Source:  Dani Friedland, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 7/30/10

On Thursday, Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.) introduced a bill that would require multiple tests during ground beef production for all Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, with the goal of wiping out the bacteria entirely.

The E. coli Traceability and Eradication Act calls for slaughterhouses and processors to use independent, USDA-certified testing facilities to test beef trim and ground beef multiple times throughout manufacturing.

“This legislation will require rigorous new testing standards, calling for multiple examinations of products and specifically testing for all Shiga toxin-producing E. coli bacteria,” DeLauro said in a statement. “Also, because this bill will require processors to test incoming beef trim, it would cease the current industry practice of processors being blackballed by their suppliers.”

The act would require processors to report positive test results to the USDA immediately. The USDA would then test products for 15 consecutive days. Three consecutive days of positive tests or ten throughout the year will earn a company a spot on a USDA list of safety offenders.

The bill also calls for the USDA to establish a system to trace contamination back to its source, to facilitate quick recalls.

“Our current food safety system is not doing its job — contaminated meat is still hitting the shelves, and people are still getting sick,” DeLauro said. “This legislation will establish higher standards for food safety and protect the public health.”

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