FDA Announces Findings from Food-Born Illness Pathogen Study

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FDA Shares Findings from Multi-Year Pathogen Study

Thursday, June 6, 2024

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On June 5, 2024, FDA announced preliminary findings from a nearly 5-year study of E. coli, including Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), and Salmonella pathogens in the Southwest agricultural region. The study was conducted in conjunction with a number of partners in the region and in the leafy green industry.
These pathogens are a major cause of food-born illness in leafy greens and the study was launched following a major food-born illness outbreak in Yuma, Arizona which was linked to E. coli 0157:H7 (a STEC serotype). Over the course of the study (May 2019 – April 2024), more than 5000 samples were collected from a variety of potential environmental reservoirs, including water, soil, sediment, air, animal fecal material, and wildlife. Whole genome sequencing was performed on samples to determine their genetic relatedness and distribution.
The study found that positive results increased with proximity to concentrated animal feeding operations and the data suggests that air, dust, and wind play a role in pathogen transfer. However, birds and other wildlife do not appear to be a significant source of STEC.
Continued analysis of the data and its implications is planned and additional details will be presented at the International Association for Food Protection meeting on July 14-17, 2024.