U.S. Beef Industry Backing Research to Tackle Bug

Despite recent recalls, the U.S. beef industry is investing in research and new technologies to ensure beef safety and prevent E. coli contamination, claim industry representatives.

The Beef Industry Food Safety Council (BIFSCo), which includes cattle producers, feeders, processors and scientists as well as retailers and foodservice operators, said the beef industry invests $350 million annually in beef safety efforts.

BIFSCO said that its objective is to develop industry-wide, science-based strategies to ensure beef safety and win the battle against E. coli O157:H7.

Michelle Rossman, director of beef safety research, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, said that U.S. beef producers alone have invested more than $27 million since 1993 in beef safety research.

She told FoodProductionDaily.com that BIFSCo continues to study new interventions and improve existing technologies as part of a comprehensive safety system from production to consumer.

“There is still a lot we need to know about E. coli to completely eliminate it. Therefore, beef safety research continues to be one of the industry’s highest priorities. We believe, and science proves, that one of the best ways to combat foodborne pathogens, like E. coli O157:H7 is with validated interventions,” added Rossman.

Source: FoodProductionDaily.com