Robyn McConchie Faculty of Agriculture and Environment University of Sydney
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Transcript of Robyn McConchie Faculty of Agriculture and Environment University of Sydney
Stepping up to the Plate: The NEW Fresh Produce Safety Centre hosted by the University of Sydney
Robyn McConchieFaculty 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 coli O104:H4
Over 3 months - 4000 illnesses, 800 cases hemolytic–uremic syndrome, 65 deaths
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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
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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
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QA Systems in Fresh Produce
Food Business
• Regulators protect public health• Food businesses must ensure no hazard is
introduced e.g. supermarkets, food services, restaurants
QA Systems
• Pressure on all members of the supply chain• Fresh produce growers to join food safety standards
e.g. Coles and Woolworths QA, SaladG.A.P., Freshcare etc
Growers
• Training, Best Practice Documented, Audited regularly
• Minimises risk and access to buyers
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What are the Risks with Fresh Produce?
› Microbial – raw fruit and vegetables, unpasteurised juices, fresh cuts e.g. Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria, Shiga-toxin–producing E. coli
› Pesticide contamination
› Allergens e.g. peanuts, gluten, plant defence compounds
› Mycotoxins e.g. aflatoxins, fumonisin, alternariol, patulin, ochratoxin
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BUT Can we rest on our reputation?
› 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.
Australia has a clean, green image for food production
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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
Click icon to add chart
Microbial contamination 2012
› Recall of almonds due to Salmonella contamination
› Wet season almonds lay on the ground
› Vacuum steam pasturisation and processing minimises risk
Action to Minimise the Risks
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Fresh Produce Safety Centre
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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
› 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.
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Goals of the Fresh Produce Safety Centre
Fresh Produce Safety Centre
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Engaging with industry, regulatory & research bodies on fresh produce safety
Call for Research
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› 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?
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Irrigation water Composting
Wildlife
Washwater sanitation
What are the gaps in research?
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Hygiene in the Packhouse
Invitation to Get Involved
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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
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Subscribe to the e-Newsletter:
› Email [email protected]
› Pledge your support: bronze to platinum
› Contact: Emma Walters Interim Executive DirectorFresh Produce Safety Centre, hosted by the University of SydneyEmail: [email protected]
Become a supporter of FPSC:
Attend an FPSC event:
› Conference 11 August in Sydney
› Visit http://freshproducesafety-anz.com/category/events/
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
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Thank you
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