| 9/18/2003 FSIS Indicates Downward Trend For E. coli O157:H7 - 9/12 MeatingPlace Of the samples collected and analyzed through Aug. 31, 0.32 percent tested positive, down from 0.78 percent in 2002, 0.84 percent in 2001, and 0.86 percent in 2000, when FSIS began using more sensitive testing measures. "What makes this new data so significant is that [expanded testing and HACCP reassessment] initiatives are making a difference that will translate into fewer illnesses," said Elsa Murano, undersecretary of food safety, in a teleconference with reporters. Murano credited several factors for the decrease, including increased testing, a year-long effort to reassess the testing and intervention plans of meat plants, and the end of exemptions to random testing. Since 2001, FSIS has collected more than 7,000 samples annually, up from 6,300 in 2000, the department said. In October 2002, FSIS ordered all beef plants to reexamine their food safety plans, based on evidence that E. coli O157:H7 is a hazard reasonably likely to occur and to implement interventions to prevent it. To date, the department has surveyed the HACCP plans of more than 1,000 plants, accounting for up to 80 percent of U.S. beef production, Murano said. "Having done the reassessments, 62 percent of the plants that have been reassessed have made substantial changes in their HACCP plans. That's significant," Murano said. In April, FSIS also launched new training initiatives for inspectors and compliance officers. Through the use of new computer software, district officials analyze inspection actions so trends and areas needing additional attention can be more quickly identified. For more information on FSIS' initiatives, visit: USDA.gov. Related Link: http://www.meatingplace.com |
This
website is best viewed in Internet
Explorer or
Netscape Navigator versions
4.0 and
above. All content contained herein is subject to copyright law.
Click here to unsubscribe
above. All content contained herein is subject to copyright law.
Click here to unsubscribe