This week, the outbreak of infections caused by the Salmonella Saintpaul bacteria surpassed 1,000 confirmed cases, making it the largest food-borne outbreak in over 10 years. Cases have been reported since April, and though public alarm has led to additional vigilance and scrutiny, more cases are being reported daily. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps, usually within 12-72 hours after infection. Illness typically lasts 4-7 days and can be overcome by most people without treatment. However, infants, the elderly and those with impaired immune systems are susceptible to severe infections that can be fatal if left untreated.
The large number of cases and geographical distribution (at least 42 states and Canada) have challenged federal and state investigators, who have not been able to pinpoint a source for the contamination since the the first cases were reported in April. Initial studies identified raw tomatoes as the culprit, leading to massive losses for tomato farmers who could not sell their crops. Estimated losses exceed US$100 million. Although tomatoes from many regions around the nation have been deemed safe to eat, consumers are wary. The recent addition of cilantro and jalapeno and serrano peppers as suspect foods has only added to the confusion.
The CDC website includes a diagram mapping reported cases, and a FAQ, but another piece of data stands out: the Sample of an Outbreak Traceback Investigation Diagram (PDF).
Though this document is labeled a sample, a quick review of the flowchart begins to reveal the scale of the investigation underway, as well as the challenges involved. From point of service (supermarket or food establishment) investigators must follow the chain of supplier(s), distributor(s), importers and grower(s) along all food routes. Further complicating matters, national distributors also commonly mix produce from many sources, so it may be impossible to draw a clear path to the farm or even region of origin. As the diagram also illustrates, the contaminated food may have entered the food supply at any of points where “grower” is indicated, and neither domestic nor international sources can be ruled out.
Restoring Consumer Confidence
I’ve spoken with people who are still fearful or very concerned about consuming tomatoes, either store-bought or as an ingredient in restaurant meals. It’s understandable given the media climate, but there are some simple lessons I’d like to share:
- Clearly, bigger is not better. The scope of this outbreak is huge. That means two things: industrial farming and national distribution. Most people today are out of touch with where their food comes from, how it is grown, or even if it is “in season.” This disconnect has grown progressively, first through urbanization, and then through global outsourcing. As a result, most shoppers toss fruits and vegetables into their carts with no thought whatsoever about the life of that item before it was unpacked from a cardboard box. This knowledge may seem irrelevant to many, but the outbreak we are witnessing can be seen as a sign of dysfunction – a reminder that even our public health professionals can’t easily navigate the supply chain. That lack of transparency should be alarming to anyone concerned about health and wellness.
- Trust someone. Unfortunately, while industrial farming provides the majority of calories consumed by Americans, our food transactions happen anonymously. We have supermarket pledges of freshness, but little else. So who can you trust? Visit a local farmers’ market or farm stand and spend a few minutes talking to the growers. You’ll quickly realize that there is a person, after all, behind your food. A person whose beliefs and values are strongly rooted in the cultivation of healthy food for customers who will be back week after week. You are sure to find a vendor (or many) that not only earns your business, but also earns your trust.
- Put your money where your mouth is. Spinach, tomatoes, peppers… before we know it, another e. coli or salmonella outbreak will cause agricultural losses and possibly claim human lives. Make the decision now to buy local food and remove yourself (and your family) from the industrial food system.
Need more reasons?
- You’ll find fresher food at its nutritional peak.
- You’ll build community (dollars you spend locally stay in your city, support your school districts and strengthen the local job market).
- You’ll drastically reduce food-miles…food no longer has to be transported over long distances, reducing fuel usage and CO2 emissions.
Hopefully, the salmonella outbreak will soon pass. However, the opportunities outlined above will still be there – opportunities for turning everyday food transactions into significant, pro-active social actions. On this site you’ll find many local food resources for making the leap, and you are invited to comment and share your own experiences.
Reference: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
