Food Safety

It goes without saying that food safety is a top concern for fresh-cut processors. And if recent news reports are any indication, it’s a top concern for consumers, too. Recently I watched a Dateline NBC report called “Supermarket Sweep.” This report ranked the top 10 grocery chains based on food safety. The special ranked the grocery store chains based on the number of safety violations the chain had – on this list, being the best still meant having a number of violations. This story included video and photos of bugs, leaky meat, rotten produce and expired dairy items. Regardless of which chains the newsmagazine visited, the effect on the consumers was the same.

The Dateline NBC Web site’s companion story even goes on to list a variety of foodborne illnesses, including causes, symptoms and treatments. The site also includes ways to “avoid ‘gross-eries.’”

This story is just the most recent in a long line of news reports dedicated to the dangers of food. Consumers are being inundated with information about how unsafe food and food outlets are. If it’s not a story about lettuce safety – or un-safety, as it were – it’s an undercover TV report of dirty restaurants. And if this is the only news consumers hear, it’s no wonder they’re concerned. I’d be worried, too – if I weren’t familiar with all of the steps companies take to ensure their food is as safe as possible.

This is why it’s more important than ever that all members of the food industry take it upon themselves to educate consumers that there are companies doing their best to make sure proper food safety measures are taken. Being proactive is key. The lettuce industry is coming together to meet negative media attention head-on. Check out the story on page 16 to learn more. The newly formed lettuce coalition is a great step toward informing consumers about the real story of lettuce and leafy greens.

Every segment of the produce industry needs to take note. All producers should find a way to be this up-front about food safety. Web sites and packaging offer the perfect opportunity to do this. Every company – from processor to restaurant to cafeteria – can put a section on their Web site that gives consumers the low-down on food safety. Each company has someone – or a team of someones – who handles food safety. This is the perfect outlet for them to detail what they are doing to feed consumers safe, healthful food. The Web site also can include links to FDA, USDA, IFPA, United, PMA and any number of institutions that can give consumers more information on food safety.

Just the fact that a company is willing to be transparent about their food safety practices can be all consumers need.

And if a problem does happen with the safety of the food, be honest, be forthcoming and be heard. The biggest mistake a company can make when an issue arises is being silent. A silent party looks like the guilty party.

There will always be companies that don’t do things quite right when it comes to food safety, which is why those companies who do get it right need to let people know. Don’t let the back of the pack speak for you. Front-runners in food safety practices should be at the front of the publicity race, too.



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