The Cost of E.Coli
QA 15/04_B
The Cost of E.Coli
We should all remember the outbreak of a rare E.Coli strain in 2011 across Europe. This strain was the cause of the May through to June 2011 outbreak that saw 3,950 people infected and 53 deaths.
The cause was initially thought to be from cucumbers imported from Spanish greenhouses, however this was proved incorrect. Unfortunately, despite the finding it cost Spanish growers $200 million a week. Eventually the source was confirmed to be sprouts, from seeds imported from Egypt and widely distributed throughout Europe.
In total it is estimated that this outbreak cost Farmers and industries $1.3 billion – however, it could have cost even more if the traceability processes were not stringent enough to be able to locate the actual source.
Can your business trace the source of all of their produce? Do you keep records on suppliers or even audit the premises of your suppliers, to ensure they adhere to the standards required? If your business needs help please contact Simmone Porter or Karen Doran on 3915 4222 or [email protected].