11.14.2007 9:14 AM

An E.coli Loophole In The Beef Industry?

American Meat Companies Allowed To Sell Tainted Meat -- With A Caveat

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Photo: Istock

By Karen Berner

According to the Chicago Sun Times, federal meat inspectors have just disclosed this bizarre fact; “A U.S. Agriculture Department regulation allows processing plants to sell meat that tests positive for E.coli.”

The caveat to this is the meat must include a “cook only” label on packaging. This ruling allows millions of pounds of bad meat to be sold, generating large profits for American meat companies. It also allows us to eat what otherwise should be considered off limits but more importantly, puts consumers at greater health risks.

The USDA supports this regulation, citing that commercial cooking kills the E.coli bacteria, making it safe to eat. Most of the pre-cooked beef approved for sale is used in meatloaf, hamburgers and taco filling.

This "untasty" little tidbit of news may make you think twice about eating some pre-cooked convenience foods -- supposedly created to make your life easier.

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