TMFFC
News Flash
Asociacion
De Procesadores Y Exportadores De Frutas Y Vegetales En General., A.C.
Listeria
and fall harvest transplantation updates
The recent Listeria problem experienced by a large food processor in U.S.A. in one of their meat products which resulted in multiple deaths has promted numerous inquiries from concerned customers as to the current and future food safety practices by members of our Association. Since this matter is of serious interest to customers and processors alike, we would like to take this opportunity to explain how we, Mexican processors, are addressing this issue.
Background
Listeria is the
generic name of a microorganism which lives in a dark, damp "environment"
such as might occur in drain lines or damaged processing room flooring.
It does not occur naturally in vegetables.
The Genus Listeria
sp. has several species. Only one of these species has demonstrated to
be a hazard to health. Listeria monocytogenes.
Prior incidents
of Listeria monocytogenes have occurred in food products such as meat
and cheese. There is, to the best of our knowledge, no record incident
of Listeria monocytogenes in frozen vegetables.
Current Practices
While there is no "standard" environmental sampling practice currently in use by Mexican processors, all of our members are doing environmental testing for Listeria. Our reason for testing the "environment" is that if Listeria is not present in those places where it might possibly live-drain lines, floors, etc., we can be very confident that a Listeria problem does not exist within the facility. Should you wish information on the specific testing practices employed by your supplier, kindly contact your supplier directly.
Future Plans
In light of customer interest in this topic, we, as an Association, are addressing this issue on two fronts.
We have formed
a task force to review this matter and to make a recommendation to our
members as to the best system for conducting comprehensive "environmental
tests".
We will be working
with the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) to determine what the institute
recommends so that we might incorporate their thinking into our recommendation
to our members.
As to the issue of "product testing" for Listeria, we, are as an Association are not prepared to support this approach at this time as we believe we should be focusing our efforts on creating, maintaining a Listeria-free "environment". In other words, we believe our focus should be on "prevention". If the environment is safe, the product will automatically be Listeria free.
Fall Harvest Transplantation's Intentions
Our annual survey of members transplantation intentions for the fall harvest (June 15 seedling transplantation's into the fields) reveals that, on average, 23% fewer seedlings will be transplanted during the first crop cycle. This reduction reflects the lingering impact of financial losses resulting from El Nino and La Nina as well as current inventory levels.
Thank you for your inquires on these matters and please expect that we will have more to report on this issue during the months ahead.
Top of Page
Go to News Flash for: 1/21/99 - 2/19/99 - 6/1/99
The recent Listeria problem experienced by a large food processor in U.S.A. in one of their meat products which resulted in multiple deaths has promted numerous inquiries from concerned customers as to the current and future food safety practices by members of our Association. Since this matter is of serious interest to customers and processors alike, we would like to take this opportunity to explain how we, Mexican processors, are addressing this issue.
Background
Listeria is the
generic name of a microorganism which lives in a dark, damp "environment"
such as might occur in drain lines or damaged processing room flooring.
It does not occur naturally in vegetables.The Genus Listeria
sp. has several species. Only one of these species has demonstrated to
be a hazard to health. Listeria monocytogenes.Prior incidents
of Listeria monocytogenes have occurred in food products such as meat
and cheese. There is, to the best of our knowledge, no record incident
of Listeria monocytogenes in frozen vegetables.Current Practices
While there is no "standard" environmental sampling practice currently in use by Mexican processors, all of our members are doing environmental testing for Listeria. Our reason for testing the "environment" is that if Listeria is not present in those places where it might possibly live-drain lines, floors, etc., we can be very confident that a Listeria problem does not exist within the facility. Should you wish information on the specific testing practices employed by your supplier, kindly contact your supplier directly.
Future Plans
In light of customer interest in this topic, we, as an Association, are addressing this issue on two fronts.
We have formed
a task force to review this matter and to make a recommendation to our
members as to the best system for conducting comprehensive "environmental
tests".We will be working
with the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) to determine what the institute
recommends so that we might incorporate their thinking into our recommendation
to our members.As to the issue of "product testing" for Listeria, we, are as an Association are not prepared to support this approach at this time as we believe we should be focusing our efforts on creating, maintaining a Listeria-free "environment". In other words, we believe our focus should be on "prevention". If the environment is safe, the product will automatically be Listeria free.
Fall Harvest Transplantation's Intentions
Our annual survey of members transplantation intentions for the fall harvest (June 15 seedling transplantation's into the fields) reveals that, on average, 23% fewer seedlings will be transplanted during the first crop cycle. This reduction reflects the lingering impact of financial losses resulting from El Nino and La Nina as well as current inventory levels.
Thank you for your inquires on these matters and please expect that we will have more to report on this issue during the months ahead.
Top of Page
Go to News Flash for: 1/21/99 - 2/19/99 - 6/1/99
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