Source:  Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE.COM, 1/4/11

The North American Meat Processors Association and seven other meat industry associations announced the "Mini-conference on E. coli, Validation and Emerging Issues for Beef Processors" on Thursday, March 17, at the Drake Hotel in Chicago, prior to the start of the Meat Industry Management Conference.

This conference program is from noon to 6 p.m. Featured speakers include:
• Kerri Harris, president and CEO, International HACCP Alliance;
• Dan Engeljohn, assistant administrator, Office of Policy and Program Development, FSIS;
• Justin R. Ransom, AVP, Food Protection and Government Affairs, OSI Group, LLC; and
• Mohammad Koohmaraie, CEO, Meat Division, IEH Laboratories & Consulting Group.

The program features:
Validating Controls in Beef Safety Systems. This session will include the latest information on what further processors are expected to do to show they have a validated system.  (Harris)
FSIS Perspective on Pathogens of Concern in Beef. This session will provide insight into what processors can expect from FSIS.  (Engeljohn)

Understanding and Addressing Non-O157 STECs. This session will explore the implication non-O157 STECs can have for the beef industry. FSIS has indicated its intention to consider expanding the adulterant policy to include this group of pathogens. The first recall from a non-O157 STEC occurred in 2010.  (Ransom)

The Significance of Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) Salmonella. This session focuses on the impact these pathogens have on human health and the beef industry, and what further processors need to know to ensure the safety of their products.  (Koohmaraie)

There will also be new technologies presentations by representatives of major industry suppliers.
Early registration discounts end March 1.  For more information and to register, click here.
 

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