Cyclospora Resources
 

The International Fresh Produce Association notes that improvements in clinical diagnostics have revealed that the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis sickens approximately 125,000-190,000 Americans each year, with outbreaks generally attributed to fresh produce vehicles.

Once considered a "tropical" parasite, Cyclospora has now been detected in several produce items grown in the United States, and FDA has vocally encouraged growers to take risk mitigation measures as appropriate. However, there are no known mitigation measures, and the approaches used by the produce industry to manage other pathogens do not work for Cyclospora.

Additionally, the current inability to grow the organism in the laboratory limits the ability for researchers to provide answers, curbing the availability of commercial test methods. This presents a dilemma for producers when the marketplace, public and regulators seek assurance that the pathogen is being controlled. See this technical bulletin for more information.

Produce Safety Field Day - May 27th

New Report on Salmonella Outbreak at Hydroponic Operation

In July and August of 2021, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state partners conducted an outbreak investigation into a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium linked to packaged leafy greens produced at a Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) indoor hydroponic operation.

This report from FDA discusses vulnerabilities in the business production, handling and sanitation practices that will help other hydroponic operations improve their food safety measures.

Additional Updates:

Flexibility to Farms Regarding Eligibility for the Qualified Exemption Under the Produce Safety Rule: 

The temporary policy guidance issued in May 2020 provides flexibility regarding eligibility criteria for the qualified exemption under the Produce Safety Rule during the COVID-19 public health emergency. Specifically, farms that are currently eligible for the qualified exemption and associated modified requirements will still be considered eligible, even if they shift sales away from qualified end-users, so long as they continue to meet the requirement that their average food sales during the previous three years total less than $500,000 (adjusted for inflation). This policy is intended to remain in effect only for the duration of the public health emergency related to COVID-19 declared by the Secretary of Health and Human Services.

Colorado Produce Safety Rule Program Updates