ADVISORY/Grocers Get Strict on Food Safety.

Business Editors

ADVISORY...

--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 9, 2001

TOPIC: After a person died, allegedly as a result of contaminated deli meat
purchased at a Minnesota grocery store, many grocery chains are becoming more
strict on food safety, according to an article by The Associated Press.
Supermarkets reportedly are taking precautions such as cutting down on in-store
meat handling and purchasing specially treated equipment to prevent germs from
spreading. Many in the food industry are touting irradiation as a solution to
prevent food-borne illnesses. Last year, the government approved the use of
irradiation on meat and is expected to decide if it should be used on precooked
meat products. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention claims that 76
million cases of food-borne illnesses are reported annually. EXPERTS:
ExpertSource can offer several highly qualified experts to comment on this
story:

Mr. Daniel Murphy, editor of Meat Marketing & Technology, has covered the meat industry for more than 15 years. His expertise spans all areas of production, including rendering, processing and marketing. He is also a recognized authority on meat-related food safety issues, such as E. coli, listeria, mad cow disease and hoof-and-mouth. 312/274-2213; [e-mail]

Dr. Jay Reubens is the president and CEO of FoodSafe Solutions. FoodSafe Solutions provides professional food safety training and consulting, including third party auditing and other complimentary services. 407/678-9136, [e-mail]; PR: [e-mail], 561/558-8001).

Mr. Peter Goffe is considered an expert in poultry processing cut-up and deboning operations as president of Dapec, the U.S. division of Holland-based Systemate-Numafa B.V. that holds more than 75 percent of the cut-up line market in the United States. Goffe also can speak about food processing washing equipment that enables plants to meet HAACP standards. He has served as a member of the National Broiler Council Processor's Committee and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Birmingham, England. PR: Tiffany Townsend Fessler ([e-mail]; 770/536-8921).

Mr. Bernard Rogan is the corporate public relations director for Shaw's Supermarkets, Inc. Shaw's Supermarkets, Inc. employs over 30,000 full-time and part-time Associates and operates 167 stores in the New England region. Mr. Rogan can discuss food retailing and food safety. 508/350-3316, [e-mail]

ExpertSource cannot guarantee the immediate availability of these experts or their familiarity with this specific issue.

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