Managing Food Safety Hazards: Shiga Toxin-producing Escherichia coli and Antibiotic-resistant Pathogens

Emerging hazards in the United States and global food supply were discussed in a January 2011 conference focusing on antibiotic-resistant (ABR) and Shiga-toxin producing Escherichia coli (STEC) pathogens. Current scientific findings and policies, public health implications, and risk management approaches related to the control of these pathogens in the food supply were reviewed. Invited experts explained and assessed universal risk management tools for addressing food safety issues and described current approaches and research needs. Attendees deliberated on food safety matters related to ABR and STEC pathogens that require further scientific study and regulatory action. For both ABR and STEC pathogens, specific recommendations for risk management strategies, tools, policies, and research needs are given based on the comments from attendees. The conference did not attempt to arrive at consensus on the issues. Pathogens in the food supply linked to environmental contamination and food-animal husbandry practices have emerged as public health hazards requiring a comprehensive, collaborative, and multi-layered response. When problems are documented through surveillance systems, effective public health protection requires implementation of control measures at multiple points along the farm to fork continuum.