SALINAS, CA - In order for consumers to remain confident in products they are purchasing, food safety procedures are vital, and the California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement (LGMA) is stressing the importance of these measures in a newly updated video. Ten years ago, in partnership with STOP Foodborne Illness, the organization launched The Why Behind Food Safety, sharing the stories of two E. coli survivors, and now has updated the film to continue detailing their journeys.

“We encourage all food production companies, whether they are in the produce sector or not, to seek out this video,” said Tim York, LGMA Chief Executive Officer. “We all have a role in feeding the world and can continue to do it better and safer so no one else has to share the experiences these young women have.”

The video features Rylee Gustafson and Lauren Bush, two young women who became seriously ill with E. coli after eating contaminated spinach back in 2006, a release explained. LGMA’s video also features farmer Dan Sutton, who reassures the women that he will use their stories to help make a difference in the food safety process.

The Why Behind Food Safety is being shared before each food safety training class held by LGMA to help the leafy greens farming community understand the importance of food safety. This award-winning video is also used across the globe by other food producers outside of the leafy greens category and the produce industry. Several versions are available on the LGMA YouTube page, including Spanish, Portuguese, and Chinese translations.

Back in May 2022, LGMA and STOP Foodborne Illness updated the original video to continue telling the stories of Rylee, Lauren, and Dan. Available in English and English with Spanish subtitles, the film can be used alongside the first video to emphasize additional food safety culture messages.

To watch a clip of the film, click here.

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California Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement