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FSIS Updates E. coli O157:H7 Reports
FSIS has updated Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 testing data to include information through October 28, 2008.
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| Results
from Analysis of Raw Ground Beef and Raw Ground Beef Component Samples for E. coli
O157:H7 |
| Raw Ground Beef |
| Source |
As of Oct 28, 2007 |
As of Oct 26, 2008 |
No.
Ana- lyzed |
No. Positive |
Percent Positive |
No.
Ana- lyzed
|
No. Positive |
Percent Positive |
Federal
Plants |
10,076 |
22 |
0.22 |
9,404 |
45 |
0.48 |
| Retail Stores |
144 |
0 |
0.00 |
316 |
0 |
0.00 |
| Imports |
61 |
0 |
0.00 |
38 |
1 |
2.63 |
| Raw Ground Beef Components |
| Source |
As of Oct 28, 2007 |
As of Oct 26, 2008 |
No.
Ana- lyzed |
No. Positive |
Percent Positive |
No.
Ana- lyzed
|
No. Positive |
Percent Positive |
Federal
Plants |
550 |
2 |
0.36 |
1,829 |
16 |
0.87 |
| Imports |
0 |
0 |
0.00 |
460 |
3 |
0.65 |
| The above information is based upon data in the FSIS electronic data system as of
October 28, 2008. Results are from FSIS routine and follow-up sampling programs. |
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When the sampling program for raw ground beef components began in March 2007, it originally sampled only beef
trimmings, as stated in Notice 18-07 titled Routine Sampling of Beef Manufacturing Trimmings Intended for Use in Raw Ground Beef.
In October 2007, Notice 68-07 titled Routine Sampling and Testing of Raw Ground Beef Components Other Than Trim and Imported Raw
Ground Beef Components for Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 was issued instructing FSIS personnel to collect
raw beef components other than trimmings under a different sampling program. Sample collection under this notice was initiated in December 2007.
The data presented in the table above represents results from both sampling programs. The initiation of the components sampling
program in December 2007 is one reason why the number of samples analyzed for 2008 is greater than the same period in 2007.
Individual positive results from the raw ground beef sampling programs for 2008 are reported on FSIS' Web site at
www.fsis.usda.gov/Science/
2008_Ecoli_Positive_Results/index.asp.
FSIS Releases New Consumer Podcasts for October
This month, the Agency released the following podcasts helpful to the everyday consumer:
- October 1 - Tailgating
Robert Tuverson, Director of the Food Safety Education Staff, tells you everything you need to Be Food Safe and
avoid foodborne illness when tailgating.
- October 8 - Teens Talk About Food Safety
Two high school teenagers participate in a lively dialog with Gertie Hurley, Public Affairs Specialist with the
Food Safety Education Staff, on how to Be Food Safe when preparing lunches for school and when preparing after-school snacks.
- October 15 - Taking the Mystery out of Food Labels
Diane Van, Manager of the USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline, explains food labels and what they mean to consumers for food safety at home.
- October 22 - Halloween Food Safety
The USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline's Manager gives helpful tips on having a food safe Halloween.
- October 29 - Safe Use of Cutting Boards
The USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline's Manager provides tips for food safety when using cutting boards.
Check out these new podcasts on FSIS' Web site at www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/
Food_Safety_at_Home_Podcasts/index.asp.
Export Requirement Updates
The Library of Export Requirements has been updated to reflect changes in export requirements for the following:
Complete information can be found at www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/
Export_Information/index.asp.
USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline
Food safety experts are available year-round from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time to answer questions about safely preparing and cooking foods.
The Hotline is closed on Federal government holidays. The toll-free number is 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854). Recorded messages are available 24 hours a day.
Transcripts from October Public Meetings Now Available
FSIS hosted two public meetings this month to address issues on Animal Raising Claims as well as Sampling and Testing Methodologies —
Compliance Guidelines/N-60 Labeling. Transcripts for these meetings are now available on the Agency's Web site at
www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/past_events/index.asp.
Comments for both meetings must be received on or before November 14 and 17, respectively, through the Federal eRulemaking Portal at
www.regulations.gov. Submissions may also be mailed to Docket Clerk,
U.S. Department of Agriculture - FSIS, 1400 Independence Avenue S.W., Room 2534, South Building, Washington, DC 20250.
All submissions received must reference the Food Safety and Inspection Service and include docket number FSIS-2008-0026 or FSIS-2008-0035.
2008 Residue "Blue Book" Now Available
The 2008 FSIS National Residue Program Scheduled Sampling Plan Book, also known as the 2008 Blue Book, presents a comprehensive
explanation of the process used to design the FSIS National Residue Program (NRP) sampling plans for the year 2008.
The 2008 NRP scheduled sampling plans were modified to increase the analytical testing of randomly selected animals. Some modifications include:
- Arsenic and sulfonamides testing for egg products;
- Flunixin testing for bulls and dairy cows; and
- The inclusion of Zilpaterol in laboratory methodology for beta-agonist compounds for the entire calendar year.
In addition to the annual NRP, this resource has traditionally included two useful tables. The first table provides a list of issues
required for laboratory analysis. The second table lists all methods for residues of drugs, pesticides and environmental contaminants
that the Agency has implemented and considers to be an official method. These two tables are updated annually and appear as appendices
in this publication.
The 2008 Blue Book is available on FSIS' Web site at www.fsis.usda.gov/Science/2008_Blue_Book/index.asp.
FSIS Issues Directive
FSIS issued Directive 9000.2 titled Inspection and Export Certification of Livestock Intestines or Casings on October 27.
This directive instructs inspection program personnel how to determine whether intestines or casings from livestock are eligible
to receive the mark of inspection and how to certify intestines or casings for export.
This document cancels Notice 11-07, Continuation of Interim Period for Voluntary Inspection and Certification of Natural Casings, dated February 15, 2007.
To view all FSIS directives, visit www.fsis.usda.gov/Regulations_&_Policies/
Directives/index.asp.
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Last Modified:
October 31, 2008 |
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