Plant makes changes after E. coli scare

By: Stephanie Prokop
   FLORENCE — While the ReadyPac Produce packaging plant on Railroad Avenue stopped processing green onions in the wake of the recent E. coli scare at Taco Bell restaurants, the FDA announced this week that the vegetable might not be responsible for the outbreak after all.
   Green onions are produced in a limited production run exclusively for Taco Bell in one section of the ReadyPac Florence plant.
   The U.S. FDA Web site stated this week that Taco Bell Corp. was voluntarily removing green onions from its restaurants nationwide after preliminary tests by the firm indicated the possible presence of the E. coli strain O157:H7 in samples of the product, but that more sophisticated tests conducted by the FDA tested negative for the dangerous E. coli strain. The Web site went on to say the CDC study is demonstrating that onions are probably not linked to this outbreak but have not been ruled out.
   The FDA is obtaining samples of all non-meat items served in the restaurants that could carry the pathogen. These include cilantro, cheddar cheese, blended cheese, green onions, yellow onions, tomatoes and lettuce. The agency stated Tuesday that it does not have data implicating or ruling out any of these items.
   "Even though the test results are not confirmed, we have taken every prudent precaution and immediately stopped production and shipments of all green onions," said Steve Dickstein, vice president of marketing for ReadyPac in a written statement. He added, "All raw and processed green onions have been removed from the plant as part of our precautionary measures."
   He could not be reached for additional comment before the Register-News deadline Wednesday.
   According to a press release, ReadyPac Produce took immediate precautionary measures to protect public health and is also working with Taco Bell, regulatory agencies, and industry experts to determine the root cause of the contamination.
   The release also stated that it is currently cooperating with the FDA and local health officials, who visited the packaging plant on Dec. 6. ReadyPac stated that the company "purchases green onions from a reputable grower equally committed to food safety."
   Green onions are not used in any other product ReadyPac sells to food service restaurants or for retail product distribution. According to the California-based company’s Web site, the Florence factory has temporarily stopped shipments of green onions.
   The plant receives agricultural commodities such as lettuce, tomatoes and onion which it is responsible for cleaning, inspecting, packaging and shipping, said Mr. Dickstein in a previous statement in September, when the plant temporarily stopped production and distribution of spinach due to contamination fears.
   Only the green onion line of packaging was affected, as the release stated that the rest of the plant is running normally. The Florence plant helps produce many of the 30 various bagged salads ReadyPac sells under its own name under assorted store brands. The company also sells cut fruits and vegetables, pico de gallo and bruschetta.