Americans deserve safe, healthy food

Editor,

More than 100 cases of Cyclospora infection have been reported in Maryland since May 1, with thousands of cases reported nationwide. Cyclospora is a parasite that causes severe diarrhea that can last for weeks, along with stomach cramps, nausea, fatigue, and weight loss.

Public health officials have linked recent outbreaks to contaminated fresh produce distributed through major suppliers that serve grocery stores and restaurants used by many Worcester County residents. Because nearly half of foodborne illnesses are associated with uncooked fruits and vegetables, consumers depend on a strong food safety system to identify outbreaks quickly and remove contaminated products from the marketplace.

These outbreaks are devastating for farmers, restaurants, food processors, and distributors, most of whom work hard to provide safe food. Programs such as the Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) encourage growers to meet food safety standards that exceed minimum government requirements, but voluntary programs cannot replace effective federal oversight.

Unfortunately, many food safety experts warn that years of underfunding have weakened our nation’s ability to detect and prevent outbreaks. The Trump administration has cut staffing for the FDA by 20% and CDC staffing by 25%.  This administration has reduced our Surveillance Scientist from 11 to 3.  The National Advisory Committee on microbial contamination has been disbanded.  The Food Net (joint venture with FDA, CEC and USDA) use to track 8 nasty microbes including cyclospora; now it only tracks 2 microbes.  Recent staffing reductions have raised concerns about food inspection, disease surveillance, and outbreak investigations. Experts also worry that reductions in scientific advisory committees and surveillance programs will make it more difficult to identify emerging threats and trace contaminated foods to their source.

Former FDA food safety director Susan Mayne has urged consumers to be especially cautious with bagged salads while current investigations continue. She called the situation “a national wake-up call,” saying, “We want our dollars to be spent protecting public health… I haven’t talked to a single person from either party that wants to see unsafe foods on their tables.”

Food safety should never be a partisan issue. Every American deserves confidence that the food on their family’s table has been grown, processed, and inspected using the best science available. Strong food safety programs protect consumers while also protecting the farmers, restaurants, and businesses that depend on public trust.

Tish Michel
Ocean City