Salmonella Saintpaul and Tomatoes - the numbers increase
It is now nearly two weeks since I first wrote a post about Salmonella and Tomatoes. In the fortnight the number of confirmed cases continues to increase. 613 people have now been shown to be linked to this outbreak and there are probably hundreds if not thousands more who have been unwell and not been formally identified. The CDC confirm that only 3 people were identified as having been infected with this strain of Salmonella during the same period in 2007.
There have been no reports as to the source or indeed cause of the contamination - but the problem for consumers appears to be geographically widespread. Whilst investigations continue there will be the ongoing discussions over traceability or "trace-back" in the supply chain and whether the cost of implementing robust systems outweighs, or not, the net benefit to organisations and consumers. However ultimately the food supply chain and food brands rely totally on consumer trust and confidence.
Abraham Lincoln once said that "if once you forfeit the confidence of your fellow-citizens, you can never regain their respect and esteem." I think this is particularly true with regard to food safety and brand value. Maybe with the ongoing focus on food safety issues more global food businesses will see traceability as a valuable asset and a means to manage, maintain and enhance brand value.
First posted at The Human Imprint
There have been no reports as to the source or indeed cause of the contamination - but the problem for consumers appears to be geographically widespread. Whilst investigations continue there will be the ongoing discussions over traceability or "trace-back" in the supply chain and whether the cost of implementing robust systems outweighs, or not, the net benefit to organisations and consumers. However ultimately the food supply chain and food brands rely totally on consumer trust and confidence.
Abraham Lincoln once said that "if once you forfeit the confidence of your fellow-citizens, you can never regain their respect and esteem." I think this is particularly true with regard to food safety and brand value. Maybe with the ongoing focus on food safety issues more global food businesses will see traceability as a valuable asset and a means to manage, maintain and enhance brand value.
First posted at The Human Imprint
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