Food Safety Magazine, February/March 2012

major species to treat or control an extralabeldisease indication, but onlywhen it is approved for and labeled foruse in that particular species and productionclass. Prophylactic use of ceftiofur istherefore not permitted in major speciesof food animals. Additionally, ceftiofuris to be administered only at dose levels,frequencies, durations and routes of administrationthat are clearly stated on approvedlabeling for that particularspecies and production class. Othercephalosporin drugs, apart from ceftiofurand cephapirin, are prohibited for alluses in the major species of food animals.It is hoped that the ban will have apositive public health impact and helpend the use of cephalosporins that areproven to cause resistant infections inpeople.In the Midst of OutbreaksThe warnings and calls for actionhave been coming for years. From theSwann Report issued in 1969 to themore recent media coverage and public meetings, food safety concerns over antibioticresistance are increasing. We are beyond the hypothetical “if” people contract antibiotic-resistantfoodborne infections. As recent outbreaks prove, we are in a crisis.Outbreaks of antibiotic-resistant infections occurring from food products in 2011brought the concern again to the forefront of consumers’, and food companies’,awareness as regulators modified their recall notices to alert the public to the dangersof antibiotic resistance in meat and poultry products.Notable recalls of 2011 include the following:• December’s “Northeastern Grocery Chain Recalls Ground Beef Products Due toPossible Salmonella Contamination,” in which we learn that the outbreak strain ofSalmonella Typhimurium initially tested resistant to multiple commonly prescribedantibiotics, including drug classes such as b-lactams, aminoglycosides andcephalosporins. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food Safety and InspectionService (FSIS) along with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) also noted that the strain’s resistance can “increase the risk of hospitalizationor possible treatment failure in infected individuals.” 17• September’s “Arkansas Firm Recalls Ground Turkey Products Due to Possible SalmonellaContamination,” which noted in an update on the 27th that the sample ofground turkey referenced in the September 11 recall was confirmed as the SalmonellaHeidelberg outbreak strain (XbaI PFGE pattern 58/BlnI pattern 76) and FSIShad lab results that indicated the isolate is resistant to ampicillin, gentamicin, streptomycinand tetracycline. FSIS noted that “this antibiotic resistance may be associatedwith an increased risk of hospitalization or possible treatment failure ininfected individuals.” 18• The August 3 recall “Arkansas Firm Recalls Ground Turkey Products Due to PossibleSalmonella Contamination,” which stated that 36 million pounds of groundEngineeredMetal DetectionYou have a lot on your mind when it comesto plant floor safety. A compromised qualitycontrol program can cause costly downtime andjeopardize worker safety - adding up to big fines. Detectable: compound is molded into plastic fordetection by metal and X-ray inspection machinesDurable: substrate-imbedded solid injection moldedgraphics last longer than standard materialsProven: 4,000 hrs. of exhaustive field testing; QUVaccelerated weathering and liquid penetrant inspectionCustomized: flexible graphic capabilities optimizevisual management and compliance programsCompliant: engineered to comply with your foodsafety programsFind out why leading food processors are switchingto Lomont’s new signage options. Contact Carl,carlf@lomont.com or call 800.776.0380, ext. 1589.LomontI M TIN-MOLD TECHNOLOGIESA PRODUCT OF LOMONT MOLDING, INC.www.lomontimt.com F E B R U A R Y n M A R C H 2 0 1 2 43