The CDC has quietly decided that they will only test two of eight pathogens tested in food and produce before it is shipped to vendors, these of which can cause food borne illnesses.
According to Food Safety News, they have a direct quote from a representative of the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, which entails that they will only continue to check for Salmonella and E.Coli in the process of testing food items.
“Although FoodNet will narrow its focus to Salmonella and STEC, it will maintain both its infrastructure and the quality it has come to represent. Narrowing FoodNet’s reporting requirements and associated activities will allow FoodNet staff to prioritize core activities,” Gabrial Alvarado, CDC spokesman, told Food Safety News.
Testing and looking for these six pathogens is no longer required for the 10 states who work with Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet). Those states that opt out of Foodnet’s monitoring, are not subject to other forms of testing.
FoodNet is essentially the main program states follow when it comes to food monitoring systems, checking for pesticides or germs that happen during the farming process.
As of July 1, FoodNet the six pathogens removed from testing are Listeria, Campylobacter Cyclospora, Shigella, Vibrio and Yersinia. None of these pathogens are considered harmless. Pathogens like Campylobacter can cause diarrhea, while pathogens like Listeria can even lead to death.
An anonymous source from the CDC claims these pathogen monitoring systems were cut due to inadequate funding, while FoodNet claims it can still test for these pathogens but won’t reveal the extra funding to continue the testing they just removed.
Many food safety experts are opposing this decision, warning the CDC that cutting these pathogens will have serious consequences and will harm the American People. The decision to also let states decide whether or not they want to monitor for these harmful pesticides is even more harmful, as some of them will follow a specific political agenda.
Americans are being warned by activists online that Aldi and Costco are one of the two national vendors that are doing their own individual testing for all 8 of the pathogens that are required of them. This action specifically can have a huge effect on individuals at home struggling for good food or good produce, it will now be even harder with the worry of possible pesticides in a packet of strawberries and the scarcity of stores who do follow the right testing.
When talking to Culinary Professor, Chef Alex Carillo, he speaks on the dangers that individuals at home are unaware of when it comes to what pathogens are still existing without being seen.
“It can really impact those that are not aware of food safety practices, because they just may be unaware, [and] now they’re buying their produce from the store, and if it’s not regulated as well as it used to, they’re treating it the same way and it could potentially be harmful,” said Carillo.
Carillo also gives tips for those who are at home who are worried about the safety of consuming products amidst this worrisome decision. He aids individuals at home to know certain practices based on if the product is from an animal or produce. Always remember to wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly, even giving them a longer soak.
Especially with items like dairy/cheese, eggs and meat. Which are time temperature sensitive, meaning they should be kept cold until cooked and immediately stored in the refrigerator after packing away. Those leftovers should also be eaten as quickly as possible. Carillo also aids in making smaller batches for those who live alone, which saves waste of money and food.
There are many concerns of the impact this will have on families across America. Let this be our time to learn about the safest places to shop, or the best ways to clean or preserve our food to be safe to consume without the worry of foodborne illnesses.
