New Legislation Proposed to Regulate Rare Strains of E. coli

By Debra J. Groom
The Post-Standard [Syracuse]
May 27, 2010

Washington, D.C. -- New legislation is being introduced today (Thursday May 27) in the U.S. Senate to regulate six unregulated strains of E. coli known to cause food-borne illnesses.

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified these six rarer strains and estimates these strains cause 36,700 illnesses, 1,100 hospitalizations and 30 deaths in America each year.

"How many people have to get sick before we take action? In America, in 2010, it is unconscionable that food is still going straight to our kitchens, school cafeterias and restaurants without being properly tested to ensure its safety," Gillibrand said.
"It's spreading too many diseases and costing too many lives. The laws that are meant to keep us safe from hazardous foods are in critical need of updating. We need to pass this legislation to keep our families safe," she said.

The rarer strains of E. coli are often found in beef imported from other countries. Gillibrand said this beef is never checked for these strains of E. coli since current law requires imported ground beef to be checked only for the more common form of E. coli.

The new legislation adds the six confirmed strains to the list of adulterants, requires meat companies to test for and discard any batches containing any toxic strains of E. coli, and gives the USDA the authority to find and regulate more toxic strains in the future.
Full text:
http://blog.syracuse.com/farms/2010/05/new_legislation_requires_beef.html