The National Academy of Sciences has been asked to conduct a comprehensive review of a model developed by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service to assess the risk of the microbial pathogen Escherichia coli O157:H7. This quantitative model examines contamination and human illnesses caused by the presence of the pathogen in ground beef in the U.S. The review will include evaluations of the validity and appropriateness of input data used in the model, the reasonableness of the assumptions made in the assessment; the appropriateness of the model's characterization and use of epidemiologic, microbiologic, and other data; the soundness and thoroughness of the mathematical models; and the overarching logical structure of the model. This presentation will discuss the major findings of the report, which is expected to be released in Fall 2001.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, the participant should be able to identify the reasons for undertaking a risk assessment of E. coli O157:H7 in the ground beef supply, list the major steps in USDA's farm-to-table process risk assessment of the pathogen, and discuss the major findings of the Institute of Medicine review of the model.
Keywords: Food Safety, Risk Assessment
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: research funded by USDA