Role of Government in Research on Meat Microbiology

This paper doer not present new scientific data but rather is an attempt to explain the role of the government microbiologist in meat research. His involvement usually centers on filling actual and potential voids in the data collection process. He serves in a trilateral cooperative effort with academia and industry to provide data on developing technology, meat safety, method development and improved microbiological quality of meat. Examples of research in each of these areas are presented. Some of the examples are used to describe research which was of questionable value because though published, the research data have not yet had any measurable impact on the industry, the consumer, other scientists or the action agencies. Some ideas, presented for improving the effectiveness of the government meat microbiologist, include (a) developing and publicizing lists of research needs, (b) timely sharing of research findings, (c) minimizing repeated duplication of research, (d) prior clearing of protocols with end users of the research findings, and (e) adequate planning before the research is initiated. Possibly the most important concept presented is that the end product is not publication of the data in a peer scientific journal, but rather that the research is of adequate value so once published it is used by the meat industry, the action agencies or other scientists.