USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) is changing the way it oversees ground beef purchased for USDA Foods programs, including the National School Lunch Program.
Instead of requiring USDA graders to be on-site during production, the agency will allow certified plant employees to perform quality checks and submit inspection data electronically under a new audit-based verification system. Microbiological testing and routine audits will continue, while the USDA says the change will reduce costs, encourage more vendors to participate and maintain product quality. The transition will occur in two phases, beginning with facilities producing ground beef for further processing.
For more information, contact Darin Doerscher at darin.doerscher@usda.gov or at 563-468-9611.
