Outbreaks of foodborne diseases from fresh and fresh-cut produce continue to occur in the United States. The variables related to the degree of microbial pathogen contamination of produce are very high.
During production and the postharvesting process of citrus fruits in conventional agriculture, residues of postharvest protectants as well as pesticides can be found in detectable concentrations.
The Canadian Produce Marketing Association, Produce Marketing Association and United Fresh Produce Association formed the Produce Traceability Initiative in 2007 to help produce companies and their buyer partners move toward achieving whole-chain traceability.
An analytical testing protocol is fundamental to any food product acceptance testing program, including those for examining the microbiological safety of ready-to-eat salad.
Some of the evolving key provisions in the Produce Safety Rule are discussed, along with the ongoing public discussion between FDA and members of the food industry.
Published guidance is available to industry professionals regarding recommended procedures for controlling Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat produce operations.
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