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Busting Myths: New World Screwworm is Not a Food Safety Risk

mindy brashears speaking about NWS with text that says 'all animal meat and poultry products must meet food safety standards' — Image captured by Bailee Henderson from "USDA’s Message for PFSE BAC Fighters: Understanding New World Screwworm"

In a new video published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) in collaboration with the Partnership for Food Safety Education (PFSE), Mindy Brashears, Ph.D., USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety, explained the implications of the current New World Screwworm (NWS) infestation for animal health and food safety.

Addressing food safety educators nationwide, Dr. Brashears said, “As USDA responds to NWS, your role is especially important, and we could use your help.” She explained, “We are starting to see confusion and misinformation online and in the news about NWS.”

“I want to be very clear,” Dr. Brashears continued. “NWS is a serious animal health issue, but it is not a food safety issue.” NWS is not a foodborne pathogen or a disease in meat or poultry products, and all USDA-regulated food products must adhere to strict food safety standards.

Dr. Brashears concluded her statement to food safety educators by saying, “When [this message] comes from you, it carries trust.”

Watch the full video here. Learn about NWS and USDA's response to the ongoing situation here.

PFSE serves extension, nutrition, food industry, government, consumer groups, and others who disseminate food safety education to consumers. Learn more about PFSE here.

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Bailee Henderson is the Director of Content Strategy for Food Safety Magazine. In the day-to-day, she covers industry-relevant current events, regulatory affairs, and scientific developments. She also produces the Food Safety Five Newsreel, edits the twice-weekly Food Safety Digest newsletter, and manages the brand's social media channels. Notably, Bailee's coverage for Food Safety Magazine has been featured in national televised news segments including CBS Sunday Morning and MSNBC's Rachel Maddow Show. She can be reached at hendersonb@bnpmedia.com.