CLINTON ADMINISTRATION'S NEW FOOD SAFETY SYSTEM
                                                               
                                           Release No.  0394.98
                                                               
                                    Andy Solomon (202) 720-4623
                                          andy.solomon@usda.gov


CLINTON ADMINISTRATION'S NEW FOOD SAFETY SYSTEM REDUCES THREAT
OF SALMONELLA

Preliminary Data Show Decline in Potentially Harmful Bacteria              

     WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 1998--The Clinton Administration's new, prevention-oriented
meat and poultry inspection system has nearly cut in half the proportion of broiler chickens
contaminated with salmonella -- and greatly reduced the frequency of salmonella in pork,
Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman announced today.  These data, while preliminary, indicate
that the Administration's science-based inspection system, introduced in 1996, is already having
a significant effect on the safety of food American families eat.  

     "This important piece of evidence demonstrates that the Administration's new, science-
based food safety system is helping to further protect American families from foodborne illness,"
Glickman said.  

     Salmonella is a potentially deadly bacteria that sickens as many as 3.84 million
Americans and costs billions of dollars in lost productivity and medical costs each year.  

     Initial testing in large plants indicates that salmonella, found on 20 percent of broiler
chickens in baseline surveys before implementation of the new Hazard Analysis and Critical
Control Points inspection system (HACCP), was found on only 10.4 percent of broilers.  And
salmonella was found on only 5.5 percent of swine carcasses from plants that had implemented
HACCP; 8.7 percent had tested positive previously.  Today's results stem from testing conducted
over a six-month period earlier this year, after implementation of HACCP in large plants.  

     There is insufficient data to draw conclusions about other categories of meat and poultry
products, including ground beef.  However, the next report, scheduled for release in early 1999,
will include results for all products tested.    

     Today's results also indicate that 88 percent of HACCP plants for which there was
adequate data met the government's salmonella performance standards.  Those plants that did not
meet the standards were required to take immediate corrective action.  The performance
standards for salmonella represent the first time USDA has set microbial standards for raw
product on such a scale.  

     HACCP, the Administration's science-based meat and poultry inspection system, is a
revolutionary approach to food safety.  The system is designed to reduce risks by identifying
potential hazards and implementing control measures to effectively address them.  It also
mandates tough, new sanitation procedures for all meat and poultry plants.  

     "Today's good news underscores the important role government plays in promoting
public health," said Glickman.  "But we must not rest on our laurels.  We must continue to do
even more.  For starters, Congress should fully fund the President's National Food Safety
Initiative." 

     The Clinton Administration's comprehensive, farm-to-table approach to food safety has
included the following actions.  

          Launching an unprecedented National Food Safety Initiative with new funds to expand
     cutting-edge food safety research, enhanced inspections, and consumer education.  

          Creating a Joint Institute for Food Safety Research to strategically plan and coordinate
     food safety research across all federal agencies.

          Appointing a Cabinet-level Council on Food Safety to develop a national strategic plan
     that will identify needs, set priorities, and improve efficiency in our federal food safety
     efforts.  

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