The North American Meat Association (NAMA) Conference on Prevention of Shiga-Toxin Producing E. coli (STEC) for Beef Further Processors will be held Oct. 2-3, 2012, at the Four Points by Sheraton near Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. NAMA is partnering with 11 other meat industry organizations, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS), seven trade media and the Beef Industry Food Safety Council (BIFSCo) to host the event.
This year’s conference features top government and industry experts, including:
- Dr. Dan Engeljohn, Assistant Administrator, USDA/FSIS Office of Field Operations, on implementation of STEC policies.
- Dr. Ken Petersen, President, Division of Regulatory Compliance, IEH Laboratories and Consulting Group, on HACCP reassessment.
- Dr. Barb Masters, Senior Policy Advisor at OFW Law, on lotting and traceback.
- Dr. Wendy Warren, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs, AEGIS Food Testing Laboratories, on test methods for STECs.
- Dr. Kerri Harris, President, International HACCP Alliance, on top tips for further processors in 2013.
- Dr. Mohammad Koohmaraie, CEO of the Meat Division at IEH Laboratories, on validation.
- Dr. Guy Loneragan, Professor, Epidemiology and Animal Health, Texas Tech University, on Salmonella control in the beef industry.
NAMA partner organizations include American Association of Meat Processors (AAMP), American Meat Institute Foundation (AMIF), American Meat Science Association (AMSA), Canadian Meat Council (CMC), Chicago Mid-West Meat Association (CMMA), Eastern Meat Packers Association (EMPA), International HACCP Alliance (IHA), Meat Import Council of America (MICA), Southeastern Meat Association (SEMA), Southwest Meat Association (SMA), and the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF).
The opening session on Tuesday afternoon, October 2nd, focuses on the challenges and achievements the beef industry has faced with E. coli O157:H7 and the 6 additional STEC strains. The program also includes an update on test methods and ongoing research, and information on the implementation of the FSIS STEC testing program.
Tuesday evening offers a networking reception with table top exhibits by leading food safety companies showcasing their technologies and services.
Wednesday’s agenda opens with special sessions for attendees from Canada, to learn specifically about Canadian policies and issues. The general session program includes:
- A panel discussion on lessons learned since the implementation of the FSIS STEC testing program.
- Information on HACCP Reassessments
- Guidance for further processors on preparing for 2013
- Regulatory update from FSIS on beef safety policies
- Discussion of Salmonella control in the beef industry
- Information on lotting, traceability, and recall prevention
- Guidance on validating HACCP plans to prove systems are working and meet FSIS guidelines.
Register now to take advantage of the early registration discount. Until September 11, the registration fee for the two-day conference is US$449 for members of NAMA and its partner organizations, and US$549 for non-members.
For more information, complete program details, and to register go to www.meatassociation.com, or call NAMA toll-free at +1 800.368.3043 ext. 101.
Source: The North American Meat Association (NAMA)
