It’s no secret that a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is essential for good health. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, low intake of these nutritious foods is linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and stroke globally. Experts recommend consuming at least 400 grams of various fresh produce items each day to stay healthy. However, enjoying fresh fruits and veggies isn’t entirely risk-free. Even though they often undergo minimal processing—like washing, cutting, and packaging—they can still pose contamination risks, leading to foodborne illnesses.
Last year, 2019, saw quite a few disease outbreaks and product recalls related to the produce sector. Headlines highlighted major incidents such as:
- A multi-state E. coli O157:H7 outbreak tied to romaine lettuce from California’s Salinas Valley, affecting roughly 138 individuals and resulting in 72 hospitalizations.
- Nationwide recalls of ready-to-eat vegetable products sold at various retailers due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination traced back to a shared supplier.
- Salmonella Uganda infections across nine U.S. states connected to whole, fresh papayas imported from a Mexican farm.
Considering these alarming events, it’s clear why the U.S., being a significant importer of fresh produce, needs stringent regulations. Over half of the fresh fruit and nearly a third of fresh vegetables consumed here come from countries like Mexico, Chile, and Canada. Without proper food safety controls in place, the risks skyrocket. That’s why the 2011 Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) was introduced by the U.S. federal government. This landmark legislation empowers the FDA to oversee how foods are sourced, grown, harvested, processed, stored, and transported for both domestic and international trade.
As we step into 2020, we can anticipate continued efforts to enhance produce safety through improved regulatory frameworks and innovative solutions. Key developments to watch out for include:
Firstly, the compliance deadline for very small farms under the FSMA Produce Safety Rule is fast approaching. Published on January 26, 2016, this rule sets basic food safety standards for growing, harvesting, packing, and storing fruits and veggies. Most compliance dates have already passed, but the deadline for very small farms—excluding sprouts, which has its own timeline—is January 27, 2020.
Secondly, the push towards smarter food safety technologies will intensify. To respond swiftly to foodborne outbreaks and protect public health, the produce industry must adopt advanced tracking systems. According to Frank Yiannas, FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Safety, embracing cutting-edge technologies like blockchain will pave the way for what he calls a “New Era of Smarter Food Safety.†This initiative aims to be people-driven, FSMA-aligned, and tech-enabled.
Lastly, there will be a heightened emphasis on sanitation and hygiene within the produce sector. Strengthening foundational practices like Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and targeted sanitation programs can prevent microbial contamination, reduce recalls, and mitigate foodborne illness outbreaks. These measures encompass ensuring worker health and hygiene, maintaining plant cleanliness, managing growing and packing activities, guaranteeing high-quality water and soil amendments, and preserving equipment and facilities properly. It’s worth noting that poor sanitary conditions contribute significantly to food recalls in North America, costing industries millions annually. Proper sanitation strategies could drastically cut down on these costs.
For those in the food industry, including the produce sector, Remco offers valuable support by providing guidance on selecting, storing, caring for, and maintaining sanitation and material handling tools necessary for creating a cleaner, safer production environment. Learn more about their offerings at https://remcoproducts.com/products/.
In summary, while the benefits of fresh produce are undeniable, so too are the challenges surrounding their safety. By continuing to refine regulations, leverage technology, and prioritize hygiene, stakeholders can work together to ensure everyone enjoys safe, wholesome food.
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*References:*
- WHO Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health: [Link](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9241592222)
- U.S. Trade Situation for Fruit and Vegetable Products: [Link](https://fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/RL34468.pdf)
- FDA Food Safety Modernization Act: [Link](https://www.fda.gov/food/guidance-regulation-food-and-dietary-supplements/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma)
- FSMA Final Rule On Produce Safety: [Link](https://www.fda.gov/food/food-safety-modernization-act-fsma/fsma-final-rule-produce-safety)
- New Era of Smarter Food Safety: [Link](https://www.fda.gov/food/food-industry/new-era-smarter-food-safety)
- Evaluating FDA Food Recalls with Sanitation as a Root Cause: [Link](media/8428/2019_iafp-poster_amitmkheradia-us.pdf)
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