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 info@freshproducesafety-anz.com

› Pledge your support: bronze to platinum

› Contact: Emma Walters Interim Executive DirectorFresh Produce Safety Centre, hosted by the University of SydneyEmail: info@freshproducesafety-anz.com

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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