FDA Response to E. coli Outbreak
Even with the death and severe illness that has been associated with the E. coli outbreak linked to spinach, the FDA has decided not to further regulate the spinach and lettuce industry. The FDA is again calling on the industry to voluntarily follow guidelines. Voluntary guidelines have not worked. The entire industry--growers, packers, shippers and retailers--have to be subject to further regulation to prevent future outbreaks:
- Lettuce and spinach should not be allowed to be grown where there is any potential for contamination from cattle manure.
- Lettuce and spinach should not be allowed to be grown in areas where there is periodic flooding.
- Produce that has come in contact with flood waters should not be sold for human consumption.
- Labeling on all packaging, bags or otherwise, should have information regarding where the lettuce and spinach was grown, right down to the field.
- Lettuce and spinach should be separated from anything that could cause contamination when shipped, stored and displayed for sale.
- All surfaces that will come in contact with lettuce and spinach should be thoroughly washed with the assumption that E. coli bacteria are present and need to be killed.
- Fields, packaging facilities, transportation equipment and vehicles, storage facilities and retailers need to be regularly inspected.
In addition, before one more bag of lettuce or spinach is sold, significant, persuasive scientific evidence should be presented to the FDA proving that the packaging does not contribute to the growth of E. coli bacteria.
