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FSIS Updates E. coli O157:H7 Reports
FSIS has updated Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 testing data to include information through October 12, 2008.
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| Results
from Analysis of Raw Ground Beef and Raw Ground Beef Component Samples for E. coli
O157:H7 |
| Raw Ground Beef |
| Source |
As of Oct 14, 2007 |
As of Oct 12, 2008 |
No.
Ana- lyzed |
No. Positive |
Percent Positive |
No.
Ana- lyzed
|
No. Positive |
Percent Positive |
Federal
Plants |
9,590 |
21 |
0.22 |
9,005 |
38 |
0.42 |
| Retail Stores |
137 |
0 |
0.00 |
307 |
0 |
0.00 |
| Imports |
61 |
0 |
0.00 |
38 |
1 |
2.63 |
| Raw Ground Beef Components |
| Source |
As of Oct 14, 2007 |
As of Oct 12, 2008 |
No.
Ana- lyzed |
No. Positive |
Percent Positive |
No.
Ana- lyzed
|
No. Positive |
Percent Positive |
Federal
Plants |
495 |
2 |
0.40 |
1,754 |
14 |
0.80 |
| Imports |
0 |
0 |
0.00 |
436 |
3 |
0.69 |
| The above information is based upon data in the FSIS electronic data system as of
October 15, 2008. Results are from FSIS routine and follow-up sampling programs. |
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The table above displays results from both routine and follow-up sampling programs. In October 2007, FSIS issued
Notice 66-07 titled Multiple Follow-Up Sampling After FSIS Positive Escherichia Coli (E. Coli) O157:H7 Results. This notice
provided clarification on follow-up sampling in both the raw ground beef and raw ground beef components sampling programs.
Follow-up samples are to be taken as soon as possible following a positive test result and are to be taken without waiting
for the establishment to take corrective actions. When possible, samples should be taken a minimum of three times per week
and as often as twice per shift per day. Each sample should be taken from a separate lot. Follow-up sample collection
is expected to take longer for smaller establishments that may not produce every day or every week.
Follow-up sampling data provides additional information to the Enforcement Investigations and Analysis Officer to consider
when performing a food safety assessment.
Individual positive results from the raw ground beef sampling programs for 2008 are reported on FSIS' Web site at
www.fsis.usda.gov/Science/
2008_Ecoli_Positive_Results/index.asp.
Comment Period to Discuss Animal Raising Claims is Now Open
FSIS and USDA's Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) hosted a public meeting
on October 14 to discuss and review its policies on the use of animal raising claims in the labeling of meat and poultry products.
FSIS and AMS encourage public input to evaluate its policies on claims related to the use of antibiotics in poultry and on animal raising claims.
All submissions must be received by November 14 and must include docket number FSIS-2008-0026. Comments may be submitted through the
Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov. Submissions may also be
mailed to, Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, FSIS Docket Room, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W. Room 2534, Washington, DC 20250.
A transcript of this meeting will be available on FSIS' Web site at www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/meetings_&_events/
index.asp.
Export Requirement Updates
The Library of Export Requirements has been updated to reflect changes in export requirements for the following:
Complete information can be found at www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/
Export_Information/index.asp.
Kitchen Companion: Your Safe Food Handbook
This food safety handbook contains all the basic information you need to know about food safety …some old, some new…and all in one place.
To view the handbook, go to www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/Kitchen_Companion.pdf (PDF Only; 2.8MB) | Alternate Text Version.
FSIS Interested in Stakeholder Input on E. coli O157:H7 Issues
This week, FSIS hosted a public meeting regarding the control of E. coli O157:H7. Participants addressed E. coli related
compliance guidelines and consistency of sampling methodology for the pathogen.
FSIS invites stakeholder input about issues discussed at the meeting. Comments may be submitted through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at
www.regulations.gov. All submission must be received by November 17 and must include
docket number FSIS-2008-0035.
Submissions may also be mailed to, Docket Clerk, U.S. Department of Agriculture, FSIS Docket Room, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W. Room 2534,
Washington, DC 20250.
A transcript will be available for review. Look to future issues of the FSIS Constituent Update for more information.
Key Leadership Changes in FSIS
This week FSIS Administrator Al Almanza announced key leadership changes within the Agency.
Assistant Administrator of the Office of Management Billy Milton has been assigned to head up the new Catfish Inspection Program. The
2008 Farm Bill established mandatory inspection of catfish, and with less than 18 months to establish the organization and infrastructure
for this critical new program, it is important to provide seasoned executive direction to ensure FSIS meets its targets. Karen Messmore
will serve as Acting Assistant Administrator for the Office of Management.
In addition, as the Agency continues to manage critical domestic and international inspection activities, Ron Jones has been assigned
as the Assistant Administrator to the Office of International Affairs and Bill James to the Executive Associate for Regional Operations,
Office of Field Operations.
All assignment changes are effective Monday, October 20.
FSIS Resources
Tune in and subscribe to audio and video podcasts that offer helpful information on the selection, handling and preparation of
meat and poultry products to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
The Agency offers a Food Safety at Home series to help the everyday consumer
understand basic principals about food safety like barbecue and grilling tips or the safe handling of leftovers.
Also featured is the Food Safety for Meat, Poultry and Processed Egg Products series
which targets owners and operators of slaughter and processing establishments, offering a wide variety of lessons like the development
of a sound food defense plan.
FSIS even offers a series of SignFSIS videocasts translated into American Sign Language
designed to provide consumers with an alternative vehicle of receiving food safety materials.
Visit www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Multimedia/index.asp to view informative food safety
videos and featured podcasts that offer another method of obtaining food safety information for meat, poultry and processed egg products.
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Last Modified:
October 17, 2008 |
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