WASHINGTON – Industry groups are responding to a renewed focus on E. coli O157:H7 by sponsoring a conference for further processors on Sept. 16 through 17 in Chicago.

The North American Meat Processors Association (NAMP), American Meat Institute (AMI), National Meat Association (NMA) and American Association of Meat Processors have partnered to organize the conference. The Beef Industry Food Safety Council (BIFSCo) is also supporting the conference.

The conference, at the Four Points by Sheraton near Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport, is designed for processors who produce ground beef, mechanically tenderized steaks and other non-intact beef products. A block of rooms have been set aside at discounted rates.

Featured speakers include Dr. Dan Engeljohn, Deputy Assistant Administrator, FSIS Office of Policy, the government organization responsible for generating U.S. government regulations on E. coli O157:H7 control; and experts from the International HACCP Alliance and BIFSCo.

Until Aug. 22, the registration fee for the two-day conference is $449 for members of NAMP, AMI, NMA, AAMP and BIFSCo; and $549 for non-members.

For more information and complete program details, go to www.NAMP.com, www.meatami.com, www.nmaonline.org, www.aamp.com, or call NAMP at (800) 368-3043, ext. 103.

Source: North American Meat Processors Association