FSIS announced today that the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection will hold public meetings to discuss issues related to how data is handled and public health-based inspection.

This spring, millions of pounds of ground beef and other meat products were recalled due to E. coli contamination.  In several instances, the recalled meat was identified as the source of E. coli outbreaks.

The National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection advises the Secretary of Agriculture on matters affecting federal and state inspection program activities, and will address the following at the meeting:
 

• Data Collection and Analysis at FSIS: Standard Operating Procedures;
• Technical Plan for Public Health Based Inspection; and
• Pilot Project to Explore Mechanisms for Sharing Industry Data with FSIS.