LAUSR

Abstract This article describes the procedures and statistical techniques that the US Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) utilizes when performing a microbiological baseline survey. A baseline is a statistical survey of a specific product regulated by FSIS. It is used to learn about the microbiological profile associated with the commodity. The survey generates data that are used for calculation of national prevalence, performing risk assessments, providing support for guidance to industry, and answers for other data-specific projects. The knowledge gained through baseline surveys is used to accomplish the FSIS mission, which is “Protecting the public's health by ensuring the safety of meat, poultry, and processed egg products.”