US beef industry gears up to fight E. Coli

The US beef industry is investing in research and new technologies to ensure beef safety and prevent E. coli contamination after a string of recalls last year, industry representatives said.

The Beef Industry Food Safety Council (BIFSCo), which includes cattle producers, feeders, processors and scientists as well as retailers and foodservice operators, said the beef industry invests millions annually in beef safety efforts.

According to FoodProductionDaily, BIFSCO said that its objective is to develop industry-wide, science-based strategies to ensure beef safety and win the battle against E. coli O157:H7.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause diarrhoea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. Children, the elderly and those with weak immune systems are the most susceptible.

The bacteria has been responsible for recalls involving a cumulative total of millions of pounds of meat for US beef producers, with one major beef processor Hallmark forced to close due to the high costs associated with a 143-million-pound meat recall. 

Michelle Rossman, director of beef safety research, National Cattlemen's Beef Association, said that US beef producers alone have invested more than US$27 million since 1993 in beef safety research.