shown ongoing problems that have not been adequately addressed. "USDA needs to provide better assurance that plants are reducing contamination of meat and poultry products and that the agency is effectively enforcing its regulations," said Chris Waldrop, director of the Food Policy Institute at Consumer Federation of America. "Enforceable standards would allow the agency to take decisive action when a problem is first identified rather than after an outbreak has already occurred." Consumer Federation of America recommends the FSIS: 1. Develop a better way to evaluate plants' HACCP plans. 2. Require plants to identify pathogens most commonly associated with particular meat and poultry products as hazards likely to occur and address them in their HACCP plans. 3. Establish clear procedures and repercussions for reoccurring violations. 4. Frequently and routinely update performance standards that are based on improving public health outcomes. 5. Seek authority from Congress to set and enforce performance standards for pathogen reduction. 6. Improve FSIS sampling programs to target the riskiest facilities and products. The full report is available at www.consumerfed.org. funded more than $8 million on food safety focused research projects since 1999. This includes a multi-year initiative with the goal of reducing Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 in meat and poultry. Current research projects can be found at www.namif.org/research. 3 FACTS ABOUT FOOD SAFETY Spoiled Loads Are Costly Customer Relationship Strain Supply Chain Interruption Contamination Is Costly Brand Damage Recalls, Lawsuits When There's A Problem, RESEARCH CONTINUES The North American Meat Institute Foundation in April commended USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture for announcing 36 grant awards totaling almost $19 million under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative. The grants include funding for research projects focused on food safety and quality as well as mitigating antibiotic resistance. The NAMI Foundation has Food Companies Pay The Cost More Eyes In Transport Provide Success Add Protection To Your Transit! 15 Minute Pulp Temperature Alerts! Broken Seal Alerts! VISIT US ONLINE Traceability! CALL NOW www.SafeFoodAlert.com www.meatpoultry.com 855-438-4773 | 06.15 | 67 MEAT+ POULTRYhttp://www.namif.org/research http://www.consumerfed.org http://www.SafeFoodAlert.com