The listeria outbreak linked to cantaloupe grown and processed by Jensen Farms in southeastern Colorado will never be forgotten — particularly by those who lost loved ones. We extend our most heartfelt sympathies to all whose lives were impacted by the outbreak of this food-borne illness.
But here we are, many weeks later, hoping to create something positive in the aftermath of this tragedy, both for the public and the industry that is so vital to Colorado and the small communities it helps support.
The public needs to have confidence in the nation’s food supply, and growers and food producers deserve the attention and guidance both government and industry can provide in identifying best practices in the production of safe, healthy foods. Ensuring the safety of the food supply requires a joint effort, beginning with producers and ending at the kitchen table.
Currently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has regulations to prevent food-borne illness. This alone is not enough. It will require our state agencies — working together with the agricultural industry, the CSU Extension Service, community leaders and others — to help reduce the chance of such outbreaks happening in the future.
Colorado has no inspection rights or oversight of growing operations for cantaloupe or other agricultural products. That is why it is necessary for the state to work together with growers, as well as industry and community leaders.
We appreciate the leadership of growers in helping address these food safety issues. We want our state agencies to be resources where food producers can turn for assistance.
Congress has passed the Food Safety Modernization Act, which provides the FDA with additional tools and resources to prevent food-borne outbreaks; new enforcement authorities to achieve higher rates of compliance; risk-based food safety standards; as well as mechanisms to effectively respond when problems occur. But this alone will not suffice.
All Coloradans benefit by a flourishing agricultural industry. Working together, we want to do everything we can to help food producers recover in the aftermath of this outbreak — and at the same time reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
Our departments will help growers establish certain protocols in the production and processing of melons.
Chris Urbina is executive director and chief medical officer at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. John Salazar is commissioner of the Colorado Department of Agriculture.
