Abstract: This hearing discusses the effectiveness of current U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) food inspection programs. Current inspection procedures rely on "Organoplectic" methods (i.e. sight, smell and touch), which are not able to detect the presence of a number of pathogenic microorganisms and chemical residues in meat and poultry that most commonly cause human illness. The need for more effective food inspection is considered. Representatives of private industry, universities, USDA, and others present testimony.