URL: http://foodrisk.org/resource_types/tools/FSIS_RA_Models/03b.cfm
Risk Assessment of E. coli O157:H7 in Ground Beef
Published: Sep 2001
- The baseline risk assessment described in this document models the occurrence of E. coli O157:H7 in cattle on the farm to the occurrence and extent of contaminated servings of cooked ground beef. The exposure assessment concludes that feedlot cattle (steers and heifers) have a higher prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 infection than culled breeding cattle (cows and bulls). The effects of storage, holding times, chilling, and cooking were included throughout the model to account for organism growth or decline.
- Some cautions on the appropriate use of this risk assessment should be noted. First, it is never possible to model reality in its entirety. The conclusions in this risk assessment are based on current data and scientific assumptions. Fortunately, risk assessment is an iterative process, and additional data can be incorporated into the model as they become available. Second, the risk assessment results provide only part of the information needed by decision makers and regulators. The risk assessment does not address such issues as cost, feasibility, or effectiveness of possible interventions. This risk assessment was scientific peer reviewed by the National Academy of Sciences.
- Executive Summary
- Report (1.2mb)
- National Academies of Sciences scientific peer reviewed report : Escherichia coli O157:H7 in ground beef: Review of a Draft risk assessment. Committee on the Review of the USDA E. coli O157:H7 Farm-to-Table Process Risk Assessment (http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=10528)
