Search

Outbreaks of foodborne illnesses linked to fresh fruits and vegetables have been key drivers behind a wide breadth of research aiming to fill data gaps in our understanding of the total ecology of agricultural water sources such as ponds and wells and the relationship of this ecology to foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes. Both S. enterica and L. monocytogenes can persist in irrigation water and have been linked to produce contamination events. Data describing the abundance of these organisms in specific agricultural water sources are valuable to guide water treatment measures. Here, we profiled the culture independent water microbiota of four farm ponds and wells correlated with microbiological recovery of S. enterica (prevalence: pond, 19.4%; well, 3.3%), L. monocytogenes (pond, 27.1%; well, 4.2%) and fecal indicator testing. Correlation between abiotic factors, including water parameters (temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen percentage, oxidation reduction potential, and turbidity) and weather (temperature and rainfall), and foodborne pathogens were also evaluated. Although abiotic factors did not correlate with recovery of S. enterica or L. monocytogenes (p > 0.05), fecal indicators were positively correlated with incidence of S. enterica in well water. Bacterial taxa such as Sphingomonadaceae and Hymenobacter were positively correlated with the prevalence and population of S. enterica, and recovery of L. monocytogenes was positively correlated with the abundance of Rhizobacter and Comamonadaceae (p < 0.03). These data will support evolving mitigation strategies to reduce the risk of produce contamination by foodborne pathogens through irrigation.

Listeria monocytogenes is an increasing food safety concern throughout the produce supply chain as it has been linked to produce associated outbreaks and recalls. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic literature review to investigate Listeria species and L. monocytogenes prevalence, persistence, and diversity at each stage along the supply chain. This review identified 64 articles of 4863 candidate articles obtained from four Boolean search queries in six databases. Included studies examined naturally detected/isolated Listeria species and L. monocytogenes in fresh produce-related environments, and/or from past fresh produce associated outbreaks or from produce directly. Listeria species and L. monocytogenes were detected in each stage of the fresh produce supply chain. The greatest prevalence of Listeria species was observed in natural environments and outdoor production, with prevalence generally decreasing with each progression of the supply chain (e.g., packinghouse to distribution to retail). L. monocytogenes prevalence ranged from 61.1% to not detected (0.00%) across the entire supply chain for included studies. Listeria persistence and diversity were also investigated more in natural, production, and processing environments, compared to other supply chain environments (e.g., retail). Data gaps were identified for future produce safety research, for example, in the transportation and distribution center environment.

A comprehensive understanding of foodborne pathogen diversity in preharvest environments is necessary to effectively track pathogens on farms and identify sources of produce contamination. As such, this study aimed to characterize Listeria diversity in wildlife feces and agricultural water collected from a New York state produce farm over a growing season. Water samples were collected from a pond (n = 80) and a stream (n = 52). Fecal samples (n = 77) were opportunistically collected from areas <5 m from the water sources; all samples were collected from a <0.5-km(2) area. Overall, 86 (41%) and 50 (24%) of 209 samples were positive for Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria spp. (excluding L. monocytogenes), respectively. For each positive sample, one L. monocytogenes or Listeria spp. isolate was speciated by sequencing the sigB gene, thereby allowing for additional characterization based on the sigB allelic type. The 86 L. monocytogenes and 50 Listeria spp. isolates represented 8 and 23 different allelic types, respectively. A subset of L. monocytogenes isolates (n = 44) from pond water and pond-adjacent feces (representing an similar to 5,000-m(2) area) were further characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE); these 44 isolates represented 22 PFGE types, which is indicative of considerable diversity at a small spatial scale. Ten PFGE types were isolated more than once, suggesting persistence or reintroduction of PFGE types in this area. Given the small spatial scale, the prevalence of L. monocytogenes and Listeria spp., as well as the considerable diversity among isolates, suggests traceback investigations may be challenging. For example, traceback of finished product or processing facility contamination with specific subtypes to preharvest sources may require collection of large sample sets and characterization of a considerable number of isolates. Our data also support the adage "absence of evidence does not equal evidence of absence" as applies to L. m

With the introduction of the Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) regulatory oversight of dog food production is becoming clearer, and it is important for consumers and manufacturers to understand the effect of regulatory oversight on the safety of their pet’s food. This review of guidance documents, laws and regulations, news articles and scholarly research aims to educate the consumer on how their dog’s food is regulated at each stage of its production. Additionally, this review aims to assist manufacturers in understanding the regulations and/or authorities the finished products and ingredients may be subject to thus providing the manufacturers with the tools to perform a more complete and accurate review of their food safety procedures. To convey this information three educational fact sheets were developed that focused on explaining how dog food is produced, educating on the regulatory oversight of dog food production, and illustrating how consumers can protect both themselves and their pets from contaminated pet food. It is recommended that additional materials aimed at consumers be developed to cover trends in dog food diets, pet food labelling including medical claims, and tips on safely creating home-made pet food.

This study investigates the effect of two different types of packing films, OLAF and D1050, with different water vapor transmission rates, MAP with 15% carbon dioxide (CO2) and 85% nitrogen (N), variations in the number of micro perforations (11/18) in films, variations in weight (400 or 650 grams) and package size (1.5 or 2 lb.) to evaluate the effect on strawberry shelf life. All package combination were Compared to the typical clamshell packing with 650 grams of strawberry (control) to measure the effect of different variations on the shelf life of strawberries, and at the same time obtain new information that helps to optimize the engineering packing design.

Outbreaks of foodborne illnesses linked to fresh fruits and vegetables have been key drivers behind a wide breadth of research aiming to fill data gaps in our understanding of the total ecology of agricultural water sources such as ponds and wells and the relationship of this ecology to foodborne pathogens such as Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes. Both S. enterica and L. monocytogenes can persist in irrigation water and have been linked to produce contamination events. Data describing the abundance of these organisms in specific agricultural water sources are valuable to guide water treatment measures. Here, we profiled the culture independent water microbiota of four farm ponds and wells correlated with microbiological recovery of S. enterica (prevalence: pond, 19.4%; well, 3.3%), L. monocytogenes (pond, 27.1%; well, 4.2%) and fecal indicator testing. Correlation between abiotic factors, including water parameters (temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen percentage, oxidation reduction potential, and turbidity) and weather (temperature and rainfall), and foodborne pathogens were also evaluated. Although abiotic factors did not correlate with recovery of S. enterica or L. monocytogenes (p > 0.05), fecal indicators were positively correlated with incidence of S. enterica in well water. Bacterial taxa such as Sphingomonadaceae and Hymenobacter were positively correlated with the prevalence and population of S. enterica, and recovery of L. monocytogenes was positively correlated with the abundance of Rhizobacter and Comamonadaceae (p < 0.03). These data will support evolving mitigation strategies to reduce the risk of produce contamination by foodborne pathogens through irrigation.

The Nationaal Instituut voor Voedselveiligheid Suriname (NIVS) which is established in the context of general food safety and protecting consumers from dangers associated with all foods sold in Suriname, gives the opportunity to develop food safety rules, regulation and raise awareness on topics regarding food safety. One opportunity of this Institute is to create awareness among the consumers who are part of the food supply chain (known as the farm to fork continuum). Historical data show that Suriname is not excluded from foodborne illness. The goal of this project and report was to educate consumers in Suriname on food safety best practices. To the authors knowledge, no reports were found on consumers food safety behavior and knowledge in Suriname. Therefore, these guidelines were developed to educate consumers on food safety behavior, and also food safety best practices based on different international prior studies. These food safety best practices are described under several different topics related to consumer behavior and food handling.

The use of untreated biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAO) have been identified as one potential mechanism for the dissemination and persistence of Salmonella in the produce growing environment. Data on factors influencing Salmonella concentration in amended soils are therefore needed. The objectives here were to (i) compare die-off between 12 Salmonella strains following inoculation in amended soil and (ii) characterize any significant effects associated with soil-type, irrigation regimen, and amendment on Salmonella survival and die-off. Three greenhouse trials were performed using a randomized complete block design. Each strain (similar to 4 log CFU/g) was homogenized with amended or non-amended sandy-loam or clay-loam soil. Salmonella levels were enumerated In 25 g samples 0, 0.167 (4 h), 1,2, 4, 7, 10, 14, 21,28, 56, 84, 112, 168, 210, 252, and 336 days post-inoculation (dpi), or until two consecutive samples were enrichment negative. Regression analysis was performed between strain, soil-type, Irrigation, and (i) time to last detect (survival) and (li) concentration at each time-point (die-off rate). Similar effects of strain, irrigation, soil-type, and amendment were identified using the survival and die-off models. Strain explained up to 18% of the variance in survival, and up to 19% of variance In die-off rate. On average Salmonella survived for 129 days in amended soils, however, Salmonella survived, on average, 30 days longer In clay-loam soils than sandy-loam soils [95% Confidence interval (Cl) = 45, 15], with survival time ranging from 84 to 210 days for the individual strains during dally irrigation. When strain- specific associations were investigated using regression trees, S. Javiana and S. Saintpaul were found to survive longer In sandy-loam soil, whereas most of the other strains survived longer In clay-loam soil. Salmonella also survived, on average, 128 days longer when irrigated weekly, compared to daily (Cl = 101, 154), and 89 da

Listeria monocytogenes is an increasing food safety concern throughout the produce supply chain as it has been linked to produce associated outbreaks and recalls. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic literature review to investigate Listeria species and L. monocytogenes prevalence, persistence, and diversity at each stage along the supply chain. This review identified 64 articles of 4863 candidate articles obtained from four Boolean search queries in six databases. Included studies examined naturally detected/isolated Listeria species and L. monocytogenes in fresh produce-related environments, and/or from past fresh produce associated outbreaks or from produce directly. Listeria species and L. monocytogenes were detected in each stage of the fresh produce supply chain. The greatest prevalence of Listeria species was observed in natural environments and outdoor production, with prevalence generally decreasing with each progression of the supply chain (e.g., packinghouse to distribution to retail). L. monocytogenes prevalence ranged from 61.1% to not detected (0.00%) across the entire supply chain for included studies. Listeria persistence and diversity were also investigated more in natural, production, and processing environments, compared to other supply chain environments (e.g., retail). Data gaps were identified for future produce safety research, for example, in the transportation and distribution center environment.

A comprehensive understanding of foodborne pathogen diversity in preharvest environments is necessary to effectively track pathogens on farms and identify sources of produce contamination. As such, this study aimed to characterize Listeria diversity in wildlife feces and agricultural water collected from a New York state produce farm over a growing season. Water samples were collected from a pond (n = 80) and a stream (n = 52). Fecal samples (n = 77) were opportunistically collected from areas <5 m from the water sources; all samples were collected from a <0.5-km(2) area. Overall, 86 (41%) and 50 (24%) of 209 samples were positive for Listeria monocytogenes and Listeria spp. (excluding L. monocytogenes), respectively. For each positive sample, one L. monocytogenes or Listeria spp. isolate was speciated by sequencing the sigB gene, thereby allowing for additional characterization based on the sigB allelic type. The 86 L. monocytogenes and 50 Listeria spp. isolates represented 8 and 23 different allelic types, respectively. A subset of L. monocytogenes isolates (n = 44) from pond water and pond-adjacent feces (representing an similar to 5,000-m(2) area) were further characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE); these 44 isolates represented 22 PFGE types, which is indicative of considerable diversity at a small spatial scale. Ten PFGE types were isolated more than once, suggesting persistence or reintroduction of PFGE types in this area. Given the small spatial scale, the prevalence of L. monocytogenes and Listeria spp., as well as the considerable diversity among isolates, suggests traceback investigations may be challenging. For example, traceback of finished product or processing facility contamination with specific subtypes to preharvest sources may require collection of large sample sets and characterization of a considerable number of isolates. Our data also support the adage "absence of evidence does not equal evidence of absence" as applies to L. m

Coliform is the traditional indicator organism of choice for testing of the environment and finished food products in the United States, as current reflected in some federal rules, such as the Pasteurized Milk Ordinances. A positive test result can indicate the presence of potential pathogenic activity, which at its worst can cause adverse reactions to human health but can also have no ill effects. Further research, however, has proven that the scope of this test is limited in what it can detect. An alternative indicator test, Enterobacteriaceae, can pick up not only the bacteria falling under the standard definition of coliform, but also other gram-negative bacteria and potential pathogens, making this test more robust and thorough. A third option – for gram-negative bacteria, generally – would offer the most comprehensive indicator organism testing program, when combined with Enterobacteriaceae. This paper reviews relevant research studies regarding these first two indicator organism tests, concluding that Enterobacteriaceae is the superior test for the food manufacturing environment, with a focus on finished ready-to-eat food products. Testing for these pathogenic indicators has evolved from agar testing, which could take days, to 3M’s Petrifilm, which can take several hours to incubate and reveal possible contamination. The Petrifilm test can also help food safety practitioners differentiate between contaminants from the environment versus bacteria that are naturally present in certain foods, such as cheese. In fact, some members of the coliform family can be beneficial to cheese curing and ripening. In switching from coliform to Enterobacteriaceae, any company would be catching up to the European Union, which has used this test since 2005 as its pathogenic indicator test for ready-to-eat dairy products. Although the literature reviewed in this paper does point to Enterobacteriaceae as the superior test, some may be required to continue coliform testing in finis

Understanding on-farm produce safety risks is essential for all farms who grow, harvest, pack, hold and/or ship fruits and vegetables. The first step to developing and implementing best practices to reduce risks and reduce potential produce contamination is to perform a hazard analysis, where producers identify risks that may be associated on their farm. This publication is the first in a series of seven factsheets to assist farmers in creating a food safety program

The Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule (PSR) establishes science-based minimum standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of produce on farms. Operations covered under the FSMA PSR must meet standards for worker training, health and hygiene. Produce operators (e.g., growers, packers) subject to the PSR will need to comply with the new worker health, hygiene and training requirements. The need for a training curriculum to assist produce operators who are covered under the FSMA PSR is needed for compliance. This training curriculum includes all required standards outlined in subpart D including visual representations of personal health and hygiene; as well as, content to confidently train farm and packinghouse workers. This training curriculum was presented to >20 Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) agents and specialists in a train-the trainer model, who also evaluated the curriculum. As a result of the train-the trainer sessions, the curriculum has been refined by incorporation of VCE agent and specialist feedback, and is ready for use by stakeholders and extension educators nationwide. The training is currently available in English and Spanish, and is best taught using technology (e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint), but can be taught without technology (e.g., using printed aids). Overall, this curriculum will assist stakeholders in obtaining FSMA PSR compliance specific to subpart D in approximately <1 h, and can be taught directly by produce operators or through extension educators.

Food products are regulated by both the USDA and the FDA. Food recalls are voluntary and can be classified as class I, class II, or class III, depending on the risk to the public. In this project, food recall and withdrawal trends were evaluated between 2014 and 2018. During this timeframe, approximately 1,700 food recalls occurred in the United States. The majority of food recalls were caused by undeclared allergens and pathogen contamination. Risk management and loss control tools are used to prevent recalls or minimize the effects of recalls. Recall insurance is a risk management tool that minimizes a company’s financial burden due to a recall event. Recall insurance is widely available but does not cover all of the costs associated with a recall. Risk management tools on-farm or in processing facilities and recall insurance should be used in conjunction with each other to provide the best protection.

Foodborne related disease outbreaks have been on the rise since 1998. For example, in 2019, approximately 75,233 pounds of salad products were recalled due to contamination with E. coli O157:H7. Investigations concluded there was a single grower that supplied romaine lettuce. Outbreaks in 2019 associated with romaine lettuce caused were over 167 people sick with 85 hospitalizations. Moving forward to prevent future outbreaks, control strategies need to be developed for romaine lettuce. The U.S. FDA has put together a plan, but it will also depend on the work of the farmers to follow guidelines. Additionally, studies by scientists will also be needed to fully understand how certain pathogens, like E. coli O157:H7, can remain on the produce. E. coli O157:H7 deals with different stresses along the supply chain; for example, E. coli O157:H7 can survive on the edible portion of the harvested lettuce for extended periods and adapt to different stresses like temperature changes. Modifying the atmosphere is one control strategy that does help with food quality, but other measures need to be taken to prevent future outbreaks and protect food safety. Romaine lettuce is a widely consumed product in the US. Consumers are looking for a product that is fresh, convenient, retains its nutrients and, has good sensory qualities. Romaine lettuce is also a highly perishable product resulting in flavor loss, discoloration, decay, softening, shrinkage, and vitamin loss. The use of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) can extend shelf-life and limit these effects, to provide a fresh product to the consumer. Romaine lettuce is typically packaged with passive MAP. Passive MAP is generated by relying on the natural process of product respiration and the film permeability by relying on the natural respiration rates to attain the desired gas composition over time. Thus, the objective of the study reported here was to conduct a review of MAP and to understand how MAP can help the quality and saf

This project was written to provide resources for consumers and industry on food safety for food deliveries with considerations for COVID-19. There are on going, mandated shutdowns across the United States causing the rates of food deliveries to rapidly increase with no signs of slowing down. While there is no documented evidence that COVID-19 can be spread from food or food packaging, the virus can live on surfaces and be transmitted from person-to-person contact. The following handouts were created to support the Virginia Cooperative Extension’s (VCE) repository of COVID Food Safety resources.

Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center Virtual Research Field day includes various presentations and publications of the authors’ above, which are each linked in the body of the publication