It's more like the USDA is begged to differ. They exist to be an ultimate authority, and that constrains them from presenting a compromised position, even if t

It's more like the USDA is begged to differ. They exist to be an ultimate authority, and that constrains them from presenting a compromised position, even if that compromise is something people find widely acceptable. The USDA simply isn't in a position to guarantee enough safety in this case to balance against their liability. Safety is compromise. Eating rare steak is risky, but most of the risk is mitigated. Getting sick from eating rare steak is, itself, rare.