Leafy greens like Romaine lettuce should be healthy. Image from Pixabay
In the last three years, there were at least five foodborne illness outbreaks associated with leafy greens grown in either California or Arizona. Farmers in both regions follow Leafy Green Marketing Agreements (LGMA), which contain food safety recommendations to supposedly reduce foodborne illnesses.
Both LGMAs are reviewing their food safety programs to better reflect the known risks. Recent updates on water use, and field and equipment sanitation were adopted by both organizations. Further updates to their food safety programs to strengthen food safety are expected in the future.
Let’s hope this is enough to make our leafy greens safe for all of us to eat.
We have learnt from the LGMA and the leafy green based foodborne illnesses that we always need to up to date when it comes to food safety and our consumers’ health. If you haven’t updated your food safety program recently now is the perfect time to do it. Book a free food safety chat and we will discuss bringing your food safety program up to date.