Fresh produce an increasing source of Salmonella, group says
US - Fresh produce is catching up with chicken as a major culprit of Salmonella infections in the US, according to an analysis of food-poisoning outbreaks by a consumer lobby group.The Centre for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) report serves as a warning sign for food processors using fruit and vegetables for the products.
Food safety has been a growing concern for consumers and regulatory agencies and the statistics could serve to widen those fears.
Last week a University of Minnesota study showed that antibiotics given to livestock can end up in vegetables and pose a health threat to consumers.
The Minnesota study examined tthe use of animal manure as a fertilizer for vegetable crops.
The new CSPI study indicates produce-related outbreaks tend to be larger than poultry-related outbreaks, and sicken more people, sometimes hundreds at a time, CSPI stated.
Source: foodproductiondaily-usa.com