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Stepping up to the Plate: The NEW Fresh Produce Safety Centre hosted by the University of Sydney. Robyn McConchie Faculty of Agriculture and Environment University of Sydney . Fenugreek Sprouts in Europe 2011.
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Stepping up to the Plate: The NEW Fresh Produce Safety Centre hosted by the University of Sydney Robyn McConchie Faculty of Agriculture and Environment University of Sydney
Fenugreek Sprouts in Europe 2011 May 2011, Germany had a massive epidemic of bloody diarrhoea and the hemolytic–uremic syndrome caused by Shiga-toxin–producing Escherichia coliO104:H4 Over 3 months - 4000 illnesses, 800 cases hemolytic–uremic syndrome, 65 deaths Spanish fruit and vegetable exporters estimate they lost 200m euros per week
Listeria in Melons in the USA 2011 • In 2011, cantaloupes were contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes • Caused one of the deadliest foodborne illness outbreaks in U.S. history • 147 people sick in 28 states and killed 33
Consumers expect food to be safe • Produce industry – “on the side of the angels” • Healthy, nutritious – no limit • The produce industry want to do “right” thing: • Yet… product recalls and outbreaks
.. What are the Risks with Fresh Produce? • Microbial – raw fruit and vegetables, unpasteurised juices, fresh cuts e.g. Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria, Shiga-toxin–producingE. coli • Pesticide contamination • Allergens e.g. peanuts, gluten, plant defence compounds • Mycotoxins e.g. aflatoxins, fumonisin, alternariol, patulin, ochratoxin
BUT Can we rest on our reputation? Australia has a clean, green image for food production • Australia - safest food supplies in the world…. but 5.4 million cases of food-borne illness a year costing est. $1.2 billion (DAFF 2013) • Gap between food production and consumption • Consumers have to rely on the food regulation system for the provision of safe food • They do a good job… but need continuous updating of stakeholders.
Past Record in Australia • An unofficial listing of recalls and reported illnesses over 10 years in horticultural produce (n=45) • Microbial contamination the most prevalent category • Salmonella the most prevalent individual • Residues not as significant as expected • Nuts also prominent, particularly almonds Source: Richard Bennett 2014 PMA Technical Manager
Microbial contamination 2012 • Recall of almonds due to Salmonella contamination • Wet season almonds lay on the ground • Vacuum steam pasturisation and processing minimises risk
Fresh Produce Safety Centre FPSC founding supporters: This project has been funded by HAL using voluntary contributions from industry and matched funds from the Australian Government.
Fresh Produce Safety Centre Goals of the Fresh Produce Safety Centre • Call for and oversee food safety research projects that are highly relevant to industry • Provide food safety information, news, education and outreach to the industry • Engage with regulatory and other organisations for effective and efficient food safety management leading to enhanced food safety outcomes.
Fresh Produce Safety Centre Engaging with industry, regulatory & research bodies on fresh produce safety
Call for Research • Single call for research per year. • Research will be industry-supported and industry-focused. • Technical Committee will advise on research priorities and evaluate research proposals.
What are the gaps in research? Composting Irrigation water Wildlife Washwater sanitation
What are the gaps in research? Hygiene in the Packhouse
Invitation to Get Involved 1st Conference on 11th August 2014 • Launched by Vice-Chancellor University of Sydney, Dr Michael Spence • Timothy York from US foodservice company, Markon, • Dr Bob Whitaker from Center for Produce Safety • 17 other speakers on fresh produce safety throughout Australia and New Zealand.
Invitation to Get Involved Attend an FPSC event: • Conference 11 August in Sydney • Visit http://freshproducesafety-anz.com/category/events/ Subscribe to the e-Newsletter: • Email info@freshproducesafety-anz.com Become a supporter of FPSC: • Pledge your support: bronze to platinum • Contact: • Emma Walters Interim Executive DirectorFresh Produce Safety Centre, hosted by the University of SydneyEmail: info@freshproducesafety-anz.com
Acknowledgements • Michael Worthington CEO PMA A-NZ • Emma Walters Executive Director FPSC • Stephen Fujiwara Administrative Assistance FPSC • Erin Hart Communications CEO PMA A-NZ • Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli Executive Director CPS USA • Bob Whitaker Fresh Produce Safety Technical Manager PMA USA • Erika Watson Past Administrative Assistant