WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on August 13 that it has initiated onsite inspections and sampling at Taylor Farms de Mexico’s facility as part of its investigation into the ongoing cyclospora outbreak.
Brian Ronholm, Director of Food Policy at Consumer Reports, released the following statement:
“It’s alarming that it took this long for the FDA to go down there and identify the potential factors that could have contributed to this outbreak. They should have sent investigators down there right away once an initial link was established.
“Being on the ground gives investigators an up close look at the operations that testing alone can’t replicate and an opportunity to identify conditions that could have contributed to this outbreak. There is also the potential for investigators to learn important lessons that could help prevent future outbreaks.”
Consumer Reports (CR) has raised concerns that recent funding cuts and staff reductions are straining the ability of the agencies to oversee the food supply. CR is calling on Congress to restore funding for the CDC, FDA, and state foodborne illness surveillance programs, and to implement a comprehensive food traceability system.
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Media Contact: Emily Akpan, emily.akpan@consumer.org