United update

Industry members will be glad they have their national associations to help deal with the tomato/salmonella issue, though it may hard to appreciate that fact in the midst of the outbreak. Reflecting both the urgency of outreach by the association and the unchecked exasperation in the tomato industry that has hounded this outbreak, here is an update from United that reviews the basics of the FDA press conference. (edited to remove some personal details of cell phones)

June 20, 2008
Dear Produce Industry Members,
Below is an update on the Salmonella saintpaul outbreak associated with Roma (plum) and red round tomatoes not still on the vine. I will be available over the weekend on my cell phone if you have any questions. Regards - Amy Philpott, United Fresh
FDA Traceback Investigation Update:
While FDA has not identified the source of contamination, the agency announced today during a media briefing that it has completed the traceback for some of the tomatoes from the point of consumption back to farms in both Florida and Mexico. FDA is working to narrow the investigation and identify the contamination point by conducting joint investigations with authorities in Florida and Mexico, sampling both domestic and imported product, and continuing to pursue new traceback investigations.
This weekend, FDA inspectors will look at points all along the traceback supply chain to further narrow the scope of the investigation. According to Dr. David Acheson, associate commissioner, FDA, “Now that FDA has identified the paths that those tomatoes have travelled between the farms to consumers, FDA will be looking all along those pathways to see where the contamination occurred.” Acheson emphasized that FDA will be looking at all points along the traceback supply chain, not just farms.
FDA’s advice to consumers, retailers, restaurateurs and food service operators has not changed and a list of tomato production areas NOT ASSOCIATED with the outbreak can be found on FDA’s website.
CDC also updated its website today, reporting that 552 persons infected with Salmonella saintpaul with the same genetic fingerprint have been identified in 32 states and the District of Columbia. The onset of illness dates range from since April 10 to June 10. CDC considers this an ongoing outbreak.
Click here to read a transcript of FDA's media briefings

As always, we will keep you updated as new information becomes available.

As a side note, we have heard from many of you this week regarding our joint industry letter to federal health officials; thank you for your input and support. Thank you also for your comments regarding Wednesday's Inside United Fresh story, "When Doing Our Best Isn't Good Enough." We look forward to working, on behalf of the industry, with government officials to improve outbreak management.

United Fresh Produce Association
1901 Pennsylvania Avenue NW,
Ste 1100
Washington, DC 20006