FDA continues sampling of fresh herbs, guacamole
As of July 1, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has tested 958 fresh herb samples (521 domestic, 437 import), and 685 processed avocado or guacamole samples (584 domestic, 101 import).
As of July 1, 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has tested 958 fresh herb samples (521 domestic, 437 import), and 685 processed avocado or guacamole samples (584 domestic, 101 import). Testing for all pathogens is still underway and no conclusions can be drawn at this time.
Of the fresh herb samples, 12 tested positive for Salmonella (four domestic, eight import), and seven tested positive for Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC). Further study showed that the STEC were incapable of causing severe illness. The FDA did not detect E. coli O157:H7 in any of the fresh herb samples. Of the processed avocado or guacamole samples, 13 tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes (11 domestic, two import), and two tested positive for Salmonella (both domestic samples).
The FDA also began testing its fresh herb samples for Cyclospora cayetanensis in July 2018, given that Cyclospora-related illnesses typically occur during the summer. The agency detected Cyclospora cayetanensis in two of the 221 samples of domestically grown fresh herbs, and in eight of the 205 samples of imported fresh herbs. The FDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are working together to prevent illnesses caused by Cyclospora.
More News
FDA gives $1.5 million to support FSMA education, training, and technical assistance
The FDA is announcing $1.5 million of continued funding, in the form of cooperative agreements, to the University of Arkansas Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative and the National Farmers Union to enhance food safety under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
FDA gives $1.5 million to support FSMA education, training, and technical assistance
The FDA is announcing $1.5 million of continued funding, in the form of cooperative agreements, to the University of Arkansas Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative and the National Farmers Union to enhance food safety under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
Smithfield says not all plant workers can be socially distanced
According to Reuters, Smithfield Foods has said workers cannot be socially distant in all areas of its plants, in response to U.S. senators who pressed meatpackers on coronavirus outbreaks in slaughterhouses.
Smithfield says not all plant workers can be socially distanced
According to Reuters, Smithfield Foods has said workers cannot be socially distant in all areas of its plants, in response to U.S. senators who pressed meatpackers on coronavirus outbreaks in slaughterhouses.
USDA provides an update on 2019 Tyson beef plant closure and COVID-19 investigation
The report, prepared by USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service in coordination with the Office of the Chief Economist, summarizes market conditions, fed cattle prices, boxed beef values, and the spread before and after the fire and plant closure at the Tyson Holcomb, Kan., plant, and before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
