After months of disturbing news about various food recalls, it appears that the USDA is ready to align its forces and impact the way inspections are held. Yes, this has been the year of more Salmonella, Listeria, and E. coli outbreaks than one can remember from past years. As the consumer has believed that changes were in place and that everyone in the inspection process was looking out for the safety and well-being of the eater, we were not 100% accurate.

Changes have been mentioned and changes have been suggested, but little has been done in terms of the overall improvement of the system of protecting the purchaser and consumer of foods. Take the often recalled food, ground beef. It has a strong presence in individual family meals, restaurants, and of course, school lunches. By this summer the USDA will have in place tougher guidelines that include more frequent testing and analysis for the foods in the school lunch program.

It should come as no surprise to anyone that school lunches will receive a major overhaul as so much attention has been given to the dire straits of the program and the overall health and well-being of our children. Suppliers can no longer skirt the issue. The safety of the foods for school lunch and nutrition assistance programs has become a top-down focus for the Administration. It should be noted that these new inspections apply to new contracts awarded after July 1. One has to ask about those suppliers who have long-term contracts? Will there be enhanced inspections?

Part of the new standards include increasing sampling frequency and tightening the overall rejection criteria. These are all important steps. We call that the good news. There’s a lot to learn and we have a responsibility in our own kitchens to execute food safety. BTW, ground beef and hamburger are not the same beast according to the guidelines.

Now the focus must be turned to the overall increased inspection of ground beef. Food safety must remain a top priority for all purchases.