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Epidemiological data linked to cases of food-borne infection from fresh produce are scarce and usually underestimated. The present study reports the occurrence of food-borne pathogens such as viruses (norovirus, hepatitis A virus) and protozoa (Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium parvum/hominis) in 175 samples of fresh-cut vegetables, frozen vegetables and sprouts that originated in the Czech Republic and in other European countries, as detected using realtime PCR and reverse transcription real-time PCR. In addition, samples were analysed for Escherichia coli as an indicator of fecal contamination and for Staphylococcus aureus as an indicator of possible contamination by food handlers, using conventional culture methods. Norovirus was detected in two samples (1.1 %) of rocket and frozen mixed vegetables. G. intestinalis was detected in two samples (1.1 %) of mixed fresh vegetable salads and mixed frozen vegetables. The occurrence of norovirus did not correlate with E. coli presence. Staph. aureus was detected in 3 samples (1.7 %) but without genes for classical enterotoxins production. Our results highlight the need for microbiological analysis of food of non-animal origin for specific protozoan and viral agents, which are being less frequently monitored in these food category types, but their presence may pose risk for consumers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To determine the occurrence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157 and coliform bacteria isolates resistant to antimicrobial agents in dairy herds by examining milk filters and to analyse the influence of management factors and antibiotic use on antimicrobial resistance. Methods and Results: A total of 192 in-line milk filters were sampled on 192 dairy farms in the Czech Republic. Information on feeding, husbandry, production, and antibiotic therapy were obtained by questionnaire. The milk filters were cultured for STEC O157 and coliform bacteria. All recovered isolates were examined for antimicrobial susceptibility and presence of antimicrobial-resistance genes. STEC O157 was detected in four (2%) of the filters. Resistant nonpathogenic E. coli and coliform bacteria isolates with specific genes were detected in 44 (23%) of the filters. Conclusions: The study demonstrated a high prevalence of resistant coliform bacteria in milk filters obtained on Czech dairy farms. Significance and Impact of the Study: The occurrence of resistant coliform bacteria in milk filters was significantly higher among isolates from farms where antibiotic therapy against mastitis was employed during the dry period ( P < 0·05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]