The announcement in the United States that six additional strains of E. coli bacteria will be declared as adulterants in ground beef could ultimately cost up to $10 million per year.
The increased testing will see a rise in the cost of producing beef items in the US when the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) starts testing for the six new strains in March next year.
The tests will also apply to Australian imported trim, and any product found to contain any of the six strains will be diverted to use as a cooked product, as is the case with current E.Coli testing.
Products still found to be carrying the strain after they have been sold will be recalled.
The changes will could have a huge financial impact on Australian exporters.
While many in the US have welcomed the move, it has been criticised by the American Meat Institute (AMI), who say it will not benefit public health.
AMI executive vice president said the new regulations imposed on E. Coli testing would cost taxpayers and consumers.
“It is neither likely to yield a significant public health benefit nor is it good public policy,” he said.
USDA estimates the cost of the additional testing will be A$9.7 million per year.