Study: Salsa, guacamole pose food safety risks

03/11/2013 6:10:45 PM
Andy Nelson

Fresh salsa and guacamole can pose significant food safety risks, according to a new study.

Because they often contain diced raw produce, are often made in large batches and are often poorly refrigerated, fresh salsa and guacamole can be prone to contamination that can cause foodborne illness, according to a study published in the journal Foodborne Pathogens and Disease.

“The safety of salsa and guacamole is increasingly important as these foods gain popularity,” according to the study. “Fresh salsa and guacamole require careful preparation and storage.”

The study’s authors reviewed all reports of food safety outbreaks between 1973 and 2008 involving salsa or guacamole.

They turned up 136 outbreaks in which salsa or guacamole was reported as a possible vehicle. Those outbreaks resulted in 5,658 illnesses.

About 24% of the outbreaks were caused by norovirus and 19% by salmonella. Eighty-four percent of the outbreaks were caused by foods prepared in restaurants or delis. Of those, 19% reported ill workers, and 29% improper storage, as possible causes of the outbreaks.

Comments (4) Leave a comment 

don't want to sound like as smart a, but in regards to what was written by Andy and
many other Food-borne illnesses I ask:

What ever happened to common sense?

washing fruits and veggies before eating them?


washing cutting boards and knifes, bowls etc .. . everything that comes in contact
with your body poses a potential risk if not properly washed and taken care of as one
should.

Salsa and Guacamole for as long as I have known them, are made fresh to eat on
spot.


In the 70's I remember a big simple campaign that explicitly included the words 'wash
your fruits and vegetables' We need that common sense back.

Has the linked to study in this article been updated? These stats look very similar to a study that was published in Summer 2010 and covered by Food Safety News and other outlets. Just curious about any new information being made available.

http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2010/07/salsa-and-guacamole-common-causes-of-food-poisoning-study-finds/

Packer reader,

You have a better memory than I do. Many times when we cover studies, they cover dated material but are newly published, like this one. Don't know why it's being published almost 3 years after it was first presented.

Here's The Packer's coverage when the study was made public:

http://www.thepacker.com/fruit-vegetable-news/foodservice/salsa_guacamole_food_safety_outbreaks_on_the_rise_122002114.html

Chris Koger
News Editor