Scientists maintain that the bacteria that cause food poisoning “aren’t going away, despite the efforts of the food industry to eliminate them,” according to a CNN report.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The report adds that new germs arrive in imported foods and bacteria already here developed in new forms, quoting a report submitted to the Institute of Food Technologies. “The bacteria listeria monocytogenes are so common in the environment that it’s practically impossible to keep food entirely free of them.”
The scientists also maintain that the increasing use of manure as fertiliser poses the risk of spreading harmful bacteria to food, either by contaminating irrigation water or by coming into contact with crops. The report also warns against overuse of antibiotics in livestock, as there is growing evidence that it’s causing bacteria to become resistant to drugs. In addition, the report raises concern about the regulation of imported fruits and vegetables and the potential for new pathogens getting into the country.
“FDA inspects less than 2% of imported fruits and vegetables. Major supermarket chains, worried about new outbreaks of salmonella and other bacteria, have recently started requiring domestic and foreign produce suppliers to be inspected by private firms,” the report says.
The lack of reporting food poisoning illnesses to public health authorities means that government agencies and food companies may not be aware of new pathogens or dangerous products. “Changes in how foods are processed – such as leaving out salt, can lead inadvertently to new safety problems by making food more hospitable to bacteria, or by causing the bacteria to evolve into hardier forms.”
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalData
