A recent three-day USDA workshop focused on collaboration among industry, government, and academia for the betterment of food safety and public health.
Approximately 40 participants engaged in field tours and discussions covering various topics, including the health effects of cadmium, the significance of spinach and carrots in diets, current production practices in California and Arizona and an overview of research on factors influencing cadmium uptake in crops.
The workshop emphasized open dialogue, recognizing the need for a shared understanding of challenges and building trust among stakeholders to work together toward solutions.
This pilot initiative specifically targeted the production of spinach and carrots in California and Arizona, with the goal of formulating an ongoing plan to address cadmium-related concerns. The group concluded the workshop with a commitment to reconvene virtually within the next two months to provide updates on progress in several areas including establishing a data trust, conducting industry-focused reviews of current knowledge and mitigation strategies, exploring opportunities for formalized collaboration and enhancing transparency and communication.
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“Industry and regulators worked to determine options that promote continuous improvement by the industry while encouraging the consumption of healthy vegetables,” De Ann Davis with Western Growers, said. “The participation by FDA’s Deputy Commissioner for Human Foods, Jim Jones, along with others from various parts of the agency sent a strong signal that FDA is committed to continued collaboration.”
Melanie Abley with USDA’s Office of the Chief Scientist said the event's “balance of presentations, tours, and discussions effectively built trust so that the group could align on common goals, ensuring Americans have consistent access to safe, nutritious, affordable food essential to health.”
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