August 8, 2008

 

USDA increases E.coli testing four-fold this year
   
  

The USDA has increased its testing for E.coli in raw ground beef components by four-fold this year due to some beef companies having their products contaminated with the bacterium.

 

This year, US beef companies Nebraska Beef, Dutch's Meat Inc., JSM Meat Holdings and S&S Foods LLC. have all recalled their products due to E.coli contamination.

 

Last year, Topps Meat Company recalled about 10,000 tonnes of ground beef products, leading to the closure of the company. There were also numerous smaller recalls and reported illness from E.coli in beef last year.

 

In response, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) increased testing of domestic and imported beef products and improved response to recalls.

 

The FSIS has analysed 979 samples of raw ground beef components so far this year, up 737 from the same time last year. 

 

The percentage testing positive for E.coli contamination has decreased, however. Testing of raw ground beef has also increased by 90 samples, with the FSIS having analysed 6,264 samples so far this year.

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