Food Safety and Peace of Mind

The Issue

The health benefits have been associated with the regular consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables produce around the world. However, there has been an increasing proportion of reported outbreaks of foodborne illness associated with fresh fruits and vegetables. Recent outbreaks include contamination with E-Coli, Cyclospora, Salmonella, Lysteria, Monocutogenes, Staphylococcus, Botulism, Gastroenteritis, Shigellosis, and Hepatitis A.

The Response

In January 1997, President Clinton announced a Food Safety Initiative to improve the safety of the nation's food supply. In response to this directive, the FDA and USDA issued "Guidance for Industry -- Guide to Minimize Microbial Food Safety Hazards for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables." This document addresses microbial food safety hazards and good agricultural and management practices common to growing, harvesting, washing, sorting, packing, and transporting of most fruits and vegetables sold to consumers in an unprocessed or minimally processed (raw) form. In short, this covers all stages of the "field to plate" food chain. Fresh fruit and vegetable producers, to help ensure the safety of their produce, can use this voluntary, science-based guidance.

The Solution

Complete Produce is proud to be an active participant and an industry leader in the safe procurement, processing, and distribution of fresh produce. Our comprehensive Food Safety and Quality programs exceed federal minimum recommendations for the produce industry.