CHICAGO - The U.S. beef industry will create a food safety task force aimed at reducing E. coli O157:H7 in beef products, the National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) said in a release.
Titled the Beef Industry Food Safety Council, the task force's creation follows two recent recalls of boneless beef because of possible contamination by E.coli O157:H7 bacteria.
Chuck Schroeder, NCBA chief executive officer, will chair the task force and appoint other council members by October 24. The first meeting was set for October 27.
"We will appoint representatives from the beef producer, packer, processor, retailer, foodservice, research/technology and government segments of this industry," said Schroeder in a statement.
The task force will develop a strategy of research, education, consumer information and potential government regulations to ensure food safety.
Nebraska Governor Ben Nelson instigated formation of the task force. Two recent recalls involved beef produced at two Nebraska processing plants.
The largest meat recall in history occurred in August when 25 million lbs of boneless beef produced at Hudson Foods Co's Columbus, Neb., plant was recalled. Soon after, 400,000 lbs of beef produced by the Beef America Inc plant in Norfolk, Neb., were recalled. Both recalls were related to suspected E.coli contamination.
Also, South Korea in late September said E.coli O157:H7 was found in beef imported from IBP Inc's Dakota City, Neb., plant.
Press Here for Info on Setting Your Own Web Site
Meat Industry Insights News Service
P.O. Box 553
Northport, NY 11768
Phone: 631-757-4010
Fax: 631-757-4060
E-mail: sflanagan@sprintmail.com
Web Site: http://www.spcnetwork.com/mii