New technologies have greatly improved meat and poultry safety in recent years, USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) says. FSIS defines "new technology" as new, or new applications of equipment, substances, methods, processes or procedures affecting the slaughter of livestock and poultry or processing of meat, poultry or egg products.

Steam vacuums, steam pasteurization and antimicrobials are examples of recent food safety technology advancements. In hopes of utilizing awareness to spur increased use of such technologies and improve the safety of protein products, FSIS is providing a brief online summary of new technologies it's received, reviewed and okayed for use in FSIS establishments. To view the table, visit: www.fsis.usda.gov/regulations/New_Technology_Table/index.asp -- Joe Roybal