James O. Reagan, Ph.D. - Chairman, Beef Industry Food Safety Council - Vice President, Research and Knowledge Management, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association:  “It is unacceptable that even one company was not following commonly accepted safety interventions in place for many years. We expect all partners in the beef chain to do their part for food safety and implement these science-based safety interventions.

Through the Beef Industry Food Safety Council, we researched and developed interventions that have been implemented as part of a comprehensive safety system from production to consumer. The use of this system led to a decrease in E. coli incidence. We continuously work to get ahead of this complex pathogen. In addition to the steps outlined by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), we will closely examine our existing interventions and develop new ways to further ensure beef safety. We will not rest until E. coli has been eliminated.

We will continue to work with USDA and other food chain partners to further strengthen food safety because it is our obligation to you.”

The Beef Industry Food Safety Council (BIFSCo), founded more than a decade ago, brings together representatives from all segments of the beef industry to develop industry-wide, science-based strategies to ensure beef safety and win the battle against E. coli.

For more information, please visit www.BeefSafety.org.

This information is provided by the Beef Checkoff.