US FDA urges sanitation, supplier checks to curb fresh-cut produce contamination

The agency has focused on contamination with pathogens like salmonella, cyclospora, E. coli, and listeria, which have been associated with numerous foodborne illness outbreaks.

The FDA has recommended that fresh-cut produce processors assess whether any of these pathogens pose a potential hazard requiring preventive measures, including supply-chain controls.

The measures also include use of safe water, and washing fruits and vegetables with antimicrobial solutions, training of personnel and recommendations on better designing of facilities.

However, cyclospora may require supply-chain controls because wash-water antimicrobials may not adequately control it, the FDA said, adding that research to elucidate the routes by which fresh produce becomes contaminated with cyclospora is ongoing.

Produce can be contaminated by pathogens during growing, harvesting, packing, or holding on farm facilities, the agency said.