The government should involve the fresh produce industry more closely in future outbreaks of foodborne illnesses if it is to tackle the issue of food safety more effectively. That was one of the key messages to emerge from a food safety session at the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association’s convention on Tuesday.
David Acheson, associate commissioner for foods at the Food and Drug Administration, admitted that the health authorities’ handling of the recent Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak could have been better.
“We need to make changes,” he said. “We need to make systemic changes to the way we approach food safety, which will result in a national programme that will address the global food supply.”
A number of grower-shippers in the assembled audience urged Mr Acheson to allow growers to play a more active role in future outbreaks.
“You need to include some people with walking-around sense,” said Billy Heller, chief executive officer of Pacific Tomato Growers. “That’s critical because if we don’t know the answer, we will know someone who does. That’s the reality. We are a tremendous resource. We have to find a way to use us.”
Meanwhile, Tom Stenzel, president of the United Fresh Produce Association, said the economic crisis had temporarily forced food safety onto the back burner. “There are strong pressures tot do something political,” he told the assembled delegates. “I don’t know if it’s good news or bad news, but the economy and what has happened with the financial crisis has wiped food safety off Congress’ attention for the rest of the year. After the election, they will be back in town with a new administration and a new congress. These next two years are when we will see food safety reforms.”
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