Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 3/10/15

In 2012, then-FSIS Administrator Al Almanza established the Strategic Performance Working Group (SPWG) to focus on Salmonella, which led ultimately to the Salmonella Action Plan. Since that time, the SPWG moved on to address E. coli, and specifically to perform reviews, solicit and coordinate ideas within the Agency on how to improve FSIS’ performance on reducing Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STECs) in FSIS-regulated products and lowering illness rates in beef products.

Through tracking E. coli O157:H7 illnesses the agency had determined that the overall number of illnesses in the United States from E. coli O157:H7 had plateaued or increased in the past 18 months. As a result, the Administrator tasked the SPWG to develop recommendations for what the agency could do to bring about improved control of STECs.

After several meetings with FSIS employees and with industry, the SPWG recommended the following:
• Improving how FSIS in-plant personnel verify an establishment’s control of its sanitary dressing procedures would be the most promising way to bring about reduced STEC levels;
• It would beneficial if training was improved for FSIS’ in-plant personnel on when and how to document sanitary dressing deficiencies at an establishment;
• Training would likely be most effective if it included photographs illustrating instructions on identifying deficiencies and best practices for sanitary dressing, as well as providing examples of real-world scenarios; and
• The agency should revise its compliance guide with information on common mistakes in sanitary dressing, and offer guidance on how establishments can meet requirements related to sanitary dressing.

The Agency believes the actions that are listed above would improve plant performance and FSIS’ verification activities.

The SPWG meets periodically to address critical and current food safety issues. Suggestions or comments on topics to consider can be sent to Dr. Philip Bronstein at philip.bronstein@fsis.usda.gov or to Denise Amann at denise.amann@fsis.usda.gov.

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