Meat Safety: How Well Done?

Recent outbreaks of food-borne illnesses linked to contaminated meat
followed by massive recalls and pledges of cleaner processing have proved
eye-opening for many consumers.

Dangerous pathogens cause 76 million cases of illness and 300,000
hospitalizations a year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention. Ground beef, usually made by combining meat products from many
sources, is identified as a culprit in many cases.

The problem has sparked new debate over how best to make beef and poultry safe
and prompted the government to pledge stepped-up inspections and enforcement.

Photo Caption: Manufacturers have a variety of methods to keep meat safe, to make it appear more appetizing or simply to make it taste better.

Photo Credit: Alex Garcia

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