Task Force Tackles E-Coli Issue

A broad-based task force is setting the stage for a plan that will aggressively address the challenges the beef industry is facing with E. coli O157:H7.  The task force is funded by the national beef checkoff, and is coordinated on behalf of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). 

Comprised of representatives from the feeding, packing, processing, manufacturing and international trade sectors, as well as academia and microbiological laboratories, the Beef Industry E. coli Task Force met last week to organize the agenda for the Beef Industry E. coli Summit to be held in January, 2003.

The goal of the Summit is to develop an aggressive battle plan for the beef industry in its fight against E. coli O157:H7. Summit attendees will participate in breakout groups specific to the sector in which they do business.  These breakout groups will formulate plans that outline good manufacturing practices and interventions that are ready for implementation and that can be used on the specific products their sector produces, to reduce the incidence of E. coli O157:H7 and enhance the safety of U.S. beef products.  In addition, tools that show promise in the near future or are in the development stage will also be discussed to strengthen the industry’s long-term battle plan against E. coli.

For more information contact:  Michelle Rossman, 303.850.3399 or mrossman@beef.org.