Common ground for the control of multidrug-resistant Salmonella in ground beef
Elizabeth A Talbot1, Elizabeth R Gagnon, Jesse Greenblatt
1New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services, Concord, New Hampshire, USA. elizabeth.talbot@dartmouth.edu
Abstract:
A strategy to combat multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella in ground beef is urgently needed. A national multi-disciplinary meeting reviewed the epidemiology of MDR Salmonella infection and contamination in humans, animals, and retail meat. In spite of a recent overall decrease in human MDR Salmonella isolates, certain types, such as Salmonella enterica serotype Newport multidrug-resistant-AmpC strain and Salmonella enterica serotype Typhimurium definitive type (DT) 104, have persisted, and several recent large outbreaks of human infection have occurred. Key agencies that contribute to a safe ground beef supply were represented at the meeting and contributed to the discussion of possible control strategies from the farm to the table. Several of the control strategies suggested are unpopular to some, including restricting the use of antimicrobial agents in food animals, designation of multidrug-resistant Salmonella as an adulterant in ground beef, and improving the mechanisms for product trace-back investigations. Nevertheless, enhanced farm-based animal infection control, judicious veterinary and human antibiotic use, regulatory controls, and consumer practices will lead to important industry, veterinary, and public health outcomes.
Insights
A strategy to combat multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella in ground beef is urgently needed. Key control strategies include restricting antimicrobial use in food animals and improving traceback investigations to enhance public health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Food safety
- Veterinary medicine
- Public health
Background:
- Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella poses a significant threat in ground beef.
- Certain MDR Salmonella strains, like Salmonella enterica serotype Newport and Typhimurium DT 104, persist despite overall decreases.
- Recent large outbreaks highlight the urgent need for effective control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology of MDR Salmonella in ground beef.
- To discuss and propose control strategies from farm to table.
- To identify key stakeholders and their roles in combating MDR Salmonella.
Main Methods:
- A national multi-disciplinary meeting was convened.
- Epidemiology of MDR Salmonella in humans, animals, and retail meat was reviewed.
- Discussions involved key agencies responsible for ground beef safety.
Main Results:
- Several control strategies were proposed, some controversial.
- Proposed strategies include restricting antimicrobial use in food animals.
- Other strategies involve designating MDR Salmonella as an adulterant and improving product trace-back.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced farm-based animal infection control is crucial.
- Judicious antimicrobial use in veterinary and human medicine is recommended.
- Regulatory controls and consumer practices are vital for industry, veterinary, and public health benefits.
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