Colorado State University Extension
SafeFood Rapid Response Network
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IN THE NEWS
Edited by: Mary Schroeder, M.S., R.D. & Pat Kendall, Ph.D., R.D., Colorado State - Winter/Spring 2005
Good News for Ground Beef
Ground beef may be getting safer. This is not to say that consumers should let their guard down when it comes to safe handling and cooking of meat, but there is encouraging news. USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) reports a steady decline over the past several years in the percentage of ground beef samplings that test positive for E. coli O157:H7. According to FSIS, of the 8,010 samples collected and analyzed in 2004, only 0.17 percent tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, down from 0.30 in 2003 (a 43.3% decrease) and 0.86 in 2000.
Incidences of food recalls as well as illnesses related to E. coli O157:H7 have also declined. In its April 2004 report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a 36% reduction in illnesses from E. coli O157:H7 in 2003 compared to 2002. FSIS reported only 6 recalls related to E. coli in 2004 compared to 12 in 2003 and 21 in 2002.
FSIS credits these dramatic reductions on focused regulatory and industry efforts aimed at reducing pathogens in America's meat, poultry and egg products. Beef plants are utilizing new technologies and following carefully reviewed Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) safety plans. Last year FSIS launched new training initiatives for inspectors and compliance officers to make sure its directives are being enforced. Additionally, the agency offers workshops and technical expertise to small plant operators, all designed to strengthen E. coli O157:H7 prevention procedures.
While all this is good news, it doesn't mean rare hamburgers are free of pathogens. On the contrary, food safety educators should continue to advise consumers to cook ground beef to 160ºF and remember to wash hands, utensils and contact surfaces well after contact with raw meat.
Source:
- FSIS Ground Beef Sampling Shows Substantial E. coli O157:H7 Decline in 2004. News Release. Feb. 28, 2005. Available at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/NR_022805_01/index.asp.
