USDA has held to the belief that "sound science" does not require 100% testing.  Creekstone wanted to do this when Japan closed its borders to American beef which accounted for a large portion of Creekstone's sales.  USDA said allowing Creekstone to voluntarily do 100% testing would hamper negotiations with other countries to apply scientific findings to do only a small percentage in random samplings.  They felt this would force all packers to have to do testing which USDA said would be cost prohibitive.  Creekstone countered about the testing costs per head being very small and able to be self absorbed, I think the number was $10 or less per head.

It is amazing that the same agency who put in place and enforces food safety practices would fight so hard against a very sure way to protect the consumers.