|
HR 5904 (Costa) Food Safety Legislation
Congressman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) has introduced the Safe Food Enforcement, Assessment, Standards and Targeting Act of 2008' otherwise known as the `Safe FEAST Act of 2008'. Mr. Costa, along with his colleagues Congressmen Putnam (R-Fla), Cardoza (D-Merced), Nunes (R-Fresno, Tulare) and Farr (D-Monterey), have authored legislation that
would establish new procedures and requirements to improve the safety of food, whether produced and distributed domestically or imported into the United States, by providing for improved information technology to identify high-risk imports and for enhanced capacity in the United States and in foreign governments to identify and address food safety issues on a scientific basis. CCOF will be monitoring this legislation carefully to make sure it helps our members comply with all food safety requirements while continuing to produce and handle products organically. For more information, please email Claudia Reid, Policy Director.
Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement
TESTING The Leafy Green Handler Marketing Agreement Advisory Board has accepted newly enhanced Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) for leafy greens, which will serve as the cornerstone to the Leafy Green Handler Marketing Agreement. The strengthened GAPs have been presented to California growers and handlers, and CCOF representatives continue to participate in as many meetings, conference calls, and events on this topic to ensure our clients, especially small growers, are not left out of the debate. Claudia Reid, Policy Director for CCOF, will be working with CCOF Board Chair Will Daniels, who currently sits on the Leafy Green Marketing Agreement Technical Advisory Committee, as well as our international partner organizations such as Organic Trade Association to keep a close eye and ear on further developments with this issue. There are STILL no organic reps on the Marketing Agreement Advisory Board at this time, so organic producers must remain vigilant on this topic. In the meantime, on the Federal level, California Congress Representatives Costa and Baca will be taking this issue up with their colleagues in the House of Represenative.
Visit the CDFA website to read more…
CCOF Defends Organic Agriculture Against Attacks During E.Coli Outbreak
CCOF press release: No Evidence to Link Organic Spinach to E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the State of California announced results from the field investigation of the outbreak of E. coli O157:H7, tracing a matching genetic fingerprint in spinach that sickened 199 people (and killed three) to samples of cattle feces and wild pigs found on on a ranch in San Benito County, California. Investigators found that numerous wild pigs thrived alongside grazing cattle in the riparian habitat of a cattle operation near a spinach field.
According to the FDA, all connections between specific bags of spinach and individual victims of the outbreak were traced to Dole bagged spinach packed by Natural Selection Foods, San Juan Bautista, California. On September 15, 2006, Natural Selection Foods initiated a voluntary recall of all the spinach brands it packs (both conventional and organic). Visit the FDA website for further information.
CCOF Press Release: CCOF Defends Organic Agriculture Against Attacks
“The tragic outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in spinach that has killed one person and sickened nearly 200 others in 25 states, is being mistakenly linked to organic farming practices,” said CCOF Executive Director Peggy Miars. “Our sympathy goes out to the individuals and families affected by the outbreak. I’m concerned that misinformation is being spread about the source of the contamination and that organic is being unjustly blamed.”
Leafy Green Product Handler Marketing Agreement
As you are most likely aware, cases of E. coli 0157:H7 bacteria on spinach last fall resulted in deaths and illnesses across the country. This has caused the produce industry to react by developing stringent food safety regulations beginning with leafy green products.
Trade groups serving the conventional produce industry have lead the effort to develop a Leafy Green Product Handler Marketing Agreement, which would require those handlers who sign on to agree to adhere to "Best Practices" and to only buy or handle leafy green products from growers who have grown the produce in accordance with the "Best Practices".
Read More... |
