Top 10 Riskiest Foods are FDA-Regulated

The CSPI stressed that it is not necessary to pass up any of the foods mentioned on the list, such as eggs or tomatoes. However the list is a key indicator that the FDA needs to step up its requirements for food processors to design and implement food safety plans and provide specific safety standards.

The FDA is responsible for regulating produce, seafood, egg and dairy products, as well as typical packaged foods such as cookie dough and peanut butter. This is nearly 80 percent of the food supply. More than 1,500 separate, definable outbreaks were associated with the top 10 riskiest FDA-regulated foods, causing nearly 50,000 reported illnesses

The CSPI report found that 10 foods regulated by the FDA were responsible for 40 percent of all foodborne outbreaks between 1990 and 2006. These foods were linked to almost 50,000 illnesses ranging from stomach aches to disability and death. Researchers noted that the report shows an increased need to update the FDA's safety policies and reduce the number of outbreaks.

The authors of the report mentioned that many foodborne illnesses are never reported so the number outbreaks could be much higher.

In July, the House of Representatives passed the Food Safety Enhancement Act. This bill would require the FDA to conduct more frequent inspections of food processing facilities, and gives the agency the authority to order companies to recall contaminated food.

Here are the top ten FDA-Regulated foods and some of the facts that are in the CSPI report:

Lettuce - Leafy greens, including spinach, lettuce and cabbage, were responsible for 363 outbreaks between 1990 and 2006 and caused 13,568 cases of illness.

Eggs - There were 352 outbreaks involving 11,163 cases of illness due to eggs contaminated primarily with salmonella.

Tuna - Tuna fish was linked to 268 outbreaks and 2341 illnesses.

Oysters - This sought after shellfish caused 132 outbreaks and 3,409 reported illnesses.

Potatoes - The innocent potato caused 108 outbreaks between 1990 and 2006, resulting in 3,695 cases of illness.

Cheese - This popular food was responsible for 83 outbreaks and 2,761 reported illnesses. Salmonella was the most common hazard among cheese related illnesses.

Ice cream - The CSPI reported that ice cream was responsible for 74 outbreaks and 2,594 reported illnesses.

Tomatoes - There were 31 outbreaks involving tomatoes recorded between 1990 and 2006, which resulted in 3,292 illnesses. Because tomatoes are often eaten raw, their risk is increased.

Sprouts - Salmonella is common to sprouts, as is E. coli. The CSPI reports that contaminated sprouts have caused 31 outbreaks and 2,022 reported cases of illness.

Berries - The CSPI noted that berries have contributed to 25 outbreaks between 1990 and 2006, causing 3,395 illnesses. Some of the fruits included are strawberries, blackberries and raspberries.

No one is being told to stop eating these foods and widespread panic should not start. This is an ongoing issue and if the FDA creates a better and more frequent inspection process, consumers will not be at the mercy of the next big foodborne illness outbreak.

Cheryl Phillips
Exclusive to HULIQ.com
Sources: CSPI, FDA