990305 USDA, Meat Groups Debate Broader Food Safety Rules

Washington - U.S. meat industry and consumer groups will meet the U.S. Agriculture Department next week to discuss USDA's plan to make more kinds of beef subject to strict food safety rules.

USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service has proposed expanding its definition of “adulterated meat” to include beef trimmings, cubed stew meat and other cuts tainted with the deadly bacteria E. coli 0157:H7.

Currently, USDA tests only ground beef in packing plants and retail stores for contamination with E. coli. Ground beef makes up about 40% of the U.S. beef sold to consumers.

The meeting is part of USDA's stepped-up efforts to protect consumers against dangerous foodborne bacteria. E. coli 0157:H7 is an especially virulent strain of the bacteria that can kill young children or others with weak immune systems.

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