Editorial: Protect Yourself from Food Safety Outbreaks

In April, I wrote about the study released in the New England Journal of Medicine that vindicated tomatoes in the 2008 Salmonella outbreak. The journal article provided “detailed evidence” linking the outbreak to jalapeño and serrano peppers — not tomatoes. As I said then, it was a case of “too little, too late.” U.S. tomato growers lost millions of dollars.

Fast forward to today and another foodborne-illness outbreak is in the news: the E. coli incident in Europe. As I follow this story, my thoughts return to the three-year-old Salmonella saga. Sadly, with this recent foodborne-illness outbreak, about 40 people have died and more than 3,000 have fallen ill.

More Than Tomatoes

In the E. coli case in Europe, it wasn’t just tomatoes that officials initally asked consumers to stay away from; cucumbers and lettuce were added to the list. At press time, reports are saying that German authorities are trying to determine if the E. coli outbreak — which was later determined to be sprouts from an organic farm — started from infected seed used at the sprout farm, or if the E. coli was spread by a worker at the operation. The seeds used at the sprout farm were said to be imported from other countries.

Before I go on, however, I need to state that protecting the health of the public is paramount. No question about it. What I do question — thanks to this recent foodborne-illness outbreak — is how will we continue to protect the American public under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA)? Equally as important: What steps can growers take to make sure they are always prepared in the event of a produce recall?

As you know, FSMA passed in January and the rules are unfolding. In May, FDA issued its first rules under the new law. The first rule pertains to preventing unsafe food from entering the marketplace.

As a result, beginning this month, FDA has the power to “detain food products that it has reason to believe are adulterated or misbranded for up to 30 days, if needed, to ensure they are kept out of the marketplace,” an FDA press release states.

As we all know, produce has a limited shelf life. One of your goals as a grower is to have your product moving through the chain safely and swiftly.

Be Prepared

As the saying goes, “the best defense is a good offense.” In light of these coming changes and as FSMA roles out, take stock of your own food safety program, and take the time to revisit what the law will mean for you.

It also is a good opportunity to check out what the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) is doing. As you may recall, FDA, USDA, and Cornell University announced the formation of the Alliance last November. The goal of the organization can be read on the PSA’s website: “[to provide] fundamental, science-based, on-farm food safety knowledge to fresh fruit and vegetable farmers, packers, regulatory
personnel, and others interested in the safety of fresh produce.” Find out more by visiting, ProduceSafetyAlliance.Cornell.edu/psa.html.

The point is: protect yourself. Be proactive in your food safety approach. Need a refresher on FSMA or are you looking for the latest news pertaining to food safety? Click here.