As most of you know, as a food industry lawyer, I have represented the food industry for over 20 years. During the course of that time, I have closely tracked evolving USDA policy, the strengthening of FSIS inspection and surveillance programs, the continuing parade of food product recalls, and the nearly monthly emergence of new foodborne illness outbreaks. I have mourned with and comforted industry when times were at their worst, and I have celebrated with industry when times were at their best.
So far this year, I am proud to proclaim, industry is performing better than ever before. So far this year, there have been zero foodborne illness outbreaks associated with the consumption of beef, and there have only been a total of 10 recalls. Importantly, there has not been a single recall in 2020 announced for the possible presence of a harmful pathogen.