USDA set to announce enhanced E. coli testing in meat

The Dept. of Agriculture is set to announce expanded testing for E. coli bacteria in meat, including six more obscure strains of the pathogen responsible for several recent massive food recalls.

According to a report from The Washington Post, the USDA will require meat processors to test for six new strains of E. coli bacteria, pathogens which sicken more than 110,000 people each year. The strains of E. coli bacteria have become more common in recent years and have prompted the recall of thousands of pounds of meat products.

Currently, meat processors are only required to test for the most common O157:H7 strain of the bacteria.

At first, meat processors will be required to test beef trimmings for the six other strains of E. coli bacteria. In time, the USDA said it will require the tests be conducted on more cuts of meat.

Washington Post reports representatives of the meat industry have voiced strong opposition to the enhanced testing efforts set to be announced by regulators. Instead, they feel money should be spent on preventing the spread of E. coli bacteria.

It took several years to develop accurate tests to discover the other strains of E. coli bacteria. Food safety advocates told Washington Post the enhanced testing will likely lead to more food recalls but likely will prevent some people from being infected by a lesser-known strain of the virus.