Salmonella Outbreak is now Over – But for How Long?

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) the most current salmonella outbreak is now over. The bacteria were found primarily in Jalapeño peppers, secondarily in Serrano peppers, and possibility early in the outbreak in tomatoes. Over a 1000 cases of individuals with confirmed cases of salmonella infections were reported.
University of Texas at El Paso students enrolled in an international health research course while conducting a health survey of farm worker harvesting Jalapeño peppers in the Mexico state of Chihuahua during the summer of 2008 reported a variety of environmental issues. While the students were not specifically researching salmonella, however in the process of interviewing the farm workers they noted the unsanitary working conditions. The workers had no fresh water supply, there were no toilets, and no way for them to wash their hands. Shortly after this field visit officials of the Department of Health in the State of Chihuahua notified the public that Jalapeño peppers from their area were found to be contaminated with salmonella.
The crops may have contaminated by unclean water, from unsanitary harvesting procedures, and possible contamination during the transportation and processing of the peppers at the variety of way points as the pepper found their way into the USA.
The CDC and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) really lack the resources to provide the necessary timely testing of imports to insure fruits and vegetables are safe. The use of irradiation has been approved by the USDA but costs associated with using this technology and consumer acceptance create a significant barrier to its widespread adoption. Do not look for this technology at least in the next few years to be available to help protect our food supply.
Standards for the production of agricultural products do exist and with enforcement in both USA and other international settings particularly in Mexico and Chile the safety of our fresh fruits and vegetables have a greater chance of being safe for consumers. Food preparation is still the first line of defense. Suppliers should be held accountable to insure that the food products being sold are safe. A simply field visits to the peppers fields such as that conducted by our UTEP students are needed.
Growers and middle men should be required to adhere to standards that will insure our fruits and vegetable are safe. The costs of having hand washing facilities, providing clean drinking water to the farm workers, providing proper toileting facilities, insuring a clean processing plant and transportation that is free from contamination, and using non polluted water to irrigate the crops are costs effective and should be enforced.
Illnesses that can result from eating unsafe food products should not be underestimated. Children, the elderly, and those with impaired immunities are at particular risk. Some of us in the USA may have taken for granted the safety of our food products. The most recent outbreak reminds us that we must also take responsibility for food safety. All fresh produce and fruits should be washed thoroughly with running tap water prior to being used. Additional safeguards are cooking, using only canned items or peeling the product.