The Cloud Over Tomatoes. Is There a Silver Lining?

Implications: With increased focus on the need for safer produce, industry will be forced to invest more in safety technology. The environment is ripe with opportunities.

Analysis: We still don't know what's behind the latest produce contamination -- but one thing is for sure: with increased awareness of bacterial contamination of fresh produce, this is not the first-- and will not be the last major outbreak. In fact, it is likely that there have been worse cases -- they just weren't identified by consumers and public health authorities.

It may not be spinach, lettuce, or tomatoes, but there will be more cases.
And Congress has already taken notice.

Industry and regulators will recognize the need for investments in approaches to reduce the number of cases.

As the article reports, technology may play a role in limiting the number and severity of contaminations.

For instance, Monsanto (MON) might produce genetically modified seeds that prevent bacterial contamination in plants.
 
Smaller more agile biotech firms should recognize the opportunities.