Government Affairs

PEANUT RECALL WILL DRIVE FOOD SAFETY DISCUSSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS

DESCRIBED AS ONE of the largest recalls FDA has had to contend with, the current recall of peanut products resulting from a Salmonella outbreak is also driving legislative policy.

More than 575 reported illnesses in 43 states and potentially eight deaths are being linked to the outbreak. The list of recalled items already tops 1,700—and is climbing daily. Criminal charges are being investigated, and are likely to center on contaminated product which was knowingly shipped and substandard cleaning/manufacturing practices.

During the first of several anticipated Congressional hearings, Senator Tom Harkin referred to the lack of information-sharing between states and the FDA as a "gaping hole" and that "food safety has become a hit-or-miss gamble." Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack also stated that "the peanut recall offers a prime opportunity to merge all federal food safety oversight into one agency."

New legislation has already been introduced, calling for more extensive recordkeeping, inspections and mandatory recall authority. How this may impact the almond industry will be discussed at upcoming ABC committee and Board meetings. Pasteurization has been a proactive step, but the almond industry needs to remain vigilant regarding its GMPs and recordkeeping— a federal requirement for all food processors.