Remarks prepared for delivery by Al Almanza, FSIS Administrator, for the public meeting on product tracing related to E. coli O157:H7, March 10, 2010, in the Jefferson Auditorium, Washington, DC

Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to participate.

We appreciate the opportunity to continue our discussion on ways we can improve how FSIS conducts product tracing.

Today we shared with you steps the Agency is considering.

We appreciate your comments and your interest in food safety.

This meeting demonstrates our ongoing commitment to safe food but it also shows there's much more work to do.

The secretary has personally stated to me the importance of finding every possible path to strengthen food safety. Product tracing is one way we can improve our system.

That's why your input is so important. Thank you again for joining us.