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Earlier this week five U.S. senators wrote a letter to the heads of the FDA, CDC and USDA urging the agencies to form a joint task force on the recent E coli outbreaks, and that the task force report to Congress on the cause of these incidents and potential changes in law and regulation that might be needed to prevent future illnesses. United Fresh is working with these senators and other leaders in both the House and Senate to understand the current regulatory oversight for fresh fruits and vegetables, explain all steps the industry has taken in the past and currently to ensure the safety of the fresh produce supply, and consider and discuss suggested improvements. "We strongly acknowledge that the present state of outbreaks is unacceptable, and that industry, academia and government must work together to further minimize risks," said Robert Guenther, United Fresh senior vice president for public policy. "But, at a time when it feels like our entire industry is reeling, many members of Congress are surprised to realize that only six of the top 40 most consumed fresh fruits and vegetables have been associated this year with any food safety risks. We cannot let serious but isolated risks mischaracterize the entire produce industry," he said. For more information, contact Robert Guenther at (202) 303-3409.
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