WASHINGTON — A 2009-2010 request for pre-proposals has been released by the American Meat Institute. Topics covered in this year's request are based on research priorities defined by the American Meat Institute Foundation Research Advisory Committees, which consist of industry, academic and government officials.

Pre-proposals on controlling Listeria monocytogenes on ready-to-eat meat and poultry products, Escherichia coli O157:H7 in fresh beef products and Salmonella in meat and poultry products are being solicited by A.M.I.F.

A.M.I.F. is also soliciting pre-proposals for targeted research based on research needs and priorities identified by A.M.I. member companies. These topics include: validate existing and commonly used intervention technologies for Listeria monocytogenes and how they impact Salmonella survival in fully cooked ready-to-eat meat and poultry products; develop novel interventions to reduce the likelihood of Salmonella contamination in products that appear ready-to-eat but are not ready-to-eat (i.e. uncooked, breaded, boneless poultry products that also may be stuffed or filled, charmarked or artificially colored); a review paper on understanding sodium replacements from a food safety and health perspective; epidemiological data on food attribution for listeriosis, both sporadic and outbreak cases; white paper on causes of human MRSA cases; white paper on C. difficile as a risk associated with animal sources; and a white paper addressing the nutritional benefits of meat.

The pre-proposals are due via e-mail by Aug. 3, 2009. To read the entire request go to: http://amif.org/ht/a/GetDocumentAction/i/49970.