Costa Reacts to End of Salmonella Outbreak

Fresno, CA — Congressman Jim Costa (Fresno-D) released the following statement regarding the recent announcement by the CDC that the Salmonella Heidelberg outbreak attributed to Fosters Farms was coming to an end.

"Last Thursday July 31, the CDC indicated that the Salmonella Heidelberg outbreak attributed to Foster Farms was drawing to a close. Let's remember that Salmonella is not an issue associated with any one particular company or one particular state, it is a national problem that continues today.

"Foster Farms has invested more than $75 million in driving down Salmonella levels to less than 5%, well below the USDA 2011/2012 industry measured national benchmark of 25%. This progress in reducing Salmonella was achieved in less than a year, drawing upon the best expertise and food safety technology available; creating a Salmonella control program that spans the entire poultry production process from farm to package. Foster Farms has actively shared its learning in reducing Salmonella with the USDA and CDC, the poultry industry and retailers, and the result will be a safer food supply for us all.

"I join with my colleague Senator Feinstein in commending Foster Farms for the thoroughness with which they have attacked this problem, and for the results they have achieved. Our goal should be to extend this performance standard to the rest of the poultry industry and the nation."

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