How is the cause or source of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak determined?
In the current spinach E. coli O157:H7 outbreak, the fact that illnesses are so dispersed (over 23 states to date) suggests that the contamination likely happened early in the distribution chain. The investigation into the possible source and cause of contamination is ongoing, including on the farm and in processing plants. • Where in the farm to table continuum is fresh produce most likely to become contaminated? What are the potential sources for produce contamination? FDA’s 1998 Guide to Minimize Microbial Contamination of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (also referred to as the Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) guide) describes potential sources of microbial contamination in the field and packing house environments and makes broad scope recommendations for how to reduce or minimize opportunities for contamination. According to the GAPs guide, areas that should be considered to minimize the potential for the microbial contamination of produce include: agricultural water (e.g., for irri
