Pathogenic E.coli panel

Summary

Background
Customers of Australian manufacturing beef expect that steps have been taken to ensure that  E. coli O157:H7 and other pathogenic strains do not occur.
A key aspect of control of E. coli O157:H7 are sampling and testing programs for the organism in boxed trim.  In the late 1990s AQIS issued Meat Notices on the subject and the Australian Meat Council (AMC) negotiated a testing program with major customers. Since that time, the FSIS has issued Notices on the control of E. coli O157:H7 applicable to US and Australian processors. Over time US regulatory requirements have changed and AQIS and FSIS have a number of equivalence agreements to cover the requirements in Australia.
The Export Meat Industry Advisory Committee asked MLA, in 2004, to convene a consultation on the subject. The panel has been running continuously since 2004.
The panel has been formed of industry and AQIS representatives, and scientific experts to advise EMIAC on the actions that should be taken by AQIS and the industry.
Objectives
The objectives of the panel are to:review existing AQIS Meat Notices, and FSIS Notices and Directives relating to E. coli O157:H7review scientific data on E. coli O157:H7 incidence, contamination of Australian meat and testing methodspropose changes to official and commercial testing programs and product management to ensure that Australian products continue to be acceptable in the marketplace. Oversee the implementation of those changes.provide advice to MLA on the direction of E. coli research and providing and maintaining scientific information that facilitates trade
Recent activitiesreviewing AQIS Meat Noticesproviding advice on direction of researchadvising on publications from MLA research projects
Specific publication
John Sumner, Andreas Kiermeier and Ian Jenson (2011)  Verification of Hygiene in Australian Manufacturing Beef Processing - Focus on Escherichia coli O157. Food Protection Trends.