IRVINE, CA - News recently hit the industry revealing the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will not conduct a broad sampling of leafy greens produced in the Salinas Valley region for the 2022 growing season—a decision sparked by extensive data from Western Growers (WG), the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement, and the California Department of Food and Agriculture inspection activities.

"Western Growers is committed to developing and deploying data collection and analytic digital tools to further enhance the sharing of industry information," said De Ann Davis, WG's Senior Vice President of Science. "We think this is an encouraging development for our members as we strive to grow the safest produce possible."

According to a press release, the FDA is considering risk-based surveillance sampling based on historical data and information from previous outbreaks of foodborne illness. The administration also reserves the right to reassess this approach in the wake of unforeseen events.

The FDA also encouraged the three organizations to continue working with the agency in an effort to enhance the sharing of industry information regarding pre-harvest and post-harvest testing as they unite to ensure the safety of leafy greens.

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