Supplement 211 Ground Beef Items- May 2025

The Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued Supplement 211 Ground Beef Items for May 2025, which updates technical specifications and requirements for ground beef procurement. This special notice introduces several critical modifications to existing ground beef product guidelines, including changes to domestic origin requirements and production protocols. The supplement specifically addresses frozen boneless beef usage, extending the timeframe for producing ground beef from 60 to 90 days from the date of pack. New FDA sodium requirements have been established, limiting maximum sodium to 200 mg per 100 grams for Lean Beef Patties with 5% fat. Additionally, labeling standards have been refined, mandating that immediate containers include at least one color beyond black and white, excluding the package's primary color for one-pound ground beef packages.

Contractors interested in supplying ground beef for federal food and nutrition assistance programs must adhere to stringent technical and quality assurance standards outlined in the supplement. Eligibility requires strict compliance with domestic production requirements, meaning all livestock must be born, raised, and harvested within the United States. Key requirements include comprehensive documentation of production processes, detailed quality control programs, and mandatory microbiological testing protocols. Suppliers must demonstrate compliance with specific grinding methods, fat content limitations, metal detection standards, and refrigeration guidelines. The supplement emphasizes rigorous animal welfare standards and requires contractors to submit certificates of conformance and undergo regular AMS audits. Contractors must provide evidence of traceability for beef sources and meet extensive product specification criteria. The opportunity remains open until December 31, 2025, providing ample time for potential suppliers to prepare and submit technically compliant proposals.