Top 5 Viewed Garden Lady Articles

Looking back over 2015, I'm reviewing the top 5 articles that captured the interest of readers. How to Trim Pampas Grass which includes demo videos tops the list with State of the Garden: June at the bottom. Below are short summaries and links to the articles.

Pampas Grass

Some people strongly dislike Pampas Grass. I love the tropical look and drought tolerance of the ornamental grass. This post covers 4 techniques to trim Pampas Grass with videos. See it here.

Northern Cardinal at Bird Feeder

Characters at the Bird Feeder Parts 1 & 2 come in 2nd and 3rd on the list. These articles feature photographs and videos of bird visitors to my backyard bird feeder. Bird Feeder Part 1 is here and Part 2 is here.

Foodborne Illnesses Lead to Recalls

Number 4 in popularity is Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) for Farmers. Guidelines have been established to help farmers reduce contamination leading to foodborne illnesses. Information on these important regulations are here.

Eggplant and Tomato Plants in the Home Garden

State of the Garden: June is Number 5 on the list. This is a narrative of garden goings-on in the month of June. At that time, plants are just getting established and hopes are high for a productive garden. This report is here.

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Good Agricultural Practices(GAP) for Farmers

Vegetable Harvest - Garden Lady Blog

Center for Disease Control(CDC) data shows in 2013 there were 464 illnesses, 134 hospitalizations, and 3 deaths due to pathogen outbreaks in fruits, nuts, and vegetables. (Source here.)  818 total foodborne disease outbreaks were reported.

As part of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) farmers have rules to follow to minimize contamination of their product with harmful microbes. Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) should be followed by all along the food growing and handling chain. The regulations give the FDA guidelines and the power to recall harmful product.

Farm produce buyers will expect growers to follow the law.

The following 3-minute video summarizes FSMA which was passed in 2011.

GAP practices are to farming as Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are to drug manufacture. Foodborne illnesses are common and the FDA has recently recalled cucumbers for Salmonella, macadamia nuts for Salmonella, spinach for Listeria, mushrooms for Listeria, and soybean sprouts for Listeria.

When exposed to pathogens, people with compromised immune systems, the elderly, and the young are especially prone to serious illness. Written standards like GAP provide necessary guidelines to prevent foodborne disease outbreaks.

The FDA twitter page lists recalls here.

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