US-NutraUSA-US regulators to consult public over E. coli concerns

The US department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will next month look into solutions to significantly reduce the presence of E. coli O157:H7 in raw meat stocks following recent scares. In a public meeting which will take place on the 9 to 10 April, processors, regulators and other industry stakeholders will present their findings and debate potential overhauls of existing recall and safety practices regarding raw meat use.

The timing of the talks comes just two months after the Minnesota-based Rochester Meat Co issues a major recall of 188,000 pounds of ground beef and other products because of E. coli bacteria concerns.

The E. coli O157:H7 strain of bacteria has been found to cause serious harm, especially to children, senior citizens and those with weak immune systems.

Dr. Richard Raymond, US under secretary for food safety, said that despite major advances in battling foodborne illnesses like E-coli in the country during the last decade, reduction levels have recently levelled out.

“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,” he stated. “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.”…more..