FDA Begins Enhanced Sampling of Avocado Imports
The Food and Drug Administration recently began increased sampling of imported and domestic whole pit avocados as part of an agency inquiry into salmonella and listeria contamination in guacamole, according to a notice dated May 23 that was posted by OHL and later confirmed by FDA to be authentic. The notice says sampling “is targeted to begin” in May 2014, and “will continue through” May 2015. FDA says “the majority” of the sampling will take place outside of the normal import clearance process, and it will release shipments for distribution by the importer before it gets the results of the sampling.
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Sampling Covers Only Whole Avocados
The sampling program covers only samples of whole pit avocados, said FDA. Samples of frozen, pulped, chopped, chunked, or processed avocados will not be collected under the sampling assignment, said FDA. Samples will be analyzed for the presence of salmonella and listeria monocytogenes.
Shipments Released Before Results Come Back
FDA said it will collect “the majority” of imported avocado samples outside of the import admissibility process. That means that once it has collected the sample, FDA will release the shipment. The shipment will not be under an import hold, and may be distributed by the importer, FDA said.
FDA also said it “is sensitive to the economic concerns of importers when it comes to sampling and analysis of fresh produce products with a limited shelf life,” and as such will convey the initial results of sampling to the importer within three days. Confirmation of results should be available within another 5-8 days, it said. If a released shipment is found to contain salmonella or listeria, “FDA will work with the importer to address the issue,” it said. Inquiries related to any shipment should be directed to the relevant FDA district, said FDA.
Email ITTNews@warren-news.com for a copy of the FDA notice.