Missouri beef producers fund research for consumers

Finding a faster, more efficient way to detect contamination in food products is the goal of a new research project being funded by the Missouri Beef Industry Council-MBIC-through producer check off dollars.

According to John Kleiboeker, MBIC executive director, the study will focus on new technology capable of detecting both E. coli 0157:H7 and salmonella simultaneously in ground beef.

"Using the technology will allow the process for evaluating E. coli and salmonella presence in ground beef to go much more quickly than any technology that we currently have," said Kleiboeker.

Azlin Mustapha, MU food scientist, will lead the study with the ultimate goal of reducing the incidence of food products contamination and food-borne illnesses.

"With the exposure we have had with E. coli in recent months, from spinach all the way to unfortunately some ground beef products, we think this is a pertinent area of research for us," Kleiboeker said. "And, thank goodness, Missouri has been a leader in this realm."

The E. coli/salmonella test study is one of two research projects approved by the MBIC board for the current fiscal year and both are being done at the University of Missouri.

The second project is a study of glycerol, a byproduct of the biodiesel production process, as a feed stuff that may enhance marbling and beef quality. That study will be led by Monty Kerley, MU animal science professor.

More about the beef checkoff and the Missouri beef industry is available at http://www.mobeef.org/