Food Safety Issues: A Summary Report of a Panel Session Addressing Pre- and Post-Harvest Strategies to Improve Public Health |
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Authors: | Steven R Kirkhorn MD MPH FACOEM |
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Institution: | 1. National Farm Medicine Center, Marshfield Clinic Occupational Health Department , Marshfield, Wisconsin, USA kirkhorn.steven@mcrf.mfldclin.edu |
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Abstract: | ABSTRACT The paper presents a summary of a panel presentation by animal scientists and public health veterinarians on food safety methods to improve public health of the public consuming beef and poultry. Pre-harvest methods discussed include vaccination to decrease shedding of Esherichia coli O157:H7, direct-fed microbials (DFMs), calving methods, and responsible use of antimicrobials. Post-harvest methods discussed include increased sampling and use of hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) methods, test-and-hold of meat products prior to release for public consumption, development of attainment categories, the use of pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) for genotyping and serotyping, and an 11-step surveillance program. The public health concern and financial consequences of contamination with E. coli O157:H7 is discussed. A “carrot and stick” approach for both producers and processors to increase vaccination and product testing is recommended. |
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Keywords: | food safety E coli O157:H7 beef production Animal antimicrobials veterinary practice direct-fed microbials hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) food testing animal vaccination |
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