There is Room for Improvement of Meat and Poultry Inspection
AMI official says that despite problems the system is not broken.
Compiled by staff
Published: Apr 9, 2009
The Executive Vice President of the American Meat Institute, Jim Hodges, told those attending a Farm Foundation meeting in Washington, D.C. Wednesday that foodborne illnesses associated with meat and poultry consumption have declined markedly.
"A common refrain heard in Washington and other venues is the U.S. food safety regulatory system is broken and that it has failed the American people," Hodges said. "There is some truth to that argument, but a closer look at our meat and poultry food safety systems may yield a different conclusion."
Hodges cited statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that show pathogens most commonly associated with meat and poultry make up only a fraction of the total foodborne illnesses and deaths in the United States. However he did say he believed food safety could be improved.
"In my opinion, the meat and poultry industry has met the challenge of continuously improving the safety of the products produced. And, the U.S. has a very good meat and poultry inspection system to assure the safety of meat and poultry products," said Hodges. "It's a given fact that producing safe food is good for customers and good for business, but the job is not done. Industry pledges its cooperation to work with all parties to ensure that the U.S. maintains the safest food supply in the world."
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