Parker Waichman LLP

Stricter Safety Regulations and Research Needed to Address E. Coli Threat to Leafy Greens

Spinach E. Coli Highlighted The Food Borne Pathogen Out Of Fresh Produce Several years ago, the Dole Fresh Bagged Spinach E. coli outbreak highlighted the difficulty of keeping the food borne pathogen out of fresh produce.    Since then, the growers of leafy greens in California have taken steps to keep their crops safe from E. […]

Leafy Greens

Spinach E. Coli Highlighted The Food Borne Pathogen Out Of Fresh Produce Several years ago, the Dole Fresh Bagged Spinach E. coli outbreak highlighted the difficulty of keeping the food borne pathogen out of fresh produce.    Since then, the growers of leafy greens in California have taken steps to keep their crops safe from E. coli contamination.   But despite the danger E. coli can present to consumers,  federal regulators have, for the most part, allowed growers  to self-regulate.   Many question whether or not  steps the industry voluntarily takes will be enough to prevent another leafy green E. coli outbreak in the future.

In September 2006, bagged fresh baby spinach sold by the Dole Food Company was linked to an E. coli outbreak that was blamed for the deaths of three people and illness in 200 others. Health officials traced the source of that E. coli contamination to a cattle ranch adjacent to the California field where the spinach was grown. It is believed that runoff from the ranch that was contaminated with cattle feces made its way into the spinach field.  Since then, several other recalls of E. coli contaminated lettuce and other greens have made headlines.

Growers And Processors Formed A Safety Group

Recently growers and processors in California’s Central Valley formed a safety group, and 118 companies have signed on to the California Leafy Green Handler Marketing Agreement. Safety precautions covered by the agreement include testing the water supply monthly for E. coli and keeping animals off farmland.  But signing onto that agreement is strictly voluntary, although once growers do sign on, they are legally bound to adhere to the standards. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) is considering implementing a national version of those industry-developed standards that followed the E. coli outbreak and now govern California farmers and leafy green handlers.  While the USDA is weighing both voluntary and mandatory standards, it has been reported that the agency favors a voluntary program that allows flexibility.

But many consumer advocates are saying that whether they are voluntary or mandatory, the new leafy green standards are inadequate.  While the new standards could reduce the risk of runoff from cattle pastures contaminating fields with E. coli, they do little to address the risk of E. coli from deer, pigs, birds, rodents and garden slugs.   What’s worse, very little research is being done to determine how likely these other potential E. coli sources might be to contaminate fields. Research is needed to perform quantitative risk assessments, to prioritize the actual risks and to devote the necessary resources to minimize or eliminate them.  While some of this work is being done — The Center for Produce Safety at the  University of California  Davis was recently formed with industry and government money to better understand E. coli risks – much more research in this area is needed.

Need Legal Help Regarding Sickness after eating Leafy Greens Products?

The personal injury attorneys at Parker Waichman LLP offer free, no-obligation case evaluations. For more information, fill out our online contact form or call 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529).

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Michele Josama Has been an Amazing Help, I appreciate all she has done!! Her customers service is 100%.
Angee Hammond
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Settled my case faster than expected! I didn’t have to deal with the paper work it all! PW is fantastic!
Erik Little
7 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I am glad I chose Parker and Waichman to represent me and couldn't be happier to work with Julie and Maryann. They have been extremely helpful in assisting me and helping me throughout the whole process. They have made this uncomfortable situation feel very comfortable from day one and have been calling me with updates and checking up on me to see how I have been doing. Great Job and THANK YOU to them both.
Edgar Rosario
5 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038