The six strains have been linked to multi-state outbreaks and illnesses, reported the Washington Post.
According to USDA, in addition to E. coli 0157:H7, other types of E. coli have been responsible for thousands of illnesses a year. However, the US meat industry has criticized the proposal stating that it would lead to higher costs, which will be borne by taxpayers and consumers.
USDA's undersecretary of food safety Elisabeth Hagen said the agency is implementing the proposal as a preventive measure.
"If all we're going to look at is how many people can we prove have been sickened or killed by contaminated beef before we act, then we miss our opportunity to make a real difference," Hagen added.
