Gilroy
– It’s been almost six months since a nationwide E. coli
outbreak linked to spinach grown in San Benito County sickened
hundreds and killed three.
By Betsy Avelar and Michael Van Cassell
Gilroy – It’s been almost six months since a nationwide E. coli outbreak linked to spinach grown in San Benito County sickened hundreds and killed three.
And in those six months, wary consumers have been slow to start eating spinach again.
Growers and packers, who could lose up to $74 million in sales because of the outbreak, have been working to develop and implement a safety program and win back consumer confidence.
But one national consumer group has come out against the industry’s new self-regulating California Leafy Green Marketing Agreement, saying it doesn’t offer enough protection to the public. Consumers Union, which publishes Consumer Reports magazine, released a statement last week calling for government regulation of the lettuce and spinach industry’s safety practices.
Last week, state officials have determined that the spinach linked to last fall’s outbreak was contaminated on a 50-acre farm in San Benito County.
Here in Gilroy, some consumers are still hesitant to buy spinach or leafy greens.
Gilroy resident Jesse Gomez filled a plastic bag with green chiles Monday afternoon at Katchy Produce.
“I’m not buying spinach now,” he said. “Eventually I will.”
Patricia Mendoza, of Gilroy, filled a plastic bag with cucumbers.
“I haven’t heard anything more about spinach, but I’m still hesitant to buy any,” she said.
Meanwhile in Hollister, people seem to think the industry is on the right track with its new safety program.
Frank Veltri, who was coming out of Nob Hill Friday morning, said he has no concerns when it comes to eating spinach.
“I think the problem that they have, they’ve got a handle on it,” Veltri said.
Kristi Haas of Hollister said her family hasn’t stopped eating spinach and trusts the industry’s safety practices.
“They are taking the necessary safety precautions,” Haas said.
Despite some hesitant residents, both Katchy Produce and Grocery Outlet stores in Gilroy have seen numbers return to normal.
“Our spinach sales are right back up to where they were before the E-coli outbreak,” said David Cook, store owner of Grocery Outlet on First Street. Through word of mouth, Cook has reassured customers that the spinach is safe to buy. After hearing about the E-coli outbreak, the store stopped carrying it for two weeks. Katchy Produce on First Street did the same.
“At first we sold a little, and many people asked where it came from,” said cashier Maria Amaya. “Now sales are back to normal.”
Meanwhile, the debate continues on how to best ensure the safety of raw vegetables.
State Sen. Dean Florez, D-Shafter, introduced legislation this month calling for state-run, industry-funded inspections of the industry.
U.S. Rep. Sam Farr, the Democrat who represents San Benito County and the rest of California’s 17th District in Congress, took a different approach. Farr introduced a bill that would authorize $26 million for fresh produce safety research and provide relief to those suffering financially.
Una Maka of San Martin, 40
“I don’t buy spinach anymore just for precautions. I wont buy it again.”
Margaret Smith of San Martin, a grandmother
“That’s over, I have spinach at least three times a week. People need to drop that and get on with the next scare.”
Patricia Mendoza of Gilroy, 31
“I haven’t heard anything more about spinach but I’m still hesitant.”
Irma Chava of Gilroy, 35
“I don’t buy spinach because it’s contaminated.”
Eligio Zavala, 51 of Watsonville
“It’s the same for me. I wasn’t afraid at first. I will eat it even if it makes me a little sick.”
