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Gędas A, Schmidt H, Weiss A. Identification and evaluation of Escherichia coli strain ATCC 8739 as a surrogate for thermal inactivation of enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli in fruit nectars: Impact of applied techniques on the decimal reduction time. Food Microbiol 2024; 122:104544. [PMID: 38839230 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2024.104544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to identify a suitable surrogate for E. coli O157:H7 strain 19685/91 and O113:H21 strain TS18/08, by assessing their thermal resistance at temperatures of 60 °C, 65 °C, and 72 °C in strawberry nectar. The influence of the matrix and the research methodology on the decimal reduction time (D-value) was investigated. Thermal kinetics and safety assessment demonstrated that E. coli ATCC 8739 is a suitable surrogate. The study demonstrated that the presence of fruit particles in the nectar increased thermal resistance of the tested strains. Variations in D-values were observed depending on the research method employed, with D-values in glass capillaries were up to 6.6 times lower compared to larger sample volumes. Encapsulation of E. coli ATCC 8739 exhibited high efficiency of 90.25 ± 0.26% and maintained stable viable counts after 26 days of storage in strawberry nectar at 4 °C. There were no significant differences in thermal resistance between surrogates directly inoculated into strawberry nectar and those encapsulated in alginate beads. Additionally, the encapsulated strains did not migrate outside the beads. Therefore, encapsulated E. coli ATCC 8739 in alginate beads can be effectively utilized in industrial settings to validate thermal treatments as a reliable and safe method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Gędas
- Food Microbiology, Hamburg School of Food Science, University of Hamburg, Ohnhorststrasse 18, 22609, Hamburg, Germany; Department of Food Microbiology and Hygiene, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 28, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Herbert Schmidt
- Department of Food Microbiology and Hygiene, Institute of Food Science and Biotechnology, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstrasse 28, 70599, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Agnes Weiss
- Food Microbiology, Hamburg School of Food Science, University of Hamburg, Ohnhorststrasse 18, 22609, Hamburg, Germany.
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You X, Yang D, Qu Y, Guo M, Zhang Y, Zhao X, Suo Y. Modeling Growth Kinetics of Escherichia coli and Background Microflora in Hydroponically Grown Lettuce. Foods 2024; 13:1359. [PMID: 38731731 PMCID: PMC11082962 DOI: 10.3390/foods13091359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Hydroponic cultivation of lettuce is an increasingly popular sustainable agricultural technique. However, Escherichia coli, a prevalent bacterium, poses significant concerns for the quality and safety of hydroponically grown lettuce. This study aimed to develop a growth model for E. coli and background microflora in hydroponically grown lettuce. The experiment involved inoculating hydroponically grown lettuce with E. coli and incubated at 4, 10, 15, 25, 30, 36 °C. Growth models for E. coli and background microflora were then developed using Origin 2022 (9.9) and IPMP 2013 software and validated at 5 °C and 20 °C by calculating root mean square errors (RMSEs). The result showed that E. coli was unable to grow at 4 °C and the SGompertz model was determined as the most appropriate primary model. From this primary model, the Ratkowsky square root model and polynomial model were derived as secondary models for E. coli-R168 and background microflora, respectively. These secondary models determined that the minimum temperature (Tmin) required for the growth of E. coli and background microflora in hydroponically grown lettuce was 6.1 °C and 8.7 °C, respectively. Moreover, the RMSE values ranged from 0.11 to 0.24 CFU/g, indicating that the models and their associated kinetic parameters accurately represented the proliferation of E. coli and background microflora in hydroponically grown lettuce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan You
- Henan Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, College of Food and Bioengineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China; (X.Y.); (D.Y.)
| | - Dongqun Yang
- Henan Engineering Research Center of Food Microbiology, College of Food and Bioengineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471023, China; (X.Y.); (D.Y.)
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute for Agro-Food Standards and Testing Technology, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201403, China; (Y.Q.)
| | - Yang Qu
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute for Agro-Food Standards and Testing Technology, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201403, China; (Y.Q.)
| | - Mingming Guo
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory for Agricultural Food Process, College of Biosystems Engineering and Food Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yangping Zhang
- Shanghai Leafa Agriculture Development Co., Ltd., Shanghai 201203, China;
| | - Xiaoyan Zhao
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute for Agro-Food Standards and Testing Technology, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201403, China; (Y.Q.)
| | - Yujuan Suo
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-Products of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute for Agro-Food Standards and Testing Technology, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai 201403, China; (Y.Q.)
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El-araby A, Azzouzi A, Ayam IM, Samouh KF, Errachidi F. Survey on technical management of strawberries in Morocco and evaluation of their post-harvest microbial load. Front Microbiol 2023; 13:1115340. [PMID: 36704550 PMCID: PMC9871894 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1115340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The climatic conditions of the growing regions influence the fruit's microbiological quality and their tolerance to post-harvest pathogens. The present work aims to identify the prevalence of bacterial and fungal strains of strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa) in the Gharb and Loukkos regions of Morocco. Thus, to establish a correlation between the microbial load and the climatic conditions of the two targeted regions. The bacteriological analyses were studied according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) methodologies. Regarding the mycological study, fungal species determination was performed using identification keys. Yeast species determination was done using genus analysis, assimilation, and fermentation tests. Emberger bioclimatic quotients (Q2) were calculated for the Gharb and Loukkos regions and bioclimatic stages were determined. Salmonella spp. was not detected in the studied samples. However, Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli were isolated from the Gharb samples. Sulfite-reducing clostridia spores were found in two Gharb samples versus one Loukkos sample. Coagulase-positive staphylococci were negative in all samples analyzed. Loukkos and Gharb regions were contaminated by Bacillus cereus with percentages of occurrence of 5.2 and 7.8%, respectively. The fungi found in strawberries from both regions were Aspergillus niger, Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium spp., Penicillium spp., Rhizopus spp., and Alternaria alternata with a significant predominance in the Loukkos samples. Indeed, a marked presence is noted for Candida sake and Rhodotorula glutinis in strawberries from Loukkos. Gharb is located on the semi-arid stage, while Loukkos is located on the sub-humid stage. Climatic conditions have a strong influence on plant microbial load, which explains the prevalence of bacteria in strawberries from Gharb and the prevalence of fungi in strawberries from Loukkos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abir El-araby
- Functional Ecology and Environment Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Technology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco,*Correspondence: Abir El-araby, ✉
| | - Amal Azzouzi
- Functional Ecology and Environment Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Technology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco
| | - Iman Msegued Ayam
- Functional Ecology and Environment Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Technology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco
| | - Khaoula Filali Samouh
- Department of Biology, Immunology and Biodiversity Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences Ain Chock, University Hassan II, Casablanca, Morocco
| | - Faouzi Errachidi
- Functional Ecology and Environment Engineering Laboratory, Faculty of Science and Technology, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco
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Beharielal T, Thamaga-Chitja J, Schmidt S. Socioeconomic Characteristics Associated with Farming Practices, Food Safety and Security in the Production of Fresh Produce—A Case Study including Small-Scale Farmers in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa). SUSTAINABILITY 2022; 14:10590. [DOI: 10.3390/su141710590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Farmer practices may influence the microbial quality and safety of fresh produce. The increasing demands to create ready-to-eat (RTE) fresh produce while providing potential niche markets for smallholder farmers might be contributing to increased numbers of fresh produce-associated foodborne disease outbreaks. This study determined the demographic and socioeconomic characteristics and farmer hygiene practices of farmers using open-ended questionnaires and key informant interviews. Additionally, the relationships between farmer socioeconomic characteristics and hygiene practices were statistically analyzed. The semi-organic smallholder farmer population and the farmworkers of the organic farm were female-dominated. Tertiary education was a predominant characteristic in the organic and semi-conventional workforces. While the semi-organic and semi-conventional farms relied on a combination of ‘store-bought’ synthetic and composted organic fertilizers, the organic farm owner only used composted organic fertilizer. The irrigation water sources varied amongst the farm types. However, most of the semi-organic farmers did not pre-treat irrigation water prior to use. The irrigation water source and fertilizer type selected by farmers varied and might affect the microbial quality and safety of fresh produce. Socioeconomic factors such as gender and education may influence farmer hygiene practices. These characteristics should therefore be considered when planning farmer support interventions.
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Yin HB, Chen CH, Colorado-Suarez S, Patel J. Biocontrol of Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica on Fresh Strawberries with Lactic Acid Bacteria During Refrigerated Storage. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2022; 19:324-331. [PMID: 35290741 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2021.0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Small fruits such as strawberries have been increasingly implicated in outbreaks of foodborne illnesses. Salmonella enterica and Listeria monocytogenes may contaminate strawberries leading to potential public health concern. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a combined lactic acid bacteria (LAB) treatment of Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus for controlling S. enterica and L. monocytogenes on fresh strawberries during storage at 4°C and 10°C. Strawberries purchased from a local grocery store were separately dip inoculated with Salmonella Newport, Salmonella Tennessee, Salmonella Thompson, or a three-strain cocktail of L. monocytogenes at ∼9 log colony-forming unit (CFU)/mL and allowed to air-dry for 1 h. Inoculated strawberries were then divided into three groups: (1) Control (pathogen alone), (2) Man, Rogosa, Sharpe (MRS) control (dipping in MRS broth), and (3) LAB treatment (dipping in a LAB cocktail of L. plantarum and P. pentosaceus). After treatment, strawberries were stored at 4°C or 10°C for 7 d in vented clamshell containers. Surviving Listeria, Salmonella, and LAB populations on strawberries were determined on 0, 1, 3, and 7 d post-treatment by plating on selective agars. At both 4°C and 10°C, LAB treatment significantly decreased Listeria populations by up to 2 log CFU/g compared to controls after 3 d of storage (p < 0.05). When strawberries were stored at 4°C, LAB treatment reduced ∼2.5 log, ∼2.7 log, and ∼2.9 log CFU/g in Salmonella Newport, Salmonella Tennessee, and Salmonella Thompson populations, respectively, compared to control on day 7. Similarly, ∼2.5 log CFU/g reductions of Salmonella populations were observed with LAB treatment at 10°C on day 7. LAB populations remained at ∼7.5 log CFU/g levels on strawberries at both temperatures throughout the entire study. Results of this study suggest that a combined LAB treatment can be potentially used as biocontrol agents against Salmonella and L. monocytogenes on strawberries at postharvest level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Bai Yin
- Environmental Microbial & Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Chi-Hung Chen
- Environmental Microbial & Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Stephanie Colorado-Suarez
- Environmental Microbial & Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
| | - Jitendra Patel
- Environmental Microbial & Food Safety Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland, USA
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Yeargin TA, Fraser AM, Gibson KE. Characterization of risk management practices among strawberry growers in the southeastern United States and the factors associated with implementation. Food Control 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Ortiz-Solà J, Abadias M, Colás-Medà P, Sánchez G, Bobo G, Viñas I. Evaluation of a sanitizing washing step with different chemical disinfectants for the strawberry processing industry. Int J Food Microbiol 2020; 334:108810. [PMID: 32805511 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2020.108810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Strawberries are often consumed fresh or only receive minimal processing, inducing a significant health risk to the consumer if contamination occurs anywhere from farm to fork. Outbreaks of foodborne illness associated with strawberries often involve a broad range of microbiological agents, from viruses (human norovirus) to bacteria (Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes). The addition of sanitizers to water washes is one of the most commonly studied strategies to remove or inactivate pathogens on berries as well as avoid cross contamination due to reuse of process wash water. The risk posed with the safety issues of by-products from chlorine disinfection in the fruit industry has led to a search for alternative sanitizers. We evaluated the applicability of different chemical sanitizers (peracetic acid (PA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), citric acid (CA), lactic acid (LA) and acetic acid (AA)) for the inactivation of S. enterica, L. monocytogenes and murine norovirus (MNV-1) on strawberries. A control treatment with chlorine (NaClO) (100 ppm) was included. For each sanitizer, different doses (40, 80 and 120 ppm for PA and 1, 2.5 and 5% for H2O2, LA, AA and CA) and time (2 and 5 min) were studied in order to optimize the decontamination washing step. The best concentrations were 80 ppm for PA, 5% for H2O2 and 2.5% for organic acids (LA, AA and CA) after 2 min treatment. Results indicate that the sanitizers selected may be a feasible alternative to chlorine (100 ppm) for removing selected pathogenic microorganisms (P > 0.05), with reductions about ≥2 log for bacterial strains and ≥ 1.7 log for MNV-1. As the washing water may also increase the microbial counts by cross-contamination, we observed that no pathogenic bacteria were found in wash water after 5% H2O2 and 80 ppm PA after 2 min treatment. On the other hand, we also reported reductions about total aerobic mesophyll (TAM) (0.0-1.4 log CFU/g) and molds and yeasts (M&Y) (0.3-1.8 log CFU/g) with all alternative sanitizers tested. Strawberries treated did not shown significant differences about physio-chemical parameters compared to the untreated samples (initial). For this study, the optimal sanitizer selected was PA, due to the low concentration and cost needed and its microbiocidal effect in wash water and fruit. Notwithstanding the results obtained, the effect of PA in combination with other non-thermal technologies such as water-assisted ultraviolet (UV-C) light should be studied in future research to improve the disinfection of strawberries.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ortiz-Solà
- Universitat de Lleida, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos, XaRTA-Postharvest, Centro Agrotecnio, Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - M Abadias
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), XaRTA-Postharvest, Edifici Fruitcentre, Parc Científic i Tecnològic Agroalimentari de Lleida, Parc de Gardeny, 25003 Lleida, Spain.
| | - P Colás-Medà
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), XaRTA-Postharvest, Edifici Fruitcentre, Parc Científic i Tecnològic Agroalimentari de Lleida, Parc de Gardeny, 25003 Lleida, Spain
| | - G Sánchez
- Departamento de Tecnologías de Conservación y Seguridad Alimentaria, IATA-CSIC, Avda. Agustin Escardino 7, 46980 Paterna, Valencia, Spain
| | - G Bobo
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), XaRTA-Postharvest, Edifici Fruitcentre, Parc Científic i Tecnològic Agroalimentari de Lleida, Parc de Gardeny, 25003 Lleida, Spain
| | - I Viñas
- Universitat de Lleida, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos, XaRTA-Postharvest, Centro Agrotecnio, Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain.
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Picot A, Cobo-Díaz JF, Pawtowski A, Donot C, Legrand F, Le Floch G, Déniel F. Water Microbiota in Greenhouses With Soilless Cultures of Tomato by Metabarcoding and Culture-Dependent Approaches. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:1354. [PMID: 32655533 PMCID: PMC7324630 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.01354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Water supply, in hydroponic greenhouses, can originate from groundwater, surface water or rainwater stored in open tanks. To limit contamination of water supply, several methods have been used including active and passive methods such as slow filtration techniques which consist in passing the nutrient solutions slowly through filters. The purpose of this study was to describe the microbiota associated with water sampled before entering greenhouses and in recirculating nutrient solutions, either before or after running through a biofiltration system. Metabarcoding analysis revealed that water ecosystems were unique niches for diverse bacterial and fungal communities. Microbial composition varied greatly across storage conditions (groundwater vs. rainwater) and among greenhouses, suggesting that water microbiota is site- and storage-condition-specific. Nonetheless, we found that microbiota structure in open-stored water (either coming from ground or rain) shared a higher degree of similarity than with water directly pumped out of the ground. Open-stored waters were characterized by predominant taxa, notably those involved in aerobic chemoheterotrophy, such as the Sphingomonadaceae and Hyphomicrobiaceae families. Water directly collected from the ground showed the lowest levels of fungal and bacterial richness while also characterized by a significantly higher level of bacterial equitability and an enrichment in taxa involved in N-cycling. Slow filtration allowed reducing cultivable bacterial loads as well Pythium spp. and Fusarium oxysporum propagules, based on culture-dependent results, without compromising microbiota richness and diversity. Although compositional structure was similar following biofiltration, significant differences in bacterial (but not fungal) taxa abundance were reported, with primarily an enrichment of Chelativorans, Mycobacterium, and Gemmata as well as a depletion of Rhodobacter, Aminobacter, and Ellin329. The exact mechanisms by which such taxa would be favored at the expense of other remained unknown. Besides the accurate description of microbiota found in water at both taxonomical and predicted functional levels, our study allowed comparing the water microbiota between various storage system and following biofiltration. Although preliminary, our results provide a first insight into the potential microbial diversity, which can increase ecosystem functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adeline Picot
- Univ. Brest, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, Plouzané, France
| | - José F Cobo-Díaz
- Univ. Brest, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, Plouzané, France
| | - Audrey Pawtowski
- Univ. Brest, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, Plouzané, France
| | - Christelle Donot
- Univ. Brest, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, Plouzané, France
| | - Fabienne Legrand
- Univ. Brest, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, Plouzané, France
| | - Gaétan Le Floch
- Univ. Brest, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, Plouzané, France
| | - Franck Déniel
- Univ. Brest, Laboratoire Universitaire de Biodiversité et Écologie Microbienne, Plouzané, France
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Banach JL, van der Fels-Klerx HJ. Microbiological Reduction Strategies of Irrigation Water for Fresh Produce. J Food Prot 2020; 83:1072-1087. [PMID: 32032424 DOI: 10.4315/jfp-19-466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Irrigation water can be a source of pathogenic contamination of fresh produce. Controlling the quality of the water used during primary production is important to ensure food safety and protect human health. Several measures to control the microbiological quality of irrigation water are available for growers, including preventative and mitigation strategies. However, clear guidance for growers on which strategies could be used to reduce microbiological contamination is needed. This study evaluates pathogenic microorganisms of concern in fresh produce and water, the microbiological criteria of water intended for agricultural purposes, and the preventative and mitigative microbial reduction strategies. This article provides suggestions for control measures that growers can take during primary production to reduce foodborne pathogenic contamination coming from irrigation water. Results show that controlling the water source, regime, and timing of irrigation may help to reduce the potential exposure of fresh produce to contamination. Moreover, mitigation strategies like electrolysis, ozone, UV, and photocatalysts hold promise either as a single treatment, with pretreatments that remove suspended material, or as combined treatments with another chemical or physical treatment(s). Based on the literature data, a decision tree was developed for growers, which describes preventative and mitigation strategies for irrigation-water disinfection based on the fecal coliform load of the irrigation water and the water turbidity. It helps guide growers when trying to evaluate possible control measures given the quality of the irrigation water available. Overall, the strategies available to control irrigation water used for fresh produce should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis because one strategy or technology does not apply to all scenarios. HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Banach
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 230, 6700 AE Wageningen, The Netherlands (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3439-854X [J.L.B.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7801-394X [H.J.F.K.])
| | - H J van der Fels-Klerx
- Wageningen Food Safety Research (WFSR), Wageningen University & Research, P.O. Box 230, 6700 AE Wageningen, The Netherlands (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3439-854X [J.L.B.]; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7801-394X [H.J.F.K.])
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Ortiz-Solà J, Valero A, Viñas I, Colás-Medà P, Abadias M. Microbial interaction between Salmonella enterica and main postharvest fungal pathogens on strawberry fruit. Int J Food Microbiol 2020; 320:108489. [PMID: 31954976 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2019.108489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The microbial interaction between Salmonella enterica and the main postharvest fungal pathogens of strawberries was evaluated. Inoculation of fungal suspension was done 2 (D2) and 1 (D1) day(s) before and at the same time (D0) as S. enterica. Fruits were stored at 20 °C and 4 °C. At both temperatures, Botrytis cinerea and Rhizopus stolonifer caused a decrease in S. enterica population. Treatments where the mould was inoculated (D2, D1 and D0) achieved a significant logarithmic reduction (P < 0.05) of S. enterica populations after 48 h (20 °C) and 14 days (4 °C) compared to fungal-uninoculated fruits (CK). Regarding temperature, average reductions were significantly higher at 4 °C (3.38 log10 CFU/wound) than at 20 °C (1.16 log10 CFU/wound) (P < 0.05). Average reductions comprising all treatments were 1.91 and 0.41 log10 CFU/wound for B. cinerea and R. stolonifer at 20 °C, and 3.39 and 3.37 log10 CFU/wound for B. cinerea and R. stolonifer at 4 °C. A linear log10 model was fitted in order to predict the inactivation rate (kmax, log10 CFU/h) of S. enterica. Inactivation rates were higher at 20 °C for D2 treatments than at 4 °C throughout the running time. The main inactivation rate was obtained for B. cinerea at 20 °C (0.160 ± 0.027/h), which was found to have stronger inhibitory activity against S. enterica than R. stolonifer. Univariate analysis ANOVA was carried out to evaluate the effect of different external variables on the inhibition of S. enterica. Results found that single effects were significant (P < 0.05) except for the pH. The inhibitory effect caused by the action of moulds in conjunction with some environmental factors could indicate the potential interactions between strawberry fungal pathogens and S. enterica.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ortiz-Solà
- Universidad de Lleida, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos, XaRTA-Postharvest, Centro Agrotecnio, Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
| | - A Valero
- Universidad de Córdoba, Facultad de Veterinaria, Departamento de Bromatología y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Campus Rabanales s/n, Edif. Darwin anexo C1, Crta. Madrid-Cádiz Km 396A, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - I Viñas
- Universidad de Lleida, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos, XaRTA-Postharvest, Centro Agrotecnio, Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - P Colás-Medà
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), XaRTA-Postharvest, Parc Científic i Tecnològic Agroalimentari de Lleida, Edifici Fruitcentre, Parc de Gardeny, 25003 Lleida, Catalonia, Spain
| | - M Abadias
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), XaRTA-Postharvest, Parc Científic i Tecnològic Agroalimentari de Lleida, Edifici Fruitcentre, Parc de Gardeny, 25003 Lleida, Catalonia, Spain.
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Shiraz S, Djebbi-Simmons D, Alhejaili M, Danos K, Janes M, Fontenot K, Xu W. Evaluation of the microbial safety and quality of Louisiana strawberries after flooding. Food Control 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2019.106970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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12
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Pérez-Lavalle L, Carrasco E, Valero A. Microbiological criteria: Principles for their establishment and application in food quality and safety. Ital J Food Saf 2020; 9:8543. [PMID: 32300570 PMCID: PMC7154603 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2020.8543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Legislation on food safety has led towards the standardization of food productions which, together with the existing quality certifications, aim to increase the level of protection of public health. It is recognized the need for the agri-food industry to have tools to harmonize their productions and to adequately manage their quality systems in order to improve consumers' confidence. The implementation of microbiological criteria is focused on facilitating this harmonization by enabling the discrimination of defective lots and acting as control tools at industrial level. Therefore, knowledge of the principles, components and factors influencing the efficiency of microbiological criteria may be helpful to better understand the consequences of their application. In the present study the main principles, methodologies and applications of microbiological criteria in foods are addressed for their implementation as a part of the management quality systems of agrifood industries. In addition, potential limitations and impact of microbiological criteria on food safety are discussed. Finally, an assessment of the performance of microbiological criteria at EU level in berries is described for the compliance of the socalled risk-based metrics, namely Performance Objectives and Food Safety Objectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Pérez-Lavalle
- Department of Food Science and Technology, International Campus of Excellence in the AgriFood Sector (CeiA3), University of Córdoba, Spain
- Faculty of Basic and Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Barranquilla, Colombia
| | - Elena Carrasco
- Department of Food Science and Technology, International Campus of Excellence in the AgriFood Sector (CeiA3), University of Córdoba, Spain
| | - Antonio Valero
- Department of Food Science and Technology, International Campus of Excellence in the AgriFood Sector (CeiA3), University of Córdoba, Spain
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Ortiz-Solà J, Viñas I, Colás-Medà P, Anguera M, Abadias M. Occurrence of selected viral and bacterial pathogens and microbiological quality of fresh and frozen strawberries sold in Spain. Int J Food Microbiol 2020; 314:108392. [PMID: 31698282 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2019.108392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Strawberry production and exports have been increasing in Spain in recent decades. However, little information is available about their microbiological quality. Due to the growing concern about the microbial safety of these fruits, the objective of this investigation was to study the microbiological quality and the prevalence of the main foodborne pathogens on strawberries sold in Spain. Fresh (n = 152) and frozen (n = 31) samples were obtained from marketplaces and fields in 2017 and 2018. The samples were assayed for total aerobic mesophilic microorganisms (TAM), moulds and yeasts (M&Y), total coliforms (TC), Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes as well as Norovirus (NoV) GI and GII. The microbiological counts ranged from <1.70 (detection limit, dl) - 5.89 log10 CFU/g (mean 3.78 log10 CFU/g) for TAM; 2.10-5.86 log10 CFU/g (mean 3.80 log10 CFU/g) for M&Y; and <0.70 (dl) - 4.91 log10 CFU/g (mean 2.15 log10 CFU/g) for TC in fresh strawberries. In frozen strawberries, the counts were <1.70 (dl) - 3.66 log10 CFU/g (mean 2.30 log10 CFU/g) for TAM; <1.70 (dl) - 2.76 log10 CFU/g (mean 1.82 log10 CFU/g) for M&Y; and <0.70(dl) - 1.74 log10 CFU/g (mean 0.77 log10 CFU/g) for TC. All the samples in this study tested negative for Salmonella spp., L. monocytogenes. E. coli and NoV GI and GII genome. A global overview of all the data was executed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and the results showed that the scores and loadings according to principal components 1 (PC1) and 2 (PC2) accounted for 75.9% of the total variance, allowing a distinction between fresh and frozen samples. The presence of moulds was significantly higher in the supermarket samples whereas the presence of total coliforms was significantly higher in the field samples (p < 0.05). Although pathogenic microorganisms were not found, preventative measures and prerequisites in the strawberry production chain must be considered in order to avoid possible foodborne diseases related to the microbiological quality of the fruit.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Ortiz-Solà
- Universitat de Lleida, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos, XaRTA-Postharvest, Centro Agrotecnio, Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - I Viñas
- Universitat de Lleida, Departamento de Ciencia y Tecnología de Alimentos, XaRTA-Postharvest, Centro Agrotecnio, Rovira Roure 191, 25198 Lleida, Spain.
| | - P Colás-Medà
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), XaRTA-Postharvest, Edifici Fruitcentre, Parc Científic i Tecnològic Agroalimentari de Lleida, Parc de Gardeny, 25003 Lleida, Spain
| | - M Anguera
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), XaRTA-Postharvest, Edifici Fruitcentre, Parc Científic i Tecnològic Agroalimentari de Lleida, Parc de Gardeny, 25003 Lleida, Spain
| | - M Abadias
- Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA), XaRTA-Postharvest, Edifici Fruitcentre, Parc Científic i Tecnològic Agroalimentari de Lleida, Parc de Gardeny, 25003 Lleida, Spain.
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Oliveira M, Rodrigues CM, Teixeira P. Microbiological quality of raw berries and their products: A focus on foodborne pathogens. Heliyon 2019; 5:e02992. [PMID: 31867463 PMCID: PMC6906664 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e02992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Berry samples (n = 316; strawberries, raspberries, blackberries and blueberries) obtained from a fruit processing plant were examined regarding bacteriological quality and their potential public health risk. Three types of berry products were analysed including raw material, product from the mixing step and final product. Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, Bacillus cereus, sulphite-reducing clostridia spores and coagulase-positive staphylococci were the parameters investigated. Salmonella enterica serovar Braenderup and L. monocytogenes were isolated from one fruit sample of raw material each. Two samples harboured E. coli between 0.7 and 0.9 log cfu g-1, not exceeding the hygienic criteria. Coagulase-positive staphylococci were not detected in the studied samples; however, coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) were isolated from a small proportion of samples mainly raspberries. Presumptive B. cereus were isolated from a relatively large proportion of the samples, raspberries and blackberries being the most contaminated fruits. The absence of pathogenic microorganisms in the final product as well as the low prevalence of presumptive B. cereus and CNS indicates proper implementation of good manufacturing and hygiene practices (GMPs/GHPs) by the food industry. Nevertheless, the results indicate that the raw material examined may contain pathogenic bacteria and thereby represent a risk to consumers regarding the manifestation of foodborne diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Márcia Oliveira
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, CBQF - Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina – Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Rua Diogo Botelho 1327, 4169-005, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Paula Teixeira
- Universidade Católica Portuguesa, CBQF - Centro de Biotecnologia e Química Fina – Laboratório Associado, Escola Superior de Biotecnologia, Rua Diogo Botelho 1327, 4169-005, Porto, Portugal
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15
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Food safety behavior and handling practices during purchase, preparation, storage and consumption of chicken meat and eggs. Food Res Int 2019; 125:108631. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2019.108631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2019] [Revised: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Lafarga T, Colás-Medà P, Abadías M, Aguiló-Aguayo I, Bobo G, Viñas I. Strategies to reduce microbial risk and improve quality of fresh and processed strawberries: A review. INNOV FOOD SCI EMERG 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ifset.2018.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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17
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Macori G, Gilardi G, Bellio A, Bianchi DM, Gallina S, Vitale N, Gullino ML, Decastelli L. Microbiological Parameters in the Primary Production of Berries: A Pilot Study. Foods 2018; 7:E105. [PMID: 29976895 PMCID: PMC6069088 DOI: 10.3390/foods7070105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2018] [Revised: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary production of fresh soft fruits was considered to be a suspected critical point for the contamination of frozen berries that were responsible for the large 2013⁻2014 Hepatitis A virus (HAV) outbreak in Europe. In this study, an Italian berries’ production area was studied for its agro-technical characteristics, and the fresh fruits were analyzed for the presence of enteric viruses (HAV and Norovirus (NoV) genogroup I and genogroup II (GGI and GGII)), the enumeration of hygienic quality parameters, and the prevalence of bacterial pathogens. A total of 50 producers were sampled, who specialized in the exclusive or shared cultivation of berries. Escherichia coli was detected in two blackberry samples, whereas HAV and Norovirus were not detected. The samples were negative for Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC). The farms’ attributes were not associated with positive samples, apart from the presence of E. coli and the aerobic mesophilic bacteria for blackberry that were statistically correlated. In blueberries, the high aerobic mesophilic count could likely be associated with the resistance of the outer layer to handling. However, the two pathogens (Salmonella spp. and STEC) and the targeted viruses (HAV, NoV GGI and GGII) were not detected, highlighting the low risk of foodborne pathogens and viral contamination at the primary production stage of the berry food chain in the area considered in this pilot study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guerrino Macori
- Food Control and Production Hygiene Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Gilardi
- Centre of Competence for Innovation in Agro-Environmental Field, Agroinnova, University of Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy.
| | - Alberto Bellio
- Food Control and Production Hygiene Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy.
| | - Daniela Manila Bianchi
- Food Control and Production Hygiene Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy.
| | - Silvia Gallina
- Food Control and Production Hygiene Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy.
| | - Nicoletta Vitale
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy.
| | - Maria Lodovica Gullino
- Centre of Competence for Innovation in Agro-Environmental Field, Agroinnova, University of Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco (TO), Italy.
| | - Lucia Decastelli
- Food Control and Production Hygiene Unit, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d'Aosta, via Bologna 148, 10154 Turin, Italy.
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Truchado P, Hernandez N, Gil MI, Ivanek R, Allende A. Correlation between E. coli levels and the presence of foodborne pathogens in surface irrigation water: Establishment of a sampling program. WATER RESEARCH 2018; 128:226-233. [PMID: 29107907 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2017.10.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
To establish the association between microbial indicators and the presence of foodborne pathogens in irrigation water, Escherichia coli was enumerated using two quantification methods (plate counts and PMA-qPCR) and presence/absence of pathogenic microorganisms, including five strains from the Shiga toxigenic E. coli (O157:H7, O26, O103, O111 and O145) and Salmonella spp. were evaluated. The results confirmed that surface water can be considered a microbial hazard when used for irrigation. The levels of viable E. coli were very similar to those of cultivable E. coli, except for irrigation water obtained from water reservoirs. Comparison between the E. coli counts in samples positive and negative for the presence of pathogenic bacteria for the evaluated water sources identified E. coli level of 2.35 log cfu/100 mL as a cut-off able to correctly predict positive and negative samples with 93% sensitivity and 66% specificity, respectively. Thus, for the samples with levels of E. coli under 2.35 log cfu/100 mL (e.g., 2.24 log cfu/100 mL) there was a 90% probability that the samples were not contaminated with pathogenic microorganism in locations with similar prevalence. E. coli levels in irrigation water were affected by the ambient temperature confirming that water source and climate conditions should be taken into account by growers when designing a sampling program and the frequency of the monitoring to make a better and more efficient use of their resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar Truchado
- Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, CEBAS-CSIC, Campus Universitario de Espinardo, 25, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Natalia Hernandez
- Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, CEBAS-CSIC, Campus Universitario de Espinardo, 25, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Maria I Gil
- Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, CEBAS-CSIC, Campus Universitario de Espinardo, 25, 30100, Murcia, Spain
| | - Renata Ivanek
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NW, USA
| | - Ana Allende
- Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, CEBAS-CSIC, Campus Universitario de Espinardo, 25, 30100, Murcia, Spain.
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19
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Allende A, Castro-Ibáñez I, Lindqvist R, Gil MI, Uyttendaele M, Jacxsens L. Quantitative contamination assessment of Escherichia coli in baby spinach primary production in Spain: Effects of weather conditions and agricultural practices. Int J Food Microbiol 2017; 257:238-246. [PMID: 28697385 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2017.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 04/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A quantitative microbial contamination model of Escherichia coli during primary production of baby spinach was developed. The model included only systematic contamination routes (e.g. soil and irrigation water) and it was used to evaluate the potential impact of weather conditions, agricultural practices as well as bacterial fitness in soil on the E. coli levels present in the crop at harvest. The model can be used to estimate E. coli contamination of baby spinach via irrigation water, via soil splashing due to irrigation water or rain events, and also including the inactivation of E. coli on plants due to solar radiation during a variable time of culturing before harvest. Seasonality, solar radiation and rainfall were predicted to have an important impact on the E. coli contamination. Winter conditions increased E. coli prevalence and levels when compared to spring conditions. As regards agricultural practices, both water quality and irrigation system slightly influenced E. coli levels on baby spinach. The good microbiological quality of the irrigation water (average E. coli counts in positive water samples below 1 log/100mL) could have influenced the differences observed among the tested agricultural practices (water treatment and irrigation system). This quantitative microbial contamination model represents a preliminary framework that assesses the potential impact of different factors and intervention strategies affecting E. coli concentrations at field level. Taking into account that E. coli strains may serve as a surrogate organism for enteric bacterial pathogens, obtained results on E. coli levels on baby spinach may be indicative of the potential behaviour of these pathogens under defined conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Allende
- Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Food Science and Technology, CEBAS-CSIC, PO Box 164, Espinardo, Murcia E-30100, Spain.
| | - Irene Castro-Ibáñez
- Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Food Science and Technology, CEBAS-CSIC, PO Box 164, Espinardo, Murcia E-30100, Spain
| | - Roland Lindqvist
- Division of Risk and Benefit Assessment, National Food Agency, SE-75126 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - María Isabel Gil
- Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Food Science and Technology, CEBAS-CSIC, PO Box 164, Espinardo, Murcia E-30100, Spain
| | - Mieke Uyttendaele
- Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Laboratory of Food Preservation and Food Microbiology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links, 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Jacxsens
- Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Laboratory of Food Preservation and Food Microbiology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure Links, 653, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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20
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Contamination of Fresh Produce by Microbial Indicators on Farms and in Packing Facilities: Elucidation of Environmental Routes. Appl Environ Microbiol 2017; 83:AEM.02984-16. [PMID: 28363965 DOI: 10.1128/aem.02984-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
To improve food safety on farms, it is critical to quantify the impact of environmental microbial contamination sources on fresh produce. However, studies are hampered by difficulties achieving study designs with powered sample sizes to elucidate relationships between environmental and produce contamination. Our goal was to quantify, in the agricultural production environment, the relationship between microbial contamination on hands, soil, and water and contamination on fresh produce. In 11 farms and packing facilities in northern Mexico, we applied a matched study design: composite samples (n = 636, equivalent to 11,046 units) of produce rinses were matched to water, soil, and worker hand rinses during two growing seasons. Microbial indicators (coliforms, Escherichia coli, Enterococcus spp., and somatic coliphage) were quantified from composite samples. Statistical measures of association and correlations were calculated through Spearman's correlation, linear regression, and logistic regression models. The concentrations of all microbial indicators were positively correlated between produce and hands (ρ range, 0.41 to 0.75; P < 0.01). When E. coli was present on hands, the handled produce was nine times more likely to contain E. coli (P < 0.05). Similarly, when coliphage was present on hands, the handled produce was eight times more likely to contain coliphage (P < 0.05). There were relatively low concentrations of indicators in soil and water samples, and a few sporadic significant associations were observed between contamination of soil and water and contamination of produce. This methodology provides a foundation for future field studies, and results highlight the need for interventions surrounding farmworker hygiene and sanitation to reduce microbial contamination of farmworkers' hands.IMPORTANCE This study of the relationships between microbes on produce and in the farm environment can be used to support the design of targeted interventions to prevent or reduce microbial contamination of fresh produce with associated reductions in foodborne illness.
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Ceuppens S, Johannessen GS, Allende A, Tondo EC, El-Tahan F, Sampers I, Jacxsens L, Uyttendaele M. Risk Factors for Salmonella, Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli and Campylobacter Occurrence in Primary Production of Leafy Greens and Strawberries. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:9809-31. [PMID: 26295251 PMCID: PMC4555313 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120809809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Revised: 08/12/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The microbiological sanitary quality and safety of leafy greens and strawberries were assessed in the primary production in Belgium, Brazil, Egypt, Norway and Spain by enumeration of Escherichia coli and detection of Salmonella, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) and Campylobacter. Water samples were more prone to containing pathogens (54 positives out of 950 analyses) than soil (16/1186) and produce on the field (18/977 for leafy greens and 5/402 for strawberries). The prevalence of pathogens also varied markedly according to the sampling region. Flooding of fields increased the risk considerably, with odds ratio (OR) 10.9 for Salmonella and 7.0 for STEC. A significant association between elevated numbers of generic E. coli and detection of pathogens (OR of 2.3 for STEC and 2.7 for Salmonella) was established. Generic E. coli was found to be a suitable index organism for Salmonella and STEC, but to a lesser extent for Campylobacter. Guidelines on frequency of sampling and threshold values for E. coli in irrigation water may differ from region to region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siele Ceuppens
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation (LFMFP), Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
| | - Gro S Johannessen
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 750 Sentrum, 0106 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Ana Allende
- Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Department of Food Science and Technology, CEBAS-CSIC, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
| | - Eduardo César Tondo
- Laboratório de Microbiologia e Controle de Alimentos, Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia de Alimentos, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (ICTA/UFRGS), Av. Bento Gonçalves, 9500, Prédio 43212, Campus do Vale, Agronomia, Cep. 91501-970 Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil.
| | - Fouad El-Tahan
- Royal International Inspection Laboratories (RIIL), Suez 43111, Egypt.
| | - Imca Sampers
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology & Biotechnology, Department of Industrial Biological Sciences, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Kortrijk 8500, Belgium.
| | - Liesbeth Jacxsens
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation (LFMFP), Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
| | - Mieke Uyttendaele
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation (LFMFP), Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium.
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Johannessen GS, Wennberg AC, Nesheim I, Tryland I. Diverse Land Use and the Impact on (Irrigation) Water Quality and Need for Measures - A Case Study of a Norwegian River. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:6979-7001. [PMID: 26090611 PMCID: PMC4483744 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120606979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Revised: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 06/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Surface water is used for irrigation of food plants all over the World. Such water can be of variable hygienic quality, and can be contaminated from many different sources. The association of contaminated irrigation water with contamination of fresh produce is well established, and many outbreaks of foodborne disease associated with fresh produce consumption have been reported. The objective of the present study was to summarize the data on fecal indicators and selected bacterial pathogens to assess the level of fecal contamination of a Norwegian river used for irrigation in an area which has a high production level of various types of food commodities. Sources for fecal pollution of the river were identified. Measures implemented to reduce discharges from the wastewater sector and agriculture, and potential measures identified for future implementation are presented and discussed in relation to potential benefits and costs. It is important that the users of the water, independent of intended use, are aware of the hygienic quality and the potential interventions that may be applied. Our results suggest that contamination of surface water is a complex web of many factors and that several measures and interventions on different levels are needed to achieve a sound river and safe irrigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gro S Johannessen
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 750 Sentrum, NO-0106 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Aina C Wennberg
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Ingrid Nesheim
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Ingun Tryland
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway.
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Johannessen GS, Eckner KF, Heiberg N, Monshaugen M, Begum M, Økland M, Høgåsen HR. Occurrence of Escherichia coli, Campylobcter, Salmonella and Shiga-Toxin Producing E. coli in Norwegian Primary Strawberry Production. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:6919-32. [PMID: 26090606 PMCID: PMC4483739 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120606919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Revised: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate the bacteriological quality of strawberries at harvest and to study risk factors such as irrigation water, soil and picker's hand cleanliness. Four farms were visited during the harvest season in 2012. Samples of strawberries, irrigation water, soil and hand swabs were collected and analyzed for E. coli, Campylobacter, Salmonella and STEC Although fecal indicators and pathogens were found in environmental samples, only one of 80 samples of strawberries was positive for E. coli (1.0 log10 cfu/g) and pathogens were not detected in any of the strawberry samples. The water samples from all irrigation sources were contaminated with E. coli in numbers ranging from 0 to 3.3 log10 cfu/g. Campylobacter (8/16 samples) and Salmonella (1/16 samples) were isolated from samples with high numbers of E. coli. The water samples collected from a lake had lower numbers of E. coli than the samples from rivers and a stream. The present study indicated continuous background contamination in the primary production environment. Although the background contamination was not reflected on the strawberries tested here, the results must be interpreted with caution due to the limited number of samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gro S Johannessen
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 750 Sentrum, Oslo N-0106, Norway.
| | - Karl F Eckner
- Vann-og Avløpsetaten, P.O. Box 4704 Sofienberg, 0506 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Nina Heiberg
- Gartnerhallen SA, P.O. Box 111 Alnabru, Oslo N-0614, Norway.
| | - Marte Monshaugen
- School of Veterinary Science, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, P.O. Box 8146 Dep., Oslo N-0033, Norway.
| | - Mumtaz Begum
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 750 Sentrum, Oslo N-0106, Norway.
| | - Marianne Økland
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 750 Sentrum, Oslo N-0106, Norway.
| | - Helga R Høgåsen
- Norwegian Veterinary Institute, P.O. Box 750 Sentrum, Oslo N-0106, Norway.
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