Health Canada Request for Scientific Data and Information - E. coli O157 in mechanically tenderized raw beef products

Health Canada Food Directorate has begun a review of the science around the safe handling and cooking of mechanically tenderized beef (MTB) products to identify what advice should be communicated to consumers and industry. To facilitate this work, Health Canada is issuing a call for data to inform a risk assessment on E. coli O157 in mechanically tenderized raw beef products (i.e., those products that were subjected to a treatment where tools penetrated the surface of the meat) and identify potential mitigation strategies that could be applied by various stakeholders along the food chain (e.g., processors, retailers, consumers).

How to get involved

This call for data will close at 12:00 am EST on January 20, 2013.

Various types of information, including laboratory or other monitoring data, could be useful in the design and execution of this risk assessment. 

For any data of microbiological nature, it should be noted that the context under which samples were taken is important and that this information should accompany the submitted package (i.e., sampling plans and protocols used to gather data).  Additional to pathogen specific data, information may include concentration and prevalence of process or sanitary indicators such as Enterobacteriaceae or generic E. coli, Total plate count etc.

Examples of detailed information of interest can be found in the information document.

Information and data may be submitted in writing either by regular mail or electronically at the address indicated below. If you are submitting information or data electronically, please use the words "Mechanically Tenderized Raw Beef Products Data and Information" in the subject box of your e-mail.

This call for data will close at 12:00 am EST on January 20, 2013.

Mailing address:
Health Canada, Bureau of Microbial Hazards
Evaluation Division
251 Sir Frederick Banting Driveway, Postal Locator: 2204E
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A OL2

Confidential and/or unpublished information

Health Canada recognizes that some of the available information and/or relevant data that is being requested may be unpublished or of a confidential nature. If submitted, unpublished information would remain the property of the submitting organization or individual and its confidentiality will be safeguarded in so far as it is possible to do so within current regulations governing such issues. Specific issues relating to confidentiality should be discussed directly between the information owners and Health Canada. For these and other issues please contact the Bureau of Microbial Hazards through the contact information provided above.

Information document

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