Learn the very latest about Shiga-Toxin Producing E. coli (STEC), Salmonella and other challenging topics beef processors are facing at the “Control Of Shiga-Toxin Producing E. coli (STEC) and Salmonella in Beef Processing Conference” to be held September 18-19, 2013, at the Four Points By Sheraton near Chicago’s O’Hare Airport in Chicago, Illinois.

The conference is designed for meat processors who produce ground beef, mechanically tenderized steaks and other non-intact beef products. The event also offers a networking reception with table top exhibits by leading food safety companies showcasing their technologies and services.

FSIS Administrator Al Almanza has been recently added to the program. Mr. Almanza will address conference attendees and discuss what FSIS sees as the most critical issues affecting the beef industry today.  

This year’s conference features top industry experts, including:

• Dr. Dayna Harhay, US Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC), onSalmonella Research
• Dr. Brad Morgan, Zoetis;  Dr. Angie Siemens, Cargill; and Dr. Jim Marsden, Kansas State University on the challenge of Salmonella
• Dr. Hannah Gould, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, on the epidemiology of Salmonella
• Rachel Edelstein, USDA/FSIS, on policy updates and the 2014 agenda
• Dr. Keith Belk, Colorado State University, on choosing effective beef pathogen interventions
• Dr. Kendra Nightingale, Food Safety Net Services and Texas Tech University, on test methods and testing programs
• Dr. Emilio Esteban, USDA/FSIS, on FSIS testing programs
• Dr. Mohammad Koohmaraie, IEH Laboratories and Consulting Group, and Dr. John Ruby, JBS USA, on event days and disposition
• Kristina Butts, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, on Capitol Hill news
• Dr. Kerri Harris, International HACCP Alliance and Texas A&M University, on regulating STECs and improving food safety systems
• Dr. Barb Masters, OFW Law, on addressing STECs and Salmonella in HACCP plans

The North American Meat Association (NAMA) is partnering with 12 other meat industry organizations and six trade media to host the conference, and has the support of the Beef Industry Food Safety Council (BIFSCo) membership.

Along with NAMA, partner organizations include: American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP), American Meat Institute Foundation (AMIF), American Meat Science Association (AMSA), Chicago Mid-West Meat Association (CMMA), Canadian Meat Council (CMC), Eastern Meat Packers Association (EMPA), International HACCP Alliance (IHA), Meat Importers Council of America (MICA), Southeastern Meat Association (SEMA), Southwest Meat Association (SMA), and U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).

Online registration is available at:  https://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1254916

Source: NAMA