The Crisis Communications workgroup created a platform that concentrates on consumer safety by communicating rapidly between industry, its organizations, regulatory agencies, public health officials and health-care professionals. The Industry Information workgroup focused on transferring technologies and establishing safety strategies that result in safer products and in expanding the good manufacturing practices utilized by food handlers and producers. The Public Policy workgroup established key regulatory and legislative approaches to provide an environment for enhancing food safety. The steering committee of the Beef Industry Food Safety Council will provide oversight insecuring funding, in strategic implementation and in program evaluation. The beef industry is committed to a total, science-based food safety program that involves every segment from farm to table.
Every segment has a responsibility for safety.
The cumulative effort of this responsibility results in a safe beef experience. The Council embraces the concept of risk reduction by moving from merely a detection approach to a prevention strategy. Intervention and verification must occur throughout the food chain. A comprehensive strategy and creation of a positive environment for research and education must be achieved. Educational efforts will emphasize the benefits of proper food handling and build an understanding of safety-enhancing technologies used by the industry.