PMA issues statement on E. coli issue
PMA issues statement on E. coli issue
The following statement was released Wednesday evening, Dec. 13 by Produce Marketing Association President Bryan Silbermann.
Tonight officials of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention stated that although they believe the most likely food vehicle in the Taco Bell E. coli outbreak is shredded lettuce, they also stated that the investigation remains ongoing. The produce industry continues to work closely with state and federal authorities to identify the cause of the outbreak.
The report that produce is once again implicated in a foodborne illness outbreak has a devastating impact on farmers and all companies in our industry who share the goal of providing consumers with healthy eating choices. The farmers and shippers of lettuce products recognize that their livelihood depends on their ability to provide consumers with safe, healthy and flavorful eating experiences -- each bite, every time. Our thoughts are with the consumers and their families affected by the recent outbreak.
Even though the industry has always put the health and safety of the public first, it's clear we must do even more. With that in mind, we are focused on redoubling our efforts to enhance our food safety systems.
Most recently, the industry has revised existing standards and, in addition, developed new standards to ensure our practices are founded on the latest science. These specific and measurable best practices are being developed by industry research scientists, academia and regulatory agencies working together cooperatively.
The industry is committed to continually revising recommendations whenever new scientific information indicates opportunities for enhancing the safety of nutritious fruits and vegetables and to protect public health. We will do whatever it takes to ensure the most effective food safety measures possible, up to and including regulatory solutions aimed at enhancing produce safety. Consumers deserve no less.
Tonight officials of the U.S. Food & Drug Administration and U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention stated that although they believe the most likely food vehicle in the Taco Bell E. coli outbreak is shredded lettuce, they also stated that the investigation remains ongoing. The produce industry continues to work closely with state and federal authorities to identify the cause of the outbreak.
The report that produce is once again implicated in a foodborne illness outbreak has a devastating impact on farmers and all companies in our industry who share the goal of providing consumers with healthy eating choices. The farmers and shippers of lettuce products recognize that their livelihood depends on their ability to provide consumers with safe, healthy and flavorful eating experiences -- each bite, every time. Our thoughts are with the consumers and their families affected by the recent outbreak.
Even though the industry has always put the health and safety of the public first, it's clear we must do even more. With that in mind, we are focused on redoubling our efforts to enhance our food safety systems.
Most recently, the industry has revised existing standards and, in addition, developed new standards to ensure our practices are founded on the latest science. These specific and measurable best practices are being developed by industry research scientists, academia and regulatory agencies working together cooperatively.
The industry is committed to continually revising recommendations whenever new scientific information indicates opportunities for enhancing the safety of nutritious fruits and vegetables and to protect public health. We will do whatever it takes to ensure the most effective food safety measures possible, up to and including regulatory solutions aimed at enhancing produce safety. Consumers deserve no less.
