0157:H7
OUTBREAK LINKED TO SPINACH
An outbreak linked to fresh spinach from California sickened 205 people and caused 3 deaths.
FDA’s investigation identified the outbreak strain in cattle feces collected less than a mile from the implicated field; feral swine were also observed in the area.
CALIFORNIA LGMA FOUNDED
California farmers, in partnership with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, made a commitment to protect public health through the creation of the California LGMA.
The LGMA mandated that member companies:
• Have a documented food safety plan
• Have a dedicated food safety professional
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
LGMA will continue to protect consumers and enact solutions by evolving science-based food safety standards that build on a preventative and collaborative structure.
ESTABLISHED
In collaboration with Western Growers, LGMA released the first set of food safety standards (sometimes called metrics), which include:
• Environmental assessments
• Water quality
• Soil amendments
• Worker hygiene practices
• Mandatory corrective actions
• Have a traceback program LGMA STANDARDS
LGMA EXPANDS TO ARIZONA
As a critical part of a year-round leafy greens supply chain, the Arizona Department of Agriculture created a sister LGMA program that closely mirrors the California LGMA.
In addition to three scheduled seasonal audits, one unannounced audit was added to the audit program. Plus, a new electronic database system was enacted to provide trend analysis for improvement.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND TRAINING
LGMA hires first Technical Director to analyze audit data and create targeted but flexible training to drive continuous improvement.
2,500 AUDITS CONDUCTED
In the first five years, LGMA conducted over 2,500 audits to drive continuous improvement and build a culture of food safety on the leafy greens farms.
RISK ASSESSMENTS EXPAND
The organization expanded its required assessments to look for any environmental risks and indications of animal intrusion, broadening risk analysis in the field.
LGMA MEETS AND EXCEEDS FDA’S PRODUCE SAFETY RULE
As the rule went into effect in 2016, California LGMA updated its standards to align with FDA’S requirements.
E. coli
0157:H7 OUTBREAK LINKED TO ROMAINE
In the spring, an outbreak linked to Romaine from the Yuma, Arizona region sickened 210 people and caused 5 deaths. FDA’s investigation found the outbreak strain in irrigation canal water, however the route of contamination was unknown.
LGMA RESPONDS WITH STANDARDS UPDATES
The LGMA worked together with industry experts, academia, and regulators to analyze potential causes and risk factors from the spring outbreak and update standards prior to the start of winter harvest.
STANDARDS REVIEW
The LGMA is reviewing and enhancing standards for harvest sanitation and agricultural water.
COLLABORATION AND ALIGNMENT THROUGHOUT THE FOOD CHAIN
LGMA is working to collaborate not only with suppliers, but with buyers and regulators to align on goals for a more resilient and responsive framework that improves food safety standards throughout the food chain.
SMARTER AUDITS
A comprehensive review of LGMA audits was undertaken to ensure they are riskbased, effective, and focused on the most critical elements.
AGGREGATED DATA SHARING
An industry first, the Romaine Test & Learn program, was launched and requires all members who conduct pathogen testing to submit their findings to a data sharing platform.
LGMA also partnered with academia and industry experts to assess the findings with the goal of learning how to improve food safety measures.
SCIENCEBASED UPDATES
As a part of its annual review and in response to FDA’s investigation findings from the 2019 outbreak, several new requirements were added to LGMA’s standards, including:
• Enhanced adjacent land risk assessment
• A major revision to soil amendments and crop inputs
• The addition of root cause analysis
LGMA DRIVES BEST PRACTICES IN WATER AND HARVEST OPERATIONS
LGMA makes refinements to its standards for agricultural water and harvest equipment sanitation.
E. coli
0157:H7 OUTBREAK LINKED TO ROMAINE
In the fall, an outbreak linked to Romaine from California’s Central Coast region sickened 167 people. FDA’s investigation, released in 2021, pointed to the proximity of cattle as a potential cause, however the route of contamination was uncertain.
ENHANCED APPROACH TO MONITORING WATER SOURCES
To account for potential water contamination, LGMA adopts more robust monitoring and enhanced standards for agricultural water quality.
E. coli
0157:H7 OUTBREAK LINKED TO ROMAINE
In the fall, an outbreak linked to Romaine from California’s Central Coast region sickened 67 people. FDA’s investigation pointed to water quality as a potential cause, however the route of contamination was uncertain.
