Bill Marler has been a strong advocate for the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to classify E. coli O157:H7 as an adulterant. This classification designates ground beef contaminated with this pathogen as unsafe for human consumption, making it illegal to sell. His efforts have contributed to a wider movement that includes food safety advocates, scientists, and public health officials, all pushing for regulatory changes. This advocacy led to the USDA's 1994 and 2011 decisions to formally declare E. coli O157:H7 and certain other Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) strains as adulterants in ground beef, which strengthened food safety regulations and practices.
The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) recognized E. coli O157:H7 and other STEC strains as adulterants in raw ground beef in both 1994 and 2011. This landmark decision empowered regulatory agencies to act against contaminated products before they reach consumers. Bill Marler’s efforts, alongside those of many advocates and public health officials, have been crucial in raising awareness about the dangers of E. coli and in promoting policies that enhance food safety and protect public health.