USA - FSIS publishes generic E. coli and salmonella baseline data

Published: February 28, 2005

Source : Poultry Today

USDA's Food Safety & Inspection Service is making available results of baseline studies it conducted on generic E. coli and salmonella between 1997 and 2000 as a means to assist inspected establishments in assessing their progress on testing to meet performance criteria. FSIS stressed that publication of the baseline results does not affect the current generic E. coli criteria and salmonella standards listed in FSIS regulations. The regulations require that all inspected meat and poultry slaughter establishments conduct generic E. coli testing. The agency said publishing the results of the baseline studies "can serve as a valuable support to an establishment's process control efforts. These results can be used by establishments in assessing the effectiveness of their processes, using their own test results." More information can be obtained by contacting Dr. Daniel Engeljohn, deputy assistant administrator for Office of Policy, Program and Employee Development, FSIS, USDA, Room 3147 South Building, 14th and Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-3700; 202-205-0495.

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