The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) ensures that the nation’s commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled package. Experts like Christopher Linton in Houston, TX, say FSIS achieves this by regulating and supervising these products’ production and performing food safety inspections.
In recent years, FSIS has significantly changed how it inspects meat products. Here’s a rundown of some of the most significant changes.
Increased Sampling of Meat Products
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) ensures that the nation’s commercial supply of meat, poultry, and eggs is safe, wholesome, and correctly labeled and packaged. To carry out this mission, the FSIS inspects all slaughter and processing plants that produce these products. The agency also samples meat products to test for pathogens such as E. coli and salmonella.
The FSIS has recently increased its sampling of meat products to ensure food safety. This increased sampling has led to the recall of several contaminated products, preventing consumers from becoming sickened by these pathogens. The FSIS will continue to grow its meat product selection to ensure the food supply’s safety.
Installation Of New Food Safety Inspection Systems
Christopher Linton says the FSIS has also installed new food safety inspection systems in slaughter and processing plants. These new systems use x-ray technology to detect contaminants in meat products. The FSIS has found that these new systems are more effective at detecting contaminants than the traditional visual inspection method.
The FSIS continues to install these new food safety inspection systems in slaughter and processing plants across the country. The agency also works with plant owners and operators to ensure that these new systems are used correctly and effectively.
Pathogen Reduction Treatments
In addition to increased sampling and the installation of new food safety inspection systems, the FSIS has also implemented pathogen reduction treatments (PRTs) in slaughter and processing plants. PRTs are designed to reduce the presence of pathogens in meat products. The FSIS has found that PRTs are effective at reducing the levels of pathogens in meat products.
The FSIS continues working with slaughter and processing plants to implement PRTs. The agency is also working to ensure that PRTs are used correctly and effectively.
The Use Of Artificial Intelligence In Food Safety Inspection
The FSIS is also piloting artificial intelligence (AI) in food safety inspection. The agency is using AI to identify pathogens in meat samples. The FSIS has found that AI effectively identifies pathogens in meat products.
The FSIS is continuing to pilot AI in food safety inspection. The agency is also working to ensure that AI is used correctly and effectively.
What Happens If A Pathogen Is Found In A Meat Product?
Christopher Linton says pathogens are microorganisms that can cause disease. When pathogenic bacteria contaminate meat products, they can result in foodborne illness. Symptoms of foodborne illness caused by bacteria include vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. In severe cases, foodborne illness can lead to hospitalization or even death. Pathogens can enter the food supply at any point from farm to table.
However, meat products are susceptible to bacterial contamination during slaughter and processing. That’s why it’s essential for meat processors to follow strict sanitation guidelines and for consumers to cook meat products properly. A meat product will likely be recalled and destroyed if a pathogen is found in a meat product. Occasionally, an outbreak of foodborne illness may be linked to a specific processor or supplier. Corrections may be made to the processing facility to prevent future contamination.
When To Contact A Doctor
You should contact your doctor if you think you may have become ill from eating a contaminated food product. You should also contact your local health department. The health department can investigate the contamination’s source and help prevent future outbreaks.
Christopher Linton says the FSIS is responsible for ensuring the safety of the nation’s meat supply. The agency uses various methods to test for pathogens in meat products and prevent contamination. These methods include increased sampling, the installation of new food safety inspection systems, pathogen reduction treatments, and the use of artificial intelligence in a food safety inspection. A meat product will likely be recalled and destroyed if a pathogen is found in a meat product. Occasionally, an outbreak of foodborne illness may be linked to a specific processor or supplier. Corrections may be made to the processing facility in these cases to prevent future contamination.
You should contact your doctor if you think you may have become ill from eating a contaminated food product. You should also contact your local health department. The health department can investigate the contamination’s source and help prevent future outbreaks.
Final Thoughts
FSIS ensures that the nation’s commercial supply of meat, poultry, and egg products is safe. To achieve this goal, FSIS regulates and supervises these products’ production and performs food safety inspections. In recent years, FSIS has made several changes to inspecting meat products, including increased sampling, new food safety inspection systems, and using pathogen reduction treatments. These changes help FSIS target its inspection resources more effectively and ensure that meat products are safe for consumption.
