> Leaked USDA Memo Shows Constraints on Authority of Meat Inspectors,
<snip>
> The memo warns that:
>
> "stopping production for 'possible' cross contamination is unjustifiable
> unless you can verify that there is direct product contamination.
> Verification is OBSERVATION of gross contaminate not SUSPECTED
> contaminate. This is the only criteria for justifying halting
> production."
>
> This low standard extends even to fecal matter, which is the source of
> deadly pathogens such as E. coli 0157:h7.
<snip>
> Felicia Nestor, food safety project director of GAP, said "The USDA is
> abandoning the zero tolerance standard for any fecal contamination on beef
> and replacing it with a new standard - wholesome unless there is 'gross'
> contamination.
and continued
> 'Gross' is an inherently subjective standard."
Indeed.
Michael