment’s 

category status. 

31 
 

 

 

References 

Links to Agency Planning Documents 

FY 2017-2021 FSIS Strategic Plan: Food Safety and Inspection Service Strategic Plan 2017-2021 (usda.gov) 

Past Annual Plans: Strategic Planning | Food Safety and Inspection Service (usda.gov) 

Links to Agency Sampling Plans and Programs 

Past Annual Sampling Plans: Sampling Program | Food Safety and Inspection Service (usda.gov) – under the 

Annual Sampling Reports menu 

Food Safety and Inspection Service Microbiological and Residue Sampling Programs: Report on the Food 

Safety and Inspection Service's Microbiological and Residue Sampling Programs (usda.gov) 

Links to Agency Sampling Summary Reports 

Past Annual Sampling Summary Reports: Sampling Program | Food Safety and Inspection Service (usda.gov) 

– under the Sampling Summary Reports menu 

Links to Posted Sampling Datasets 

FSIS Data Collection and Reports webpage: Sampling Results for FSIS Regulated Products | Food Safety and 

Inspection Service (usda.gov) 

Links to Agency Directives 

FSIS Directive 10,400.1: Sample Collection from Cattle Under the Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) 

Ongoing Surveillance Program - Revision 1 | Food Safety and Inspection Service (usda.gov) 

FSIS Directive 5,100.4: Public Health Risk Evaluation Methodology (usda.gov) 

FSIS Directive 10,010.1: Sampling Verification Activities for Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia Coli (STEC) in 

Raw Beef Products - Revision 4 | Food Safety and Inspection Service (usda.gov) 

FSIS Directive 10,250.1: FSIS Directive 10,250.1 Revision 1 - Sampling Instructions Salmonella and 

Campylobacter Verification Program for Raw Poultry Products (usda.gov) 

FSIS Directive 10,250.2: Performance Standards Salmonella Verification Program for Raw Poultry Products | 

Food Safety and Inspection Service (usda.gov) 

Links to NARMS information 

CDC NARMS website: www.cdc.gov/narms/reports/ 

FDA NARMS website: 

www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/AntimicrobialResistance/NationalAntimicrobialResistanceMo 

nitoringSystem/default.htm 

32 
 

 

 

 

USDA NARMS website: 

National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS) | Food Safety and Inspection Service 

(usda.gov) 

FSIS Quarterly Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Tables: 

Microbiology | Food Safety and Inspection Service (usda.gov) 

Links to Reducing Salmonella in Poultry Information 

Reducing Salmonella in Poultry | Food Safety and Inspection Service (usda.gov) 

Salmonella Framework: 

USDA Releases Proposed Regulatory Framework to Reduce Salmonella Infections Linked to Poultry Products 

| Food Safety and Inspection Service 

33