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USDA lab focuses on deadly E. coli
January 27, 2008
The Associated Press: In an animal research center in Clay Center, Neb., government scientists are working to unlock secrets contained in the genetic makeup of cattle, focusing on the E. coli 0157:H7 bacteria, which can kill if eaten.
The scientists at the Roman L. Hruska U.S. Meat Animal Research Center say they don't know why the number of beef recalls soared in 2007 or why E. coli contamination appeared to be rising. In 2007, more than 30 million pounds of ground beef were pulled off the market in 20 recalls because of possible E. coli contamination, including the second-largest recall in U.S. history.
At least 67 sicknesses were linked to last year's beef recalls. No deaths were reported.
The meat industry significantly increased its efforts to control E. coli after a 1993 outbreak in which four children died and hundreds of people became ill after eating undercooked hamburgers from Jack in the Box restaurants.
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