Aug 11 (Reuters) – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Tuesday finalized guidance for companies that prepare and package fresh fruits and vegetables to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
The guidance lands amid ongoing outbreaks of salmonella and cyclosporiasis affecting lettuce and jalapenos that have sickened thousands of people in the U.S.
The guidance is aimed at manufacturers and processors of products such as chopped lettuce, sliced cantaloupe, diced onions, shredded carrots, coleslaw mixes and fruit salads.
Produce can be contaminated by pathogens such as E. coli and salmonella during growing, harvesting, packing, or holding on farms, said the FDA’s guidance.
These foods are considered higher risk because they are usually eaten raw and do not go through cooking or another “kill step” that would destroy harmful bacteria.
(Reporting by Puyaan Singh in Bengaluru; Editing by Tasim Zahid and Leroy Leo)
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