Why You Need To Be Proactive With CEA Food Safety
As the controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry continues to mature, food safety has become a frequent topic in public forums and private conversations. This increased interest has been propelled by several foodborne disease outbreaks linked to CEA produce. Even so, proactive food safety practices still fail to keep pace in many CEA facilities industrywide.
These outbreaks have weakened the argument by some growers that controlled-environment production is somehow immune to foodborne disease risks. However, the perceived cost and inconvenience of implementing food safety measures remain common reasons for the lack of proactive protocols.
To gain a better understanding and a fresh perspective on the cost of doing nothing, CEAg World reached out to Dr. Darin Detwiler, LP.D. An internationally recognized authority on food safety issues, Dr. Detwiler has been an integral figure in the control of foodborne illness for more than three decades. He currently serves as Chair of the National Environmental Health Association (NEHA) Food Safety Program Committee, participates in numerous advisory and editorial capacities, and consults on food safety issues with companies worldwide.
In addition, the International Association for Food Protection honored Dr. Detwiler with its 2022 Ewen C.D. Todd Control of Foodborne Illness Award for dedicated and exceptional contributions to reducing risks of foodborne illness. For CEA growers, owners and investors who are listening, the message is clear: Implementing robust food safety protocols can prevent foodborne illness outbreaks, and the cost of doing nothing significantly outweighs the cost of doing something.
Proactive Food Safety as a Financial Strategy
Aside from the humanitarian angle, prevention of foodborne disease outbreaks should be a business priority for CEA growers. Dr. Detwiler shared that more than 800 foodborne disease outbreaks are reported in the U.S. alone, annually. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are approximately 600 million cases of foodborne illness worldwide each year, including 420,000 deaths.
While CEA-related outbreaks are the minority compared to larger industries, financial risks associated with an outbreak are major.
“The financial impact of an outbreak includes medical expenses, legal fees, product recalls, and loss of consumer trust,” Dr. Detwiler said. “These costs far exceed the investment in preventative measures.”
The cost of a product recall and a tarnished brand should serve as a wake-up call for proactive food safety throughout CEA.
“When a contaminated product reaches the market, the cost of recalling and disposing of the product is immense,” Dr. Detwiler said. “Consumer trust is vital in the food industry. A food safety incident can lead to a long-term loss of customer confidence, reduced sales and negative media coverage, impacting the brand’s value and market position.”
Dr. Detwiler cited a joint industry study by FMI and Grocery Manufacturers Association that puts the average direct cost of a food recall at $10 million from lost sales and potential regulatory fines, plus brand damage. Of course, investor confidence takes a hit alongside consumer trust.
Increased litigation and liability risks provide more fuel. Dr. Detwiler shared that the consequences of neglecting food safety include steadily escalating settlements or judgments, which add to financial instability. But they also include landmark prison sentences for executives and managers, which puts the cost of inaction in a very different light.
“By investing in food safety, companies can mitigate these risks and avoid the high costs associated with foodborne illness outbreaks and non-compliance,” he said. “Thus, proactive food safety measures are not just a regulatory requirement but a sound financial strategy.”
For more, continue reading at CEAgWorld.com.
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