It was a good news/bad news week for fresh produce. One study, by the the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said most illnesses stemming from foodborne illness outbreaks are caused by produce. Another study by researchers at Oxofrd University found that a vegetarian diet can reduce the risk of heart disease by 32 percent. … Read more
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a study of 11 years of food poisoning outbreaks this week. The report claims that produce in general and leafy greens in particular cause more food poisoning outbreaks than other foods. But did the CDC give veggies a bum rap? On Tuesday, the CDC issued an … Read more
The California Department of Public Health has confirmed that several cases of E. coli linked to romaine lettuce was grown and distributed by Amazing Coachella Inc. in Coachella, California. The lettuce sickened at least nine people in California in April 2012, 18 people in New Brunswick Canada, and one person in Quebec. Those cases were … Read more
The Microbiological Data Program (MDP), the country’s only program that regularly tests produce for deadly pathogens, has gotten a reprieve. The program, part of the USDA, screens high-risk produce for pathogens such as E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella. This last week, press coverage, including a letter from Congresswomen Rosa DeLaura (D-CT), has focused attention on … Read more
Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) urged the Obama Administration to fund the Microbiological Data Program (MDP). This small program, which costs only $4.3 million dollars a year, checks samples of produce in the market for pathological bacteria. The MDP is not funded for fiscal year 2013 which begins October 1, 2012. It is the only federal program … Read more
Apples, peaches, nectarine and grapes are on “The Dirty Dozen” list of produce with high levels of pesticide residue, while cabbage, corn and sweet potatoes make the “Clean Fifteen” list with low levels, according to the eighth annual Shoppers Guide To Pesticides In Produce, published today by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). “Our shopper’s guide … Read more