US: Cantaloupe processor largely ignored FDA guidelines, probe finds

Jensen Farms of Colorado might have avoided a listeria outbreak that left 30 people dead and 146 others ill if it had followed a guideline to wash the fruit in chlorinated water, a congressional report says. A listeria outbreak that killed 30 people and sickened 146 others might have been avoided if a Colorado cantaloupe processor had followed U.S. guidelines and washed the fruit in chlorinated water, a congressional investigation found. Jensen Farms in Holly, Colo., also lacked new processing equipment recommended by the Food and Drug Administration, according to the report issued Tuesday by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The FDA, which oversees produce, doesn't have specific regulations for cantaloupe processing and offers only guidance, the committee said in its report. The agency can't shut a facility for violations and doesn't regulate auditors hired by farms to certify that facilities comply with good safety practices.

"The committee will continue to monitor upcoming examinations of the listeria outbreak and related proposals to help prevent another tragedy," Rep. Fred Upton, a Michigan Republican and the committee's chairman, said in a statement. Representatives of Jensen Farms didn't immediately comment. Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world's largest retailer, is among grocers facing a lawsuit alleging it sold contaminated cantaloupe. Costco Wholesale Corp. is developing new safety protocols as a result. The outbreak occurred in September and October. Widespread contamination and unsanitary practices were found at a packing facility owned by the company, the FDA said in an Oct. 18 warning letter. Jensen Farms was graded by an independent auditor as having "superior" safety practices just one month before consumers became ill from eating the fruit.

Source: latimes.com