Food safety is at the center of efforts by Mexico and the United States through their respective health agencies, as both countries last year stepped up training on good agricultural practices for fresh food producers and marketers.
Additionally, significant progress has been made in the approval of laboratory technologies for the timely detection of pathogens such as hepatitis A and Cyclospora cayeta.
Concrete actions in collaborative work strengthen the outbreak notification agreement between the two countries and allow us to respond quickly to the discovery of foodborne illness to protect the health of consumers in both countries.
To further strengthen their work, the authorities held meetings within the framework of the Food Safety Alliance. At the end of the meeting, David Soriano García, General Manager of the Agri-Food, Aquaculture and Fisheries Safety Department of the National Service for Agricultural Food Health, Safety and Quality (Senasica), said that “these agreements allow national and international consumers to have our products at their fingertips” . The System for Reduction of Contamination Risk (SRRC) certification guarantees the use of established hygiene measures during the production, harvesting, packaging and marketing of fresh vegetables. “
Cofepris health operations representative Bertha Alcalde Luján pointed out that global trade has led to a more extensive and complex food supply chain, coupled with innovations in production methods and new consumption habits, bringing new challenges to food production. Health monitoring.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Donald Prater commented that this alliance with Mexico is the only such alliance the U.S. government has established with any country and reflects the importance of commercial cooperation. . exchange. Maintain the area.
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In recent years, Mexico has become the main supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables to the United States. As of 2022, exports exceeded US$73 billion, an increase of 13% from the previous year.
Senasica informed producers of its actions on traceability and presented the application development of the SRRC “Traceability” module 8 as a basic technical requirement for certification and accreditation, as well as supporting material dissemination and training. is generated to implement this tool.