In the news

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Dr. Gottlieb, the commissioner of FDA revealed a few new pieces of information about the the romaine lettuce outbreak in Yuma AZ. Several environmental samples of canal water near the lettuce farms have been contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 that genetically match the strain of bacteria that caused the outbreak. During the investigation, additional strains of shiga-toxin producing E. coli, different than the outbreak strain, were identified. The investigators need to understand how and why this strain of E. coli O157:H7 got into this body of water and how that led to contamination of romaine lettuce from multiple farms. @ https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm612187.htm?utm_campaign=06282018_Statement_Developments%20in%20the%20romaine%20outbreak%20investigation%2C%20recent%20outbreaks&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua

Walmart is going to feature a new line of produce manufactured by Eden Green Technology. It is the first vertical farm. Eden Green Technology’s Crisply produce grows in greenhouses in proprietary vine-like systems. The company’s technology encloses each plant in a medium less (no soil), microclimate bubble, which is monitored and optimized for growth and mitigating contamination. Eden Green Technology expects to grow 10 to 15 harvests a year, compared to an average of two harvests for conventional, soil-based farms. The company’s technology enables plants to feed on a continuous flow of nutrient-filled water and natural sunlight. This technology will be able to grow leafy produce free of pathogens, in a totally traceable environment. @ https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eden-green-technology-a-next-generation-farming-company-debuts-crisply-a-freshly-picked-pesticide–herbicide–and-chemical-free-produce-line-300672684.html

CDC identified an outbreak of Hepatitis A associated with a Hardee’s employee diagnosed with it. The health director said there have been 12 cases of hepatitis A this year, 10 since April 20. The Hardee’s restaurant voluntarily closed Tuesday afternoon and will remain closed indefinitely. The health department knew about the Hardee’s connection Monday but waited until Tuesday afternoon to tell the public. Officials said as many as 4,000 people ate at the restaurant over that 10-day period. Mecklenburg County Commissioner Pat Cotham said the Health Department dragged its feet on the issue and should have told the public sooner. According to the CDC, the vaccine must be given within 14 days of exposure for the vaccine to be effective. Hundreds of people lined up outside the Northwest Health Department Wednesday to get their vaccinations. @ https://www.wsoctv.com/news/local/customers-possibly-exposed-to-hepatitis-a-at-west-charlotte-hardees-restaurant/777564680