USDA Considers Nationwide Leafy Greens Standards
November 30th, 2007 amy
Last autumn’s spinach E. coli outbreak has sparked the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to consider a national safety regulation for leafy green vegetables, although it’s likely that the standards will only be voluntary.
In the wake of three deaths and around 200 illnesses from spinach traced to California farms, 99 percent of California farmers and leafy green handlers are already abiding by safer industry regulations put in place by the California Leafy Green Products Handler Marketing Agreement. Once signed, leafy green handlers are legally obligated to abide by the standards in place.
The USDA-proposed national safety standards would be similar to those of the California Agreement. Precautions would include a monthly water supply testing for E. coli and keeping animals off of farmland.
While some farmers are opposed to the proposed regulations, most are in favor of at least voluntary standards.
