Sampling Trends from the FSIS

In the Powerpoint Document released by the FSIS ("FSIS Notice 65-07") it is stated:

"During the summer of 2007, a number of unfavorable trends emerged, causing concern about E. coli 0157:H7." They are as follows:

• The percent positive rate for E. coli O157:H7 in FSIS samples of beef products has recently gone up.
  
• The number of recalls for E. coli O157:H7 went up this summer.
  
• The number of illnesses caused by E. coli O157:H7 increased this summer.
  
• Food safety assessments at establishments producing product that tested positive by FSIS for E. coli O157:H7 raised questions about the decisions establishments made in the hazard analysis.
  

It goes on to make a list of "best practices," or things that, as the document states, "are essential to controlling E. coli O157:H7." These standards however are NOT mandatory.
No wonder we have a food safety problem. We know how to prevent the bacteria, but no one requires it.