Recent Produce Recalls in the USA, Federal Relief for Drought-Stricken Farmers, and Produce Ordering Software

There have been several instances of various produce being recalled in the last few days due to possible contamination by bacteria that could cause illness.  In at least one case, the recall was based on a random sample by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, with no reports of sickness due to the consumption of the product in question.  It is good to know that the system is working to prevent possible widespread exposure to the mass of consumers, even if it may cause temporary hardship to those in the produce industry.  It is always better to be safe now than sorry later.

A Northern California produce supplier has decided to voluntarily recall romaine lettuce shipped to 19 states, Canada, and Puerto Rico over the possibility that there was E. coli contamination.  The recall is limited to a single lot that was available in retail stores starting on August 2^nd.   Only about 2100 cases were possibly affected, with either 12 or 18 heads in each case.  

Another possible contamination risk comes from a North Carolina farm, which is recalling 580 cases of cantaloupes that could have come into contact with listeria.  These cantaloupes were shipped on July 15^th, and carry a red label with Burch Farms.  Destroy these melons if you have any in your possession.

The record setting drought in the Midwest has really affected farmers trying to eke out a living, but now the Federal Government is finally stepping in to help out.  Multiple federal agencies in a multi-million dollar effort are working to provide farmers with financial and technical assistance where needed.  The Agriculture Department, Transportation Department, and even the Coast Guard are helping out where they can.  The government is buying as much as $170 million of lamb, chicken, pork, and catfish to help with the high cost of animal feed.

The drought is expected to last until at least November, and has resulted in very dry conditions all over the United States, and could end up costing the country at least $50 billion!  Even though recent rain has started some areas on the road to recovery, some major crops have yet to realize the full impact of the drought.  Corn and soybeans in particular, will have to wait until harvest time before that is known.

Whether or not the administration’s efforts are coming soon enough is something that only time will tell, and it may be late September before farms and produce growers feel any relief.  Hopefully this drought will end soon and farmers will be able to go back to doing what they know best, growing crops and produce for the world!  Efficiency and making sure that the company’s business processes are sound will go a long way to ensure long term profits in this industry, and having the right produce ordering software system can help to get you there!