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Produce traceability makes it possible to track produce from its point of origin to a retail location where it is purchased by consumers. Produce traceability is an important link in protecting public health since it allows health agencies to more quickly and accurately identify the source of contaminated fruit or vegetables believed to be the cause of an outbreak of foodborne illness, remove them from the marketplace, and communicate to the supply chain. Since many fruits and vegetables are eaten raw, the produce industry‚ from farmer to retailer, works diligently to protect these foods from contamination. Despite their best efforts, foreign matter can occasionally contaminate produce in the field or orchard, in packing or processing, in transit or storage. Because traceability systems can provide information on the source, location, movement and storage conditions of produce, they also allow growers, packers, processors and distributors to identify factors affecting quality and delivery. Beginning in 2008, an industry-led effort to enhance traceability throughout the entire produce supply chain was launched as the Produce Traceability Initiative. == Trends in outbreaks of produce-related illness == An analysis of 3,500 food-poisoning outbreaks between 1990 and 2003 found that contaminated produce was responsible for the greatest number of individual foodborne illnesses. The study, by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, found that produce caused 428 outbreaks and 23,857 cases of illness.〔Contaminated Produce Top Food Poisoning Culprit, http://www.cspinet.org/new/200404011.html〕 Authorities note that several factors have contributed to the rise in outbreaks: *Great consumption of fresh produce, especially cut fruits and vegetables. *Wider distribution. *Improved electronic reporting of outbreaks. *An aging population more susceptible to foodborne illness. *Unlike meat, which can be rid of bacteria through proper cooking, fresh produce is often meant to be consumed raw.〔E. Coli Outbreaks Reveal Food Safety Holes, The Washington Post, 12/11/2006, http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/10/AR2006121000903_pf.html〕 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration noted in 2007 that fruit and vegetable-related outbreaks of food poisoning are on the rise and had struck in spinach, tomatoes, lettuce and cantaloupes. The agency urged fruit and vegetable processors to adopt food safety plans similar to those in the meat industry.〔FDA Announces New Guidelines for Fruit, Vegetable Growers, http://www.foxnews.com/printer_friendly_story/0,3566,258356,00.html〕 An outbreak of ''Salmonella'' Saintpaul in 2008 was characterized by the US Center for Disease Control as the largest foodborne outbreak in a decade. Some 1304 infected persons were identified in 43 states, at least 252 were hospitalized and two deaths were possibly linked to the outbreak. CDC noted that the trace back of fresh produce, such as tomatoes, through the supply chain could be very difficult and labor-intensive.〔Statement by Lonnie J. King, D.V.M., CDC, 7/30/2008, http://www.hhs.gov/asl/testify/2008/07/t20080730g.html〕 Ironically, the carrier item was ultimately determined to be jalapeño peppers, not tomatoes.〔Salmonella found on pepper; FDA strengthens warning, http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/07/21/fda.salmonella/index.html〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Produce traceability」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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