Microbiological Hazards in Veal Slaughter: Identification of Contributing Factors

Introduction: Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) began distinguishing a sample from raw beef from a sample from veal in January 2011. FSIS test results from January 2011 through December 2013 show an increased percent positive rate for STEC in trimmings produced from veal as compared to trimmings produced from other cattle slaughter classes.

Purpose: Determine risk factors in veal that contribute to the increased percent positive for STEC.

Methods: FSIS conducted a review of Food Safety Assessments (FSAs), noncompliance records (NRs), and onsite visits to twelve (12) veal slaughter establishments with a history of STEC positive results during January 2011 through December 2013 to identify concerns unique to veal slaughter.

Results: FSIS identified common deficiencies contributing to the higher percent positive rate for STEC in veal: sanitary dressing deficiencies, ineffective antimicrobial intervention implementation, and inappropriate use of microbial data in decision-making.

Significance: The results suggest that deficiencies concerning the slaughter process and use of microbial data contributed to the higher percent positive for STEC in veal. More research is needed to determine if there are additional risk factors that contribute to the higher percent positive for STEC in veal.