Fri., Jan 10 03 -- Beef Processors are Part of Fight Against E. Coli

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Processors who produce ground beef and other beef products were among the more than 200 individuals who participated in an E. coli Summit the week of January 6.  Together with representatives from every other segment of the beef chain, the processors addressed steps to reduce and eliminate the problem of E. coli O157:H7.  According to Texas meat processor Tim Biela (BEE-luh), who chaired the Summit’s processing working group, food safety is a top priority for the nation’s beef processors.

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Biela says processors at the Summit came to terms with segments of the E. coli challenge they could address.

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According to Biela, it’s common for U.S. processors to test all of the product coming in their doors.

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Biela says gatherings such as the one in San Antonio, which was sponsored by beef producers through their $1-per-head beef checkoff, help provide solid guidance for the beef industry today.

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Biela is the vice president for food safety and quality assurance for Texas American Foodservice.