Listeria Outbreak & Biotechnology Industry

Listeria Outbreak & Biotechnology Industry. I'm Greg Martin with today's Northwest Report.

One death has been attributed to a listeria outbreak linked to cheese. Washington State's Department of health is asking people who have purchased Queseria Bendita brand cheeses - Queso Fresco, Panela, and Requeson - should throw the product away and not eat it. The products come from Yakima-based Queseria Bendita. State health and ag officials are working with federal officials to contain the outbreak which has caused three illnesses and one death. The cheese products were distributed to Hispanic grocery stores in Washington and Oregon as well as being sold from their factory outlet in Yakima.

Biotechnology is a hot topic in the ag industry and last week Idaho producers were updated on the latest issues by a biotech industry leader. Lacy Gray has more.

GRAY: Dr. Adrianne Massey is currently the Managing Director for Science and Regulatory Affairs at the Biotechnology Industry Organization and spoke to the Snake River Annual Grower Meeting about genetically modified foods and about the many misconceptions about GMO's. She says it's important that consumers know what's in their food. That's why she supports more research into potential health risks and GMO labeling and adds that no matter where you stand on GMOs, it's important that each consumer do some research on the topic.

Thanks Lacy.

That's today's Northwest Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network of the West.