E. coli loophole cited in recalls
Tainted meat can be sold if cooked
By Stephen J. Hedges | Washington Bureau
November 11, 2007
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Single page view Reprints Text size: WASHINGTON - One federal
inspector calls it the "E. coli loophole." Another says, "Nobody would
buy it if they knew."

The officials are referring to the little-discussed fact that the U.S.
Department of Agriculture has deemed it acceptable for meat companies
to cook and sell meat on which E. coli, a bacterium that can sicken
and even kill humans, is found during processing.

The "E. coli loophole" affects millions of pounds of beef each year
that tests positive for the presence of E. coli O157:H7, a
particularly virulent strain of the bacterium.