USDA expands metals testing to include processed meat and poultry
Mercury to be routinely reported from July 20
13 July 2026
1 minute read
By: The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service has implemented a new trace metals analysis method measuring 18 metals in meat and poultry products, including lead, thallium, cadmium, arsenic and mercury, according to a recent press release.
From July 20, 2026, the expanded testing will extend to multi-ingredient processed products containing meat or poultry sampled as part of the Allergen Verification Sampling Programme, in addition to raw beef, pork, poultry, goat, sheep and catfish already covered.
FSIS said concerning levels of heavy metal contamination in meat and poultry products are extremely rare, and that finding metals at very low levels is unavoidable and does not necessarily constitute a public health concern. Results will be published on the FSIS website as part of the National Residue Program quarterly reports.
