US FDA finalizes new guidance on freshly cut produce
The guidance aims to curb contamination during growing and packing as outbreaks linked to produce have sickened at least 345 people in 27 states.
- On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration finalized guidance for fresh-cut produce processors, mandating sanitation controls, supplier verification, and refrigeration to reduce foodborne illness risks from pathogens like Salmonella and Cyclospora.
- Concurrent outbreaks drove this regulatory action: a massive Cyclospora cluster linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in Mexico sickened roughly 6,358 people across 15 states, while a Salmonella Javiana outbreak tied to jalapeños from Coast Citrus Distributors infected at least 345 people across 27 states.
- Federal data since May documented over 10,000 confirmed domestically acquired Cyclospora cases across dozens of states, with hundreds hospitalized and two deaths in Michigan. Fresh-cut produce carries inherent risk because it is typically eaten raw, without cooking or "kill steps" that destroy harmful bacteria.
- Public health agencies issued recalls and advisories urging consumers to discard affected items. Investigations identified common exposures at Mexican-style restaurants including Chipotle and QDOBA, where jalapeños were frequently reported ingredients.
- Because fresh produce lacks a "kill step" to destroy bacteria, contamination risks persist throughout supply chains in the United States. The FDA guidance aims to establish preventive controls addressing these critical vectors to prevent future multistate outbreaks.
13 Articles
13 Articles
Tulsa World
FDA gives guidance on fresh-produce handling
The Food and Drug Administration finalized guidance Tuesday for preparation and packaging of fresh-cut produce, recommending measures such as sanitation control and refrigeration to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
FDA Issues New Guidance To Reduce Contamination In Fresh-Cut Produce
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has finalized new guidance aimed at reducing contamination risks in fresh-cut and ready-to-eat produce. The recommendations call for stronger sanitation practices, supplier verification, safe water, refrigeration and employee training.According to the report, the guidance comes as the United States deals with ongoing outbreaks of cyclosporiasis and salmonella linked to contaminated lettuce and jalapeños. A m…
The Detroit News
USA TodayFDA urges sanitation, supplier checks to curb fresh-cut produce contamination
New FDA guidance for ready-to-eat produce comes as ongoing outbreaks of cyclosporiasis and salmonella due to contaminated lettuce and jalapenos have sickened thousands.
The FDA published a guide on fresh products to reduce pollution risks following infectious outbreaks and food withdrawals in the U.S. The U.S. entry updates its guide on fresh products amid several food alerts was first published in La Voz de Michoacán.
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