CDC reports no progress on Salmonella in 15 years

Food Safety Modernization Act must have Salmonella as a first goal

The incidence of salmonella has not decreased in 15 years – and has increased by 10 Food Safety Modernization Act percent in recent years, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

However, the CDC’s latest Vital Signs report, which documents foodborne illness outbreaks in 2010, was not all bad news; cases of E. coli O157:H7 have been nearly halved and the rates of six foodborne infections are down by 23 percent, the report said.

About one million Salmonella cases each year are caused by food consumed in the United States, with an associated direct medical costs are about $365m a year. The CDC said salmonella is particularly difficult to address because it can contaminate such a diverse range of foods, including eggs, meat, produce and processed foods, so tracing the source of an outbreak can be challenging.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) deputy commissioner for foods Michael Taylor said: "The recently enacted Food Safety Modernization Act wisely mandates a comprehensive approach to preventing illnesses from many types of Salmonella and a wide range of other contaminants that can make people sick. The current outbreak of E. coli in Europe demonstrates the importance of the new law, and FDA is committed to implementing the new law as fully as possible within available resources."

Fuente: http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Legislation/CDC-reports-no-progress-on-salmonella-in-15-years

Ary wortzman