Expansion of FSIS Shiga Toxin- Producing Escherichia coli (STEC) Testing to Additional Raw Beef Products

FSIS is extending the comment period for the proposed expansion of its routine verification testing for six Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (non-O157 STEC; O26, O45, O103, O111, O121, or O145) that are adulterants, in addition to the adulterant Escherichia coliE. coli) O157:H7, to samples of ground beef, bench trim, and raw ground beef components other than raw beef manufacturing, collected at official establishments.  This extension is due to a request from an industry association, citing the need to evaluate the proposal's impact on the industry and the associated cost analysis, as well as the extra time needed for analyses owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.  In response, the agency has extended the comment period by an additional 30 days. This extension should provide interested members of the public with sufficient time to review the agency's proposal and cost benefit analysis. The comment period will now end on 3 September 2020.