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USDA's
Food Safety and Inspection Service is considering ruling
raw beef products contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 as adulterated
even if they are destined for further processing that could
kill the pathogen.
In a news release announcing an April 9-10 public meeting
on E. coli O157:H7, the agency said it will "discuss growing
evidence that may support a determination that raw beef
products such as primal cuts and boxed beef contaminated
with E. coli O157:H7 are adulterated."
The agency went on to say, "Although this determination
is not yet the official position of FSIS, the Agency recognizes
that such a change would be substantive and would require
stakeholder input. Therefore, FSIS is initiating a discussion
at this public meeting and will present preliminary information
to address the Agency's consideration of its position on
primal cuts and boxed beef products that may lead to the
conclusion that further risk mitigation actions are necessary."
Currently, if raw beef products such as primal cuts and
boxed beef are contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 but are
destined for further processing such as cooking that would
kill the pathogen, that meat is not considered adulterated.
"What we are considering is whether there are more raw beef
products that should have more of a focus on them to prevent
E. coli-related foodborne illnesss risk to consumers," FSIS
spokeswoman Laura Reiser told Meatingplace.com .
The public meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 9, from
8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Thursday, April 10, from 8:30 a.m.
to 1 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Georgetown, 2101 Wisconsin
Ave., NW, Washington, DC.
Some of the other topics that will be addressed include:
- an update on initiatives
to control E. coli O157:H7
- the results of a checklist
completed in Nov. 2007 by ground beef suppliers and producers
aimed at helping the agency prioritize testing and assessments
- sampling programs, risk
and food safety assessments and import food safety issues
related to beef trim testing
For the meeting
agenda and registration information, click here.
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