Food safety is important on every farm, and growers have a responsibility to minimize risks to produce food that is not only wholesome and nutritious, but also safe. Why should fruit and vegetable growers be particularly concerned about food safety? Most farmers take great pride in growing highquality, nutritious fruits and vegetables and would never knowingly produce food that could harm their customers. And yet, foodborne illnesses that can be traced back to farms happen, and incidents increase each year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-third of all significant multistate outbreaks of foodborne illness in 2011 involved fresh produce. The human costs can be heartbreaking when people die or become
chronically ill. The cost to public health is great and deserves attention. The economic cost is enormous, with an estimated $1.4 billion lost nationally per year from produce-related illnesses, not including the cost to industry or government. Everyone benefits when produce is grown that is nutritious and safe.
A Costly Reminder One of the deadliest foodborne illness outbreaks in decades occurred in 2011 when 147 people were sickened and 33 died after an outbreak of listeriosis caused by Listeria monocytogenes in cantaloupe. Investigations revealed that the pathogen was present in the packing facility and on washing and packing equipment. Experts believe poor sanitation in the packing facility and lack of precooling were key factors contributing to the outbreak. Armed with some knowledge and a commitment to food safety, growers can do a lot to prevent outbreaks like this in the future.