New Study Focuses on Prevention of Future E. coli Outbreaks

BOULDER, Colo. — A new report from the Organic Center highlights steps to prevent another massive E. coli outbreak in leafy greens, including a one-half mile separation of cattle and leafy green fields.

Since outbreaks of E. coli last year, growers and processors of fresh leafy greens, especially in California, have adopted significant, new prevention-based food safety practices aimed at preventing another outbreak, the report says. The study, “Unfinished Business: Preventing E. coli 0157 Outbreaks Caused by Leafy Greens,” is authored by the non-profit center’s chief scientist Charles Benbrook.

The Western Growers Association led the effort leading to adoption by processors and handlers of a set of “Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) Metrics.” Market leader Fresh Express has committed $2 million for research on how to prevent future outbreaks, and Natural Selection Foods has implemented a new “test and hold” program that has helped ensure that all shipped product is pathogen free.

“Prevention of foodborne illness outbreaks requires innovation, attention to detail and diligence from ‘farm to fork,’” says Dr. Benbrook.

The new report provides an in-depth discussion of the likely causes of the 2006 outbreak, and includes a dramatic series of pictures of the outbreak field and surrounding area.

“One lesson learned is that cattle, manure and fresh leafy greens make for a volatile mix,” according to Benbrook. Until more is known about how pathogenic E. coli finds its way to leafy green fields, the report calls for one-half mile separation between grazing cattle and leafy green fields. The GAP Metrics currently require only 30 feet.

For a copy of the report, click here.