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USDA Targeting Six Additional Strains of E. coli in Raw Beef Trim Starting Monday
Action Represents Another Significant Food Safety Measure Under the Obama Administration
FSIS will begin instituting a zero-tolerance policy for six additional strains of E. coli that are
responsible for human illness. Starting this coming Monday, FSIS will routinely test raw beef manufacturing trim,
which is a major component of ground beef, for the six additional strains of E. coli. Trim found to be
contaminated with these pathogens will not be allowed into commerce and will be subject to recall.
Illnesses due to E. coli serogroups other than O157:H7, which caused a high-profile illness outbreak in
1993, outnumber those attributed to O157:H7. FSIS declared O157:H7 an adulterant in 1994.
"These strains of E. coli are an emerging threat to human health, and the steps we are taking are
entirely focused on preventing Americans from suffering foodborne illnesses," said Agriculture Secretary
Tom Vilsack. "We cannot ignore the evidence that these pathogens are a threat in our nation's food supply."
The additional strains that will be treated as adulterants are Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC)
serogroups O26, O45, O103, O111, O121 and O145. Like E. coli O157:H7, these serogroups can cause severe
illness and even death, and young children and the elderly are at highest risk.
FSIS posted on its website this week a Federal Register notice
confirming that sampling for the six additional
strains will begin June 4. The Federal Register notice also includes responses to comments on the September 20, 2011,
Federal Register notice, Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli in Certain Raw Beef Products regarding
the June 4, 2012, implementation of STEC sampling; and related issues. A copy of the Federal Register notice may be
found at www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/
Federal_Register_Notices/index.asp.
Clarification Regarding LSAS Enrollment
Last week, FSIS launched a new web-based label approval system called the Label Submission and Approval System (LSAS).
In order to use this new system you must have a Level 2 eAuthentication (eAuth) account. Once you have an eAuth
account, you will have to go through an enrollment process to activate your account with LSAS. Instructions to do so
can be found on FSIS' website at
www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/LSAS_Enrollment_Screen_Guide.pdf.
Please follow these instructions carefully to successfully activate your account.
During the enrollment process you will see PHIS mentioned in a number of places. This is because the enrollment
screens for PHIS and LSAS are shared. In Step 2 of the enrollment process, you will be prompted to select an
"Account Type," and will be given the following two options to choose from: "LSAS Submitter"
and "Domestic." Choose "LSAS Submitter." The "Domestic" account type is inactive
right now, as PHIS is currently unavailable for industry use. We will keep you posted on the timeline for
PHIS implementation to industry users.
For questions about LSAS, email LSAS@fsis.usda.gov or call 301-504-0837.
Export Requirement Updates
The Library of Export Requirements has been updated to reflect changes in export requirements for the following countries:
- People's Republic of China
Complete information can be found at
http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/
Export_Information/index.asp.
Updates on FSIS Testing for E. coli
Weekly updates for the agency's raw beef E. coli sampling program are posted to the FSIS website.
For comparative previous and current year results, go to
www.fsis.usda.gov/Science/
Ground_Beef_E.coli_Testing_Results/index.asp.
USDA Solicits Nominations for NACMPI
USDA is accepting nominations for the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection (NACMPI).
All applications need to be received by June 20 for consideration.
Nominations for membership to the Committee are being sought from individuals representing academia, public
health organizations, industry, state and local governments, consumer organizations and the public. Federally
registered lobbyists will not be considered for membership.
Established in 1971, NACMPI meets on food safety concerns and advises the Secretary of Agriculture on matters
affecting federal and state inspection program activities. The advisory committee also contributes to USDA's
regulatory policy development. Recommendations made by NACMPI are sent to USDA's Under Secretary for Food Safety
for consideration and reviewed by the Secretary of Agriculture. For more information about NACMPI, visit
www.fsis.usda.gov/About_FSIS/NACMPI.
Application packages should include a cover letter, resume and USDA Advisory Committee Membership Background
Information form AD-755 (www.fsis.usda.gov/forms/index.asp). The resume or
curriculum vitae must be limited to five, typed, one-sided pages and should include educational background and
expertise. Application packets should be sent to Thomas Vilsack, Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture,
1400 Independence Ave. S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250, Attn: National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry
Inspection.
FSIS Policy Updates
FSIS issues notices and directives to protect public health. The following policy updates were recently issued:
- Notice 36-12, FSIS Verification of Lebanon Bologna Processes
- Notice 37-12, New Documentation Procedures for Certifying Exports to China
- Directive 9900.1, Imported Product Shipment Presentation
- Directive 9900.7, Physical Examinations of Cooked Meat from Regions Where Rinderpest or Foot and Mouth Disease Exists
- Directive 9920.1, Reinspection of Imported Shell Eggs (Packed in Containers Destined for Consumers and for Breaking)
All notices and directives are available at www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/index.asp.
FSIS Makes Changes in its Laboratory Testing Methods
The FSIS CLG Method, Screening and Confirmation of Beta-Agonists by HPLC-MS-MS (High Performance Liquid
Chromatography - Mass Spectrometry), has been updated. The method now allows muscle samples to be prepared either
by grinding with dry ice or with blending.
The method will be posted to the FSIS Chemistry Laboratory Guidebook once finalized, with an effective date no
earlier than 30 days from today. To review the guidebook, visit
www.fsis.usda.gov/Science/
Chemistry_Lab_Guidebook/index.asp.
New Podcast
Tune in to podcasts on selecting, handling and preparing meat and poultry products to reduce the risk of foodborne
illness. FSIS released this podcast helpful to consumers.
- Food Safety and the Cutting Board (Spanish)
Spanish language consumer podcasts are available at www.fsis.usda.gov/En_Espanol/Podcasts_SP/index.asp.
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Last Modified:
June 1, 2012 |
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