December 11, 2007

Most of meat recalled in the US is eaten, not recovered

Most recalled meat is eaten before it can be returned to the factory, according to an analysis by USA Today.

Most people cook and consume their E. coli burgers in the time it takes for someone to go to the doctor and discover the source of his or her illness.

For recalls following reports of consumer illness, only 20 percent of affected meat is ever recovered.

The USDA, which regulates meat and poultry, routinely samples thousands of products for harmful bacteria before they leave factories. Test results take a few days to produce.

While waiting for the results, companies can legally ship a product. If tests are positive, the product is recalled. Since the meat has been in the market a few days, recovery rates tend to be good: 62 percent per recall, on average.

There have been 54 meat recalls this year, up from 34 the previous year. For the most recent recalls, recovery rates are not yet available.