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Comprehensive List of Actions by FSIS to Reduce E. coli O157:H7
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Attachment to News Release, Oct 23, 2007
Actions targeted to federally-inspected plants that produce raw beef products:
- Based on preliminary data from the Agency's beef trim baseline and scientific literature indicating
that contamination of trim is related to contamination of ground beef, FSIS began trim testing in March 2007,
not waiting for final analysis of the baseline. By testing earlier in the production chain to identify
contaminated beef trim intended for ground beef, FSIS minimizes the likelihood of this source being used
in ground beef available to consumers. This also gives the Agency more data to analyze in determining and
implementing the most appropriate actions to reverse upward trends.
- In July, after an unusual number of E. coli O157:H7 positives the month before, FSIS
substantially increased the number of raw ground beef samples scheduled from 1,100 to 1,943 — an
increase greater than 75 percent. After seeing nothing unusual in the positive sample rate in July, FSIS
began scheduling samples for every raw ground beef establishment once per month, i.e. approximately 1,350
samples scheduled per month. (See FSIS Notice 41-07, Jul 6, 2007)
- FSIS now takes into account a broader, more complete range of evidence when evaluating whether to seek
a recall or take regulatory action. This gives the Agency a credible approach to more rapidly taking action
when certain types of evidence are available. In two recent cases, FSIS acted upon epidemiological evidence
that linked illness to opened, FSIS-inspected product found in consumers freezers.
- Since January, there have been 15 recalls related to E. coli in ground beef, 8 of those associated
with illnesses. In 2006, there were 8 E. coli related recalls, with no related illnesses.
Compared to 10 years ago, the safety of the food supply is better — the number of recalls and the
number of illnesses declining in the last several years.
- Beginning September 28, FSIS inspection program
personnel send samples to FSIS labs for testing irrespective of the company's test results. While the
previous practice did not pose a human health risk, this new approach will allow us to increase the number
of Pulse-Field Gel Electrophoresis patterns (DNA fingerprints for bacteria) entered into PulseNet. (See FSIS Notice 62-07, Sep 28, 2007; PDF Only)
- On October 12, FSIS issued a notice instructing its District Offices to schedule Enforcement, Investigations, and
Analysis Officers to conduct a food safety assessment upon notification of any federal or state positive test
result of E. coli O157:H7 in raw ground beef or ready-to-eat (RTE) meat and poultry products. The same
action will be taken for positive sample results of Listeria monocytogenes or Salmonella in RTE products.
(See FSIS Notice 64-07, Oct 12, 2007; PDF Only)
- On October 12, FSIS issued a notice (PDF Only) instructing inspection program personnel to collect multiple follow-up
samples of beef products in plants that have had a positive E. coli O157:H7 sample. Previously,
FSIS collected only one follow-up sample following a positive test result. FSIS implemented this policy
because analysis of E. coli O157:H7 sample data from 2000 through 2005 shows that plants are more
likely to have a second positive sample if they have had a positive sample within the preceding 120 days.
In addition, suppliers to positive sample results will also be subject to this increased follow-up testing.
(See FSIS Notice 66-07, Oct 12, 2007; PDF Only)
- FSIS inspection program personnel will review both suppliers and grinders based on a new checklist, once
they complete specialized training beginning the week of Oct. 29. Data from the checklists will be completed in
November and will be updated quarterly to help the Agency more quickly potentially significant changes in
production controls. FSIS will analyze the checklist data and use it to adjust programs or policies as needed.
(See FSIS Notice 65-07, Oct 12, 2007, PDF Only; and Training)
- To supplement current hazard analysis surveillance activities, FSIS is developing, and will implement in
November, a process to assign specially trained investigators to evaluate corporate practices, to control
E. coli O157:H7. These data will identify the corporations whose controls are insufficient and may
pose a threat to public health.
- FSIS will begin testing materials that are used as components in raw ground beef, in addition to the beef
trim already tested, which is the primary component. FSIS is also requiring countries whose beef is imported
to the U.S. to conduct the same sampling or an equivalent measure.
- By January 2008, the Agency will begin using a recently developed test that will detect lower levels of
E. coli O157:H7 contamination.
- In January 2008, FSIS will begin routine targeted sampling for
E. coli O157:H7 at slaughter and processing facilities. Currently, all plants have an equal chance
of being tested. Under this new verification testing program, FSIS will test larger volume operations more
frequently than in the past. Data from the checklists will also be used to determine testing frequency for
establishments.
- In fiscal year 2008, when FSIS conducts audits of countries importing raw beef products to the U.S., it will
place special emphasis on E. coli O157:H7 control measures.
Increased outreach to public health partners and stakeholders and strengthened communication within
the Agency to inspection program personnel:
- In September, FSIS participated in an E. coli O157:H7 workshop in Chicago, sponsored by the North
American Meat Processors Association. This workshop focused on small-volume beef processors that specialize
in producing ground beef and mechanically tenderized steaks and roasts.
- Beginning in October and continuing into November, FSIS will conduct outreach and training sessions
around the country for small and very small processors of raw beef products, other stakeholders, and
FSIS inspection program personnel. This training will focus on new E. coli O157:H7 policies,
as well as lessons learned from the recent recalls associated with E. coli O157:H7.
- On October 17, FSIS, along with the Department of Health and Human Services Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), hosted a public meeting
in Washington, D.C., regarding pathogenic E. coli organisms other than E. coli O157:H7.
We expect that as a result of this meeting, we will be able to ensure that any future steps we take to
reduce the prevalence of pathogenic non-O157:H7 E. coli will be better understood by all of
our food safety partners.
- On October 18, Agency officials held a conference call with all 15 District Offices to fully explain
the new policies to combat E. coli 0157:H7 and to discuss implementation and how activities
by inspection program personnel in plants will be monitored through Agency management controls.
- On October 19, a letter was sent from the Agency to the chief meat and poultry inspection official
in each country currently importing ground beef and other raw beef products to the United States notifying
them of the additional actions taken by FSIS to further control E. coli 0157:H7 and that they must
implement measures announced in a number of recent FSIS notices or directives or equivalent measures those
used in the U.S. to protect health.
- On October 19, a letter was sent from the Agency to directors of state meat and poultry programs notifying them of the additional actions taken by FSIS
in the U.S. to further control E. coli 0157:H7 and that they must implement measures announced
in a number of recent FSIS notices or directives or measures equal to these to protect public health.
- The week of October 22, Agency officials will hold conference calls with 155 Front Line Supervisors,
who supervise field inspection program personnel, to make sure they understand their responsibilities and
the timeline when actions related to the checklist need to be completed.
- On October 23, FSIS officials will meet with state meat and poultry inspection program directors at
their annual meeting. A large portion of the all-day session will be discussion of E. coli O157:H7
initiatives.
- Later this fall, the Agency will convene a meeting of experts and stakeholders to examine the current
situation with E. coli O157:H7, the factors that may be leading to an increased number of positive
test results and recalls, and the additional steps that can be taken by FSIS and the industry.
- This winter, FSIS will hold a meeting with its state and local public health partners, FDA, CDC,
industry, and consumer groups, about how to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of outbreak
investigations and recalls conducted by the Agency in collaboration with these partners.
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Last Modified:
October 27, 2007 |
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