USDA to accelerate tracking of contaminated meat

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is set to implement new regulations to accelerate the process of tracking E.coli in meat, to improve food safety and fast-track the identification of source of contamination.

Under the new policy, USDA inspectors would begin tracing the source of the contaminated meat as soon as initial testing shows a potential problem.

Once a batch of meat tests presumptively positive for E.coli O157:H7, the most common strain of E. coli, the agency will begin efforts to link companies, products and the pathogen to the source supplier.

Under current regulations, USDA inspectors have to wait for multiple E.coli confirmation tests before taking action, which may take several days.

The new process will allow officials to start investigation immediately and may help in identifying the source of E.coli about 24hr-48hr sooner.

USDA undersecretary for food safety Elisabeth Hagen said the additional safeguards will improve the agency’s ability to prevent foodborne illness by strengthening the food safety infrastructure.

"Together, these measures will provide us with more tools to protect our food supply, resulting in stronger public-health protections for consumers," Hagen added.

According to USDA, about 13,000 to 15,000 samples of ground beef and beef trimmings are screened for E. coli every year, of which 65 to 75 samples test presumptively positive. About 95% of the samples are later confirmed positive through additional screening.

The new regulations will also require meat and poultry firms to establish procedures for recalling meat and notify the USDA about a potential shipment of contaminated meat within 24hr.

The new policy will be implemented in July, following a 60-day period during which the public will be allowed to comment on the regulation.

USDA is also planning to implement a new rule, which will expand the testing to six other strains of E.coli in raw ground beef and tenderised steaks.

E. coli O157:H7 is a bacterium that can cause diarrhoea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to the illness.

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Image: Under current US regulations, USDA inspectors have to wait for multiple E.coli confirmation tests before taking action. Photo: Helmut Gevert