Statement by AMI Foundation President James H. Hodges on Actions to Address E. coli 0157:H7

"The meat industry is committed to producing a safe and wholesome product. Since 2000, E. coli 0157:H7 in ground beef has declined by 72 percent, according to USDA. That’s because we have aggressive controls in place throughout the industry that have proven very effective against this pathogen.

However, systems are not perfect. We will cooperate fully in assessing the efficacy of the many systems in operation and are committed to working with USDA to ensure that underlying controls are supported and verified to assure the public that the necessary food safety interventions are in place.

We have been waging a war on pathogens for more than a decade and our progress is well documented. We are committed to taking the steps needed to ensure that our progress is maintained. Producing safe food and maintaining consumer confidence in our products is our top priority.”