Samples will be collected and analyzed according to USDA methods, with chilled carcasses to be sampled one day after slaughter and trimmings sampled at the time of fabrication or when they are received at the grinding operation. Ground product will be sampled at the time of production.
Product categories to be sampled under the program include steer/heifer beef carcasses; cow/bull beef carcasses; barrow/gilt carcasses; sow/boar carcasses; 50 percent beef trimmings; 90 percent beef trimmings; 72 percent pork trimmings; ground beef and ground pork. Participating plants will receive individual sample results on an ongoing basis, and a quarterly report will be provided that shows the results of each sample analyzed in those product categories in which the plant is participating. Results will be shown by plant with mean and standard deviation calculated for each.