U.S. Lettuce Producers Enhance Safety Regulations in Response to FDA Disorder
The produce industry sets its own stringent, science-driven standards – epitomized by the LGMA, a self-funded enforcement model and data sharing program – keeping lettuce safe and applicable across various sectors.
Undeterred by the chaos and funding cuts to food safety oversight during the Trump Administration, the US lettuce industry thrives under independent regulation. Tim York, CEO of the CA Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement, underscores the importance of self-imposed industry food safety mandates in a complex supply chain and natural growing challenges.
Costly, Yet Effective Efforts
Dr. Max Teplitski, chief science officer at the International Fresh Produce Association, highlights the expense of the LGMA program, with academic studies demonstrating significant costs. One such study showed average grower costs for compliance doubled to roughly $21,500 per acre following implementation. Yet, LGMA's strict and verifiable standards outpace FDA regulations, preventing and handling outbreaks and recalls for decades.
California's Strict Enforcement
LGMA's mandatory third- party audits, overseen by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, help ensure compliance without conflicts of interest. These certified auditors work for the state, getting reimbursed by LGMA member assessments.
LGMA Standards Across Row Crops
LGMA regulations extend to other commodities grown by their members, as this approach informs their broader food safety practices. This unity in methods benefits all row crop vegetables and prevents inconsistencies in practices for different crops.
Expansive coverage, Minimal Risk
LGMA members' coverage in California and Arizona accounts for approximately 90–94% of the nation's leafy greens production – amounting to over 55 billion servings annually. Despite this widespread consumption, leafy greens are not immune to foodborne illness risks. The FDA considers an outbreak as few as two people falling ill, and while infrequent, such occurrences are deeply concerning and prompt efforts to understand their causes and prevent future incidents.
Haunted by Loopholes, Regulated regardless
A loophole exists in the 1% to 2% of non-LGMA members, being small independent growers that cannot meet LGMA's stringent metrics or afford the associated testing and analysis costs. The LGMA acknowledges the importance of these local producers and offers access to resources to guide their decisions.
Meanwhile, larger players in retail, food service, and intermediary buying face challenges in committing to LGMA-certified products due to industry profit margins. The LGMA meets frequently with major industry players like Walmart, Kroger, Costco, Wegmans, and Yum! Brands to strive for alignment in food safety standards and policies.
Overly General FDA Rules
The FDA, an agency responsible for developing a single standard that applies to all states, faces challenges in achieving scientific, risk-based specificity amid the produce industry's myriad variables. The LGMA has led the way in areas like water standards and offers more targeted, science-based solutions to produce-related safety issues.
Enhancing Water Standards
The LGMA continually updates its water standards to mitigate the potential for harmful pathogens in produce. A recent FDA registered preharvest water treatment rule for produce took 13 years to materialize, but the LGMA has been ahead on the issue and will upgrade metrics this year based on research into California and Arizona water systems.
Romaine Pathogen Testing and Analysis
Since the 2023 launch of its Romaine Test and Learn data-sharing program, LGMA members have conducted over 40,000 pre- and post-harvest pathogen tests on 75,000 acres. This aggregate data analysis aims to revolutionize the industry, mimicking the success of the FAA's Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing Program.
By tracking and analyzing pathogen samples, the LGMA hopes to find needles in the proverbial haystack, addressing industry-wide food safety concerns more effectively.
- The lettuce industry's robust, science-driven practices, such as those epitomized by the LGMA, thrive even amid FDA chaos and federal food safety cuts.
- In California, where most of the nation's lettuce is produced, the LGMA mandates strict, third-party audits overseen by the California Department of Food and Agriculture to ensure safety standards.
- The LGMA's extensive safety practices have led to reductions in foodborne illness risks, with its vigilant regulations outpacing the FDA's on lettuce safety.
- Health-and-wellness-conscious individuals can select LGMA-compliant lettuce, confident in its safety and quality, as over 90% of the nation's lettuce is grown by LGMA members.
- The LGMA actively engages with major food-and-drink industry players like Walmart, Kroger, and Costco to ensure alignment on food safety standards and policies, improving overall food-and-drink safety for various medical-conditions and lifestyles.
