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FSIS to Host Public Meeting to Discuss Challenges and Solutions for Reducing the Incidence of E. coli O157:H7 in Raw Beef
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Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113
Laura Reiser
WASHINGTON, March 27, 2008 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and
Inspection Service (FSIS) today announced a public meeting to discuss challenges and proposed solutions in
moving forward to address recalls and illnesses related to E. coli O157:H7.
"The last significant positive changes in the reduction of foodborne illness and positive product
tests attributed to E. coli O157:H7 occurred early in this decade but we have since hit a plateau.
It is time for another series of bold, strong moves based on knowledge and science to produce further
significant reductions in illnesses attributed to the products we regulate," said Under Secretary for
Food Safety Dr. Richard Raymond. "We aim to prevent and not just respond to illnesses, and consumers,
industry and our public health partners are critical partners in our long term strategy and we look forward
to our continuing collaborative relationship to ensure food safety."
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. The meeting will
feature various presentations and panel discussions by FSIS officials, the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, a senior foodborne illness litigation firm partner, representatives from industry and consumer
groups, as well as a small plant owner and operator from South Carolina.
On April 9, participants will explore the broad perspectives on the challenges of addressing E. coli
O157:H7, including illness and recall trends, and progress on non-O157:H7 Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli
(STEC) since the FSIS Oct. 2007 public meeting on the subject. Specifically, the Agency and participants
will explore proposed next steps as a means to make progress in the challenge of addressing E. coli
O157:H7 and non-O157:H7 STECs. FSIS plans to begin a short term study to determine the extent to which non-O157
STECs may be present in FSIS-regulated products, in support of regulatory infrastructure which may be needed
for these organisms.
FSIS will provide an update on initiatives to control E. coli O157:H7, many of which were implemented
in 2007 following an increase in the number of E. coli O157:H7 positive tests in ground beef, recalls
and associated illnesses caused by this pathogen.
FSIS 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. 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.
FSIS officials will discuss the results of a checklist completed in Nov. 2007 of approximately 2,400 ground beef
suppliers and producers which will allow the Agency to better prioritize E. coli O157:H7 testing and
related food safety assessments. The survey results will help direct the Agency in developing future direction
to FSIS inspection program personnel and industry, policies and possible rulemaking. Other Agency initiatives
to be discussed include sampling programs, risk and food safety assessments as well as import food safety
issues related to beef trim testing.
Meeting participants and panelists will represent government, industry, academia and other constituencies to
discuss research progress and potential solutions for moving forward in controlling E. coli O157:H7.
There will be multiple opportunities for public comment and questions on both
days.
Individuals are encouraged to pre-register to attend in person or via teleconference, and should visit
www.fsis.usda.gov or contact Sheila Johnson at (202) 690-6498 or by e-mail at
Sheila.Johnson@fsis.usda.gov.
The agenda and other related will be available prior to the meeting on the FSIS Web site at
https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080917204009/http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/.
For further information, contact Keith Payne at (202) 690-6522, by e-mail at
Keith.Payne@fsis.usda.gov,
or by mail to U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service, 1400 Independence Ave, SW,
Room 405, Aerospace Building, Washington, DC 20250. Persons requiring a sign language interpreter
or other special accommodations should notify Mr. Payne by April 2, 2008.
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Last Modified:
March 27, 2008 |
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