United Fresh to create shared database on food-safety tests
United Fresh to create shared database on food-safety tests
WASHINGTON -- The United Fresh Produce Association has approved a plan to begin collecting microbiological testing data on commodities, Robert Whitaker of NewStar Fresh Foods said at a food-safety hearing on Capitol Hill.
Dr. Whitaker, who is also past chairman of United Fresh, said that the database would be blinded to protect the identity of data sources and developed in conjunction with outside legal counsel to provide maximum integrity.
"This blinded database will allow for the consolidation of testing data on an industry-wide basis for companies that choose to participate," he said. "This is an effective way to establish baselines that can be measured across time and provide industry benchmarks against which individual companies could measure their own testing results. Similar industry efforts in the beef and dairy industries have proved valuable to industry and regulators alike."
The group's board of directors approved the plan drafted by its Food Safety & Technology Council, which is developing a white paper on the role of microbiological testing in fresh produce.
"A wide variety of testing methods, sampling protocols and testing endpoints are being used by different companies today, and it's important to bring a consistent scientific basis to this process," David Gombas of United Fresh said in a statement. "Working with scientists in industry, academia and government, we want to make sure that there is a clear understanding of what various tests and testing methods mean, and work to ensure that all stakeholders have a scientific roadmap to understand the strengths and weaknesses of various testing methods and protocols."
Dr. Whitaker, who testified at a hearing held in the House Agriculture Committee on food safety in the produce industry, also urged Congress to approve $26.5 million toward produce safety research.
One database is destined for the scrap heap. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is proposing to terminate its $4.8 million Microbiological Data Program this year. The program, which collected information on food-borne pathogens and produce, generates data that can't be used for a risk assessment, according to USDA.
U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) questioned USDA's decision at a recent appropriations hearing to kill the congressionally authorized program, especially when fresh fruits and vegetables have been the focus of food- safety investigations.
Dr. Whitaker, who is also past chairman of United Fresh, said that the database would be blinded to protect the identity of data sources and developed in conjunction with outside legal counsel to provide maximum integrity.
"This blinded database will allow for the consolidation of testing data on an industry-wide basis for companies that choose to participate," he said. "This is an effective way to establish baselines that can be measured across time and provide industry benchmarks against which individual companies could measure their own testing results. Similar industry efforts in the beef and dairy industries have proved valuable to industry and regulators alike."
The group's board of directors approved the plan drafted by its Food Safety & Technology Council, which is developing a white paper on the role of microbiological testing in fresh produce.
"A wide variety of testing methods, sampling protocols and testing endpoints are being used by different companies today, and it's important to bring a consistent scientific basis to this process," David Gombas of United Fresh said in a statement. "Working with scientists in industry, academia and government, we want to make sure that there is a clear understanding of what various tests and testing methods mean, and work to ensure that all stakeholders have a scientific roadmap to understand the strengths and weaknesses of various testing methods and protocols."
Dr. Whitaker, who testified at a hearing held in the House Agriculture Committee on food safety in the produce industry, also urged Congress to approve $26.5 million toward produce safety research.
One database is destined for the scrap heap. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is proposing to terminate its $4.8 million Microbiological Data Program this year. The program, which collected information on food-borne pathogens and produce, generates data that can't be used for a risk assessment, according to USDA.
U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) questioned USDA's decision at a recent appropriations hearing to kill the congressionally authorized program, especially when fresh fruits and vegetables have been the focus of food- safety investigations.
