In order to protect our food supply, we must address vulnerability gaps in our current system at any point along the distribution chain up to the consumer that would allow accidental contamination of fresh produce.
I am well aware of what they are and can provide solutions to help prevent this ongoing problem.
I spent fifteen years as an Executive Vice President for a major terminal business on the East Coast. My primary responsibility was purchasing millions of dollars in California vegetables a year, including Mexico during the winter.
I know how this works.
I notified the CDC in late 2003 that green onions were the likely source of the hepatitis A outbreak and that they were from Mexico, several days before the FDA banned the importation of green onions into the United States.
Over the years I have followed the recent contamination of tomatoes and more recently spinach. My knowledge is based on experience and facts.
Specific aspects of the industry are severely outdated.
The Federal Government must update regulation of the industry to properly empower the USDA.