USDA introduces new system for improved safety of ground beef

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has introduced a new system for the improved safety of ground beef.

The new system will reportedly assist FSIS in tracking down the source of tainted ground beef more quickly, removing it from the market and preventing its recurrence by identifying the root cause.

These changes build upon other FSIS schemes set up to improve ground beef safety that were introduced this summer. One such proposal was for retailers to maintain records of their source of beef suppliers; another was for FSIS to test products for multiple pathogens using new laboratory methods.

Deputy Under Secretary for Food Safety Brian Ronholm said: "A critical component of preventing foodborne illness is quickly identifying sources of contamination and removing unsafe products from store shelves.

"The expedited traceback procedures being announced today will allow FSIS to take action more quickly, which will make a significant difference in food safety investigations and in preventing foodborne illnesses."

As per FSIS new traceback procedures, investigations will be immediately conducted at firms where E. coli O157:H7 has been found in ground beef during preliminary testing as well as at the source suppliers.

Previously, investigations by FSIS were launched after test results at the grinding facility came back positive, which could take about two days. An investigation of the suppliers would then have occurred around 30 days later.

Now, records will be reviewed by FSIS as part of the traceback to ascertain any breakdown in the food safety system of the supplying or grinding establishment. Moreover, the shipped product of the supplying establishment will also be determined by the FSIS as to whether it has contaminated other processors or facilities. If this seems to be the case, steps will be taken by FSIS to remove the tainted product from the market.

According to FSIS, once these new proposals for food safety have been implemented, many more product recalls may occur.