05/11/05 Good news on e coli

E. Coli is a food borne illness that has caused some real problems for the beef industry, but there is some good news to report. I'm Jeff Keane and I'll be right back to tell you about it. The beef industry was pleased with the reports from the U. S. Center for Disease Control and the U. S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety Inspection Service that the goal for reduction of E. Coli 0157:H7 was reached five years earlier than anticipated. E. Coli hit the headlines when some people died from the pathogen after eating at a Washington state Jack-in the-Box restaurant several years ago. According to data from U. S. FoodNet, a reporting system tracking food borne illnesses in 10 states including Oregon and California E. Coli incidences were down 42% as compared to the base years of 1996-1998. Roger West, chairman of National Cattlemen's Beef Association science group is happy with the reports, but says there is still work to be done. Since 1993 $20 million from the national Beef Checkoff have been used in E. Coli control. Jeremy Russell, with the National Meat Association said many changes in slaughter facilities helped stop the spread of the bacteria. Bill Marler, a Seattle, Washington attorney who won $200 million in court cases involving E. Coli said the high financial consequences helped to push the meat industry to make improvements. I would like to think most of the reason for the focus from the beef industry was the fact that we believe in our product and want to provide a safe food to consumers. I'm Jeff Keane. Capital Press 4/22/05 Western Livestock Reporter 4/27/05