Generic E. coli Testing for Sheep, Goats, Equines, Ducks, Geese, and Guineas

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is requiring establishments that slaughter sheep, goats, horses, mules, and other equines, and establishments that slaughter ducks, geese, and guineas, to sample and test carcasses for generic E. coli. This final rule extends the sampling and testing requirements already applied to establishments that slaughter cattle, swine, chickens, and turkeys. Regular microbial testing by slaughter establishments is necessary to verify the adequacy of the establishment's process controls for the prevention and removal of fecal contamination and associated bacteria.