WASHINGTON -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service has issued a directive encouraging processors of ready-to-eat meat products to implement their own microbiological testing programs. Currently, FSIS conducts tests on hot dogs, luncheon meats and sausages for pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella; additionally, some varieties of pepperoni are monitored for the presence of E. coli 0157:H7. Manufacturers that incorporate such programs will no longer subject to the direct government tests, though FSIS inspectors will continue to conduct random sampling and verify all requirements are met, officials said.
