More Fresh Produce in U.S. Stores Comes From Mexico, Raising Inspection Concerns
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Americans are eating more fresh fruits and vegetables that come from Mexico. Over the past several years, a growing share of the produce sold in U.S. grocery stores has been grown there and shipped across the border. This trend has become an important part of the American food supply.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for checking the safety of imported food, including fresh produce. However, reports indicate that the agency has inspected only about 2 percent of the Mexican facilities that ship fruits and vegetables to the United States since 2009. Because so few facilities are checked, some people worry that food safety problems could go unnoticed. Inspections help identify issues such as contamination from bacteria, which can cause illness if produce is not handled properly.
The low inspection rate has raised questions among food safety experts and lawmakers about how well imported produce is monitored. Supporters of current trade arrangements say that Mexican farms follow strict rules and that imported food is generally safe. Critics argue that the FDA needs more resources and staff to carry out regular inspections. The information in this report comes from The Washington Post, which described both the rising volume of Mexican produce and the limited number of inspections.
As Americans continue to buy more fresh fruits and vegetables, the question of how to ensure their safety remains important. Consumers can help reduce risk by washing produce thoroughly before eating it. Officials and industry groups will likely continue to discuss how to improve oversight of food imports in the coming years.
Sources: The Washington Post
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