|
Produce Safety
Beneficial Bacteria Help Suppress E. coli O157 Scientists working for the USDA's Agricultural Research Service have shown that beneficial bacteria can out-compete some harmful pathogens, and in the process, suppress the buildup of pathogens, including E. coli O157. This is one of the primary reasons why the promotion of microbial biodiversity on organic farms can reduce food safety risks. In some cases the pathogen-suppression caused by colonization with beneficial bacteria is linked to a competitive effect – the beneficial bacteria use up energy sources or moisture needed by the pathogen. In other cases, the beneficial bacteria produce chemicals that act like antibiotics in suppressing pathogens. In the absence of competitive bacteria or other control agents, pathogen populations can grow 100,000-fold higher in a day or two when moisture and temperature conditions are favorable.
Source: ARS News, June 2008
The Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement was formed in the spring of 2007 in response to a food borne illness outbreak in September 2006. Operating with oversight from the California Department of Food and Agriculture, the LGMA is a mechanism for verifying through mandatory government audits that farmers follow accepted food safety practices for lettuce, spinach and other leafy greens.The LGMA accepted Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) for leafy greens, which serve as the cornerstone to the Leafy Green Handler Marketing Agreement. The strengthened GAPs have been presented to California growers and handlers, and CCOF representatives continue to participate in as many meetings, conference calls, and events on this topic to ensure our clients, especially small growers, are not left out of the discussion. Claudia Reid, Policy Director for CCOF, works with CCOF Board Chair Will Daniels, who currently sits on the Leafy Green Marketing Agreement Technical Advisory Committee, other organic farming representatives, and our partner organizations such as Organic Trade Association to keep a close eye and ear on further developments with this issue. There are STILL no organic reps on the Marketing Agreement Advisory Board at this time (despite CCOF's recommendation), so organic producers must remain vigilant on this topic.
Constructive discussion is beginning to occur between LGMA, retailers, federal and state agencies concerned with habitat, water and air quality issues and farmers, but according to one retail representative, “it will take a long time” to build back a level of trust between retailers and farmers because of the deaths and disease resulting from the E Coli outbreak.
Visit the CDFA website to read more…
HR 5904 (Costa) Food Safety Legislation
The newest in a long list of food safety legislation has been introduced by Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno). Entitled the Safe Food Enforcement, Assessment, Standards and Targeting Act of 2008' otherwise known as the `Safe FEAST Act of 2008,' this legislation, authored by Mr. Costa, along with his colleagues Congressmen Putnam (R-Fla), Cardoza (D-Merced), Nunes (R-Fresno, Tulare) and Farr (D-Monterey), would establish new procedures and requirements to improve the safety of food, whether produced and distributed domestically or imported into the United States, by providing for improved information technology to identify high-risk imports and for enhanced capacity in the United States and in foreign governments to identify and address food safety issues on a scientific basis. CCOF will be monitoring this legislation carefully to make sure it helps our members comply with all food safety requirements while continuing to produce and handle products organically. For more information, please email Claudia Reid, CCOF Policy Director.
CCOF Defends Organic Agriculture Against Attacks During E.Coli Outbreak
CCOF press release: No Evidence to Link Organic Spinach to E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the State of California announced results from the field investigation of the outbreak of E. coli O157:H7, tracing a matching genetic fingerprint in spinach that sickened 199 people (and killed three) to samples of cattle feces and wild pigs found on on a ranch in San Benito County, California. Investigators found that numerous wild pigs thrived alongside grazing cattle in the riparian habitat of a cattle operation near a spinach field.
According to the FDA, all connections between specific bags of spinach and individual victims of the outbreak were traced to Dole bagged spinach packed by Natural Selection Foods, San Juan Bautista, California. On September 15, 2006, Natural Selection Foods initiated a voluntary recall of all the spinach brands it packs (both conventional and organic). Visit the FDA website for further information.
CCOF Press Release: CCOF Defends Organic Agriculture Against Attacks
“The tragic outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in spinach that has killed one person and sickened nearly 200 others in 25 states, is being mistakenly linked to organic farming practices,” said CCOF Executive Director Peggy Miars. “Our sympathy goes out to the individuals and families affected by the outbreak. I’m concerned that misinformation is being spread about the source of the contamination and that organic is being unjustly blamed.”
Read More...
|
