Produce Safety Round Up

Outbreaks and animal operations

Chickens. These are too adorable to have caused a foodborne illness. Image from Pixabay.

FDA is recently released their investigations into produce outbreaks which has resulted with more concern about produce safety and the risk caused by nearby animal operations. There is evidence that outbreaks in peaches, onions, and leafy greens in 2020 were caused by pathogens that originated from either poultry or cattle, through contaminated irrigation water or even by dust. There is no indication that there is a problem with pasture raised animals.

The FDA recommends that produce growers assess risks that may be posed by adjacent and nearby land uses, including for the potential impact of dust exposure. If you are a produce grower who needs help with your risk assessment, book a call today. I am happy to chat you about this process.

Links

• Peaches: https://www.fda.gov/food/cfsan-constituent-updates/fda-releases-investigation-findings-following-summer-2020-outbreak-linked-peaches

• Onions: https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/factors-potentially-contributing-contamination-red-onions-implicated-summer-2020-outbreak-salmonella

• Leafy Greens: https://www.fda.gov/food/sampling-protect-food-supply/microbiological-surveillance-sampling-fy20-fy21-sample-collection-and-analysis-romaine-lettuce-raw