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Koutsoumanis K, Ordóñez AA, Bolton D, Bover‐Cid S, Chemaly M, De Cesare A, Herman L, Hilbert F, Lindqvist R, Nauta M, Nonno R, Peixe L, Ru G, Simmons M, Skandamis P, Suffredini E, Banach J, Ottoson J, Zhou B, da Silva Felício MT, Jacxsens L, Martins JL, Messens W, Allende A. Microbiological hazards associated with the use of water in the post-harvest handling and processing operations of fresh and frozen fruits, vegetables and herbs (ffFVHs). Part 1 (outbreak data analysis, literature review and stakeholder questionnaire). EFSA J 2023; 21:e08332. [PMID: 37928944 PMCID: PMC10623241 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2023.8332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The contamination of water used in post-harvest handling and processing operations of fresh and frozen fruit, vegetables and herbs (ffFVHs) is a global concern. The most relevant microbial hazards associated with this water are: Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., human pathogenic Escherichia coli and enteric viruses, which have been linked to multiple outbreaks associated with ffFVHs in the European Union (EU). Contamination (i.e. the accumulation of microbiological hazards) of the process water during post-harvest handling and processing operations is affected by several factors including: the type and contamination of the FVHs being processed, duration of the operation and transfer of microorganisms from the product to the water and vice versa, etc. For food business operators (FBOp), it is important to maintain the microbiological quality of the process water to assure the safety of ffFVHs. Good manufacturing practices (GMP) and good hygienic practices (GHP) related to a water management plan and the implementation of a water management system are critical to maintain the microbiological quality of the process water. Identified hygienic practices include technical maintenance of infrastructure, training of staff and cooling of post-harvest process water. Intervention strategies (e.g. use of water disinfection treatments and water replenishment) have been suggested to maintain the microbiological quality of process water. Chlorine-based disinfectants and peroxyacetic acid have been reported as common water disinfection treatments. However, given current practices in the EU, evidence of their efficacy under industrial conditions is only available for chlorine-based disinfectants. The use of water disinfection treatments must be undertaken following an appropriate water management strategy including validation, operational monitoring and verification. During operational monitoring, real-time information on process parameters related to the process and product, as well as the water and water disinfection treatment(s) are necessary. More specific guidance for FBOp on the validation, operational monitoring and verification is needed.
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Ali AS, Gari SR, Goodson ML, Walsh CL, Dessie BK, Ambelu A. Fecal Contamination in the Wastewater Irrigation System and its Health Threat to Wastewater-Based Farming Households in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2023; 17:11786302231181307. [PMID: 37362237 PMCID: PMC10286199 DOI: 10.1177/11786302231181307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Due to rapidly growing demand, the production of vegetables is increasing along the Akaki Rivers. The objective of this study was to examine the degree of fecal contamination and levels of fecal contamination and dissemination throughout the wastewater irrigation system. Irrigation water, irrigated soil, and leafy vegetables were collected twice during 2 vegetable growing seasons, at the maturity period of the growing season, from 19 sampling points along the 2 Akaki Rivers. Composite samples were taken from all sampling points and E.coli was enumerated. The mean E.coli load in wastewater and non-wastewater sources were 1.16±5.53 CFU/100 ml and 2.232±1.292 CFU/100 ml respectively. All counts of E. coli in the wastewater exceeded the WHO's standards indicating that the irrigation water quality was unacceptable. In the wastewater-irrigated and non-wastewater-irrigated soil, the mean E.coli were 3.62 ±1.582 CFU/g and 1.322±87.1 CFU/g respectively. Meanwhile, the mean E.coli counts on the lettuce and Swiss chard were 78 ± 2 CFU/g and 44 ±3CFU/g respectively. The E.coli count on the leafy vegetables was found to be associated with the E.coli in the wastewater and soil. The production of leafy vegetables using wastewater with unacceptably high levels of E.coli and high occupational exposure introduces high levels of risk to the farming communities and to the consumers. Leafy, low-growing raw edible vegetables need careful treatment during food production and harvesting procedures or activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adane Sirage Ali
- Division of Water and Health, Ethiopian Institute of Water Resources, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Department of Environmental Management, Kotebe University of Education, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Sirak Robele Gari
- Division of Water and Health, Ethiopian Institute of Water Resources, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Michaela L Goodson
- Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia, Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia
| | - Claire L Walsh
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne and Wear, UK
| | - Bitew K Dessie
- Water and Land Resource Centre, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Argaw Ambelu
- Division of Water and Health, Ethiopian Institute of Water Resources, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Bevilacqua A, De Santis A, Sollazzo G, Speranza B, Racioppo A, Sinigaglia M, Corbo MR. Microbiological Risk Assessment in Foods: Background and Tools, with a Focus on Risk Ranger. Foods 2023; 12:foods12071483. [PMID: 37048303 PMCID: PMC10094575 DOI: 10.3390/foods12071483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Risk assessment is an important phase of the food production path; it is strictly related to the processing chain as a necessary step for safe foods. This paper represents a contribution to understanding what is and how risk assessment could be conducted; it aims to provide some information on the structure of risk assessment, the tools for its identification and measurement and the importance of risk assessment for correct communication. In this context, after a focus on the background and on some commonly used tools (Risk Ranger, FDA-iRisk, decision tree, among others), the paper describes how to perform risk assessment through three case studies: lettuce (for Listeria monocytogenes), chicken salad (for Escherichia coli), and fresh egg pasta (for Staphylococcus aureus) in the first step, and then a comparison of risk for chicken salad contaminated by different pathogens (E. coli O157:H7, Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella sp.). As a final step, a critical evaluation of Risk Ranger was carried out, pointing out its pros and cons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Bevilacqua
- Department of the Science of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Environment (DAFNE), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Alessandro De Santis
- Department of the Science of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Environment (DAFNE), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Gaetano Sollazzo
- Department of the Science of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Environment (DAFNE), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Barbara Speranza
- Department of the Science of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Environment (DAFNE), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Angela Racioppo
- Department of the Science of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Environment (DAFNE), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Milena Sinigaglia
- Department of the Science of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Environment (DAFNE), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Corbo
- Department of the Science of Agriculture, Food, Natural Resources and Environment (DAFNE), University of Foggia, Via Napoli 25, 71122 Foggia, Italy
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Fernandes LS, Galvão A, Santos R, Monteiro S. Impact of water reuse on agricultural practices and human health. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 216:114762. [PMID: 36356670 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is altering the habits of the population. Extensive drought periods and overuse of potable water led to significant water shortages in many different places. Therefore, new water sources are necessary for usage in applications where the microbiological and chemical water quality demands are less stringent, as for agriculture. In this study, we planted, germinated, and grew vegetables/fruits (cherry tomato, lettuce, and carrot) using three types of potential waters for irrigation: secondary-treated wastewater, chlorine-treated wastewater, and green wall-treated greywater, to observe potential health risks of foodstuff consumption. In this study the waters and crops were analyzed for three taxonomic groups: bacteria, enteric viruses, and protozoa. Enteric viruses, human Norovirus I (hNoVGI) and Enterovirus (EntV), were detected in tomato and carrots irrigated with secondary-treated and chlorine-treated wastewater, in concentrations as high as 2.63 log genome units (GU)/g. On the other hand, Aichi viruses were detected in lettuce. Bacteria and protozoa remained undetected in all fresh produce although being detected in both types of wastewaters. Fresh produce irrigated with green wall-treated greywater were free from the chosen pathogens. This suggests that green wall-treated greywater may be a valuable option for crop irrigation, directly impacting the cities of the future vision, and the circular and green economy concepts. On the other hand, this work demonstrates that further advancement is still necessary to improve reclaimed water to the point where it no longer constitutes risk of foodborne diseases and to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Galvão
- Department of Civil Engineering - SHRHA, Técnico Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Santos
- Laboratorio Analises, Técnico Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Sílvia Monteiro
- Laboratorio Analises, Técnico Lisboa, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal.
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5
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Barril PA, Oteiza JM, Pardo J, Leotta GA, Signorini ML. Meta-analysis of the prevalence of the main human pathogens in vegetables, with emphasis on lettuce. Food Res Int 2022; 160:111727. [PMID: 36076463 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
This meta-analysis aims to summarize the available information on the prevalence of the main human pathogenic microorganisms in vegetables, with emphasis on lettuce (Lactuca sativa). The database searches included scientific papers from 1980 to 2019, without language restrictions. Inclusion criteria were prevalence or incidence studies published in peer-reviewed journals reporting the total number of vegetable samples studied and the number of samples positive for the presence of the studied pathogens. The target pathogens were grouped into the following categories: bacteria, parasites and viruses. Results of different vegetable types, years of sampling, analyzed regions or species of microorganisms reported in the same article were considered as different studies. Therefore, each scientific article may contain several studies. Multilevel random-effect meta-analysis models were fitted to estimate the mean occurrence rate of pathogenic microorganisms and to compare them with different factors potentially associated with the outcome. Overall, the prevalence of bacterial, parasitic and viral pathogens in vegetables was relatively low. The mean prevalence of bacterial hazards was < 0.023, with the exception of S. aureus, whose prevalence was estimated at 0.096. The mean occurrence rates of parasites and viruses were 0.067 (95 % CI: 0.056-0.080) and 0.079 (95 % CI: 0.054-0.113), respectively. The prevalence of pathogenic E. coli and parasites increased as the year of publication of the scientific articles progressed, whereas the prevalence of the other bacterial pathogens and enteric viruses was steady. The types of vegetables evaluated did not affect pathogen prevalence. The prevalence of pathogenic microorganisms differed according to the continent of origin, except for E. coli O157:H7 and parasites. The prevalence of pathogens in vegetables is of public health importance, especially in vegetable types that are eaten raw, without thermal treatment to inactivate pathogens. This meta-analysis results show the need to apply proper sanitation methods to treat raw vegetables in order to avoid foodborne infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Angélica Barril
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina; Laboratorio de Microbiología de los Alimentos, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia Técnica a la Industria (CIATI), Centenario, Neuquén, Argentina; Red de Seguridad Alimentaria (RSA), CONICET, Argentina.
| | - Juan Martín Oteiza
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Argentina; Laboratorio de Microbiología de los Alimentos, Centro de Investigación y Asistencia Técnica a la Industria (CIATI), Centenario, Neuquén, Argentina; Red de Seguridad Alimentaria (RSA), CONICET, Argentina
| | - Javier Pardo
- Red de Seguridad Alimentaria (RSA), CONICET, Argentina
| | - Gerardo Anibal Leotta
- Red de Seguridad Alimentaria (RSA), CONICET, Argentina; IGEVET - Instituto de Genética Veterinaria "Ing. Fernando Noel Dulout" (UNLP-CONICET LA PLATA), Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias, Universidad Nacional de la Plata, La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Marcelo Lisandro Signorini
- Red de Seguridad Alimentaria (RSA), CONICET, Argentina; IDICAL - Instituto de Investigación de la Cadena Láctea (INTA - CONICET SANTA FE), Rafaela, Santa Fe, Argentina
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6
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The WHO Guidelines for Safe Wastewater Use in Agriculture: A Review of Implementation Challenges and Possible Solutions in the Global South. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14060864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Globally, the use of untreated, often diluted, or partly treated wastewater in agriculture covers about 30 million ha, far exceeding the area under the planned use of well-treated (reclaimed) wastewater which has been estimated in this paper at around 1.0 million ha. This gap has likely increased over the last decade despite significant investments in treatment capacities, due to the even larger increases in population, water consumption, and wastewater generation. To minimize the human health risks from unsafe wastewater irrigation, the WHO’s related 2006 guidelines suggest a broader concept than the previous (1989) edition by emphasizing, especially for low-income countries, the importance of risk-reducing practices from ‘farm to fork’. This shift from relying on technical solutions to facilitating and monitoring human behaviour change is, however, challenging. Another challenge concerns local capacities for quantitative risk assessment and the determination of a risk reduction target. Being aware of these challenges, the WHO has invested in a sanitation safety planning manual which has helped to operationalize the rather academic 2006 guidelines, but without addressing key questions, e.g., on how to trigger, support, and sustain the expected behaviour change, as training alone is unlikely to increase the adoption of health-related practices. This review summarizes the perceived challenges and suggests several considerations for further editions or national adaptations of the WHO guidelines.
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Proctor C, Garner E, Hamilton KA, Ashbolt NJ, Caverly LJ, Falkinham JO, Haas CN, Prevost M, Prevots DR, Pruden A, Raskin L, Stout J, Haig SJ. Tenets of a holistic approach to drinking water-associated pathogen research, management, and communication. WATER RESEARCH 2022; 211:117997. [PMID: 34999316 PMCID: PMC8821414 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, drinking water-associated pathogens that can cause infections in immunocompromised or otherwise susceptible individuals (henceforth referred to as DWPI), sometimes referred to as opportunistic pathogens or opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens, have received considerable attention. DWPI research has largely been conducted by experts focusing on specific microorganisms or within silos of expertise. The resulting mitigation approaches optimized for a single microorganism may have unintended consequences and trade-offs for other DWPI or other interests (e.g., energy costs and conservation). For example, the ecological and epidemiological issues characteristic of Legionella pneumophila diverge from those relevant for Mycobacterium avium and other nontuberculous mycobacteria. Recent advances in understanding DWPI as part of a complex microbial ecosystem inhabiting drinking water systems continues to reveal additional challenges: namely, how can all microorganisms of concern be managed simultaneously? In order to protect public health, we must take a more holistic approach in all aspects of the field, including basic research, monitoring methods, risk-based mitigation techniques, and policy. A holistic approach will (i) target multiple microorganisms simultaneously, (ii) involve experts across several disciplines, and (iii) communicate results across disciplines and more broadly, proactively addressing source water-to-customer system management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin Proctor
- Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Division of Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Emily Garner
- Wadsworth Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Kerry A Hamilton
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment and The Biodesign Centre for Environmental Health Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Nicholas J Ashbolt
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Southern Cross University, Gold Coast. Queensland, Australia
| | - Lindsay J Caverly
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Charles N Haas
- Department of Civil, Architectural & Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michele Prevost
- Department of Civil, Geological and Mining Engineering, Polytechnique Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - D Rebecca Prevots
- Epidemiology Unit, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amy Pruden
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA USA
| | - Lutgarde Raskin
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Janet Stout
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, and Special Pathogens Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sarah-Jane Haig
- Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, and Department of Environmental & Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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8
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Risks associated with the consumption of irrigation water contaminated produce: on the role of quantitative microbial risk assessment. Curr Opin Food Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cofs.2021.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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9
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Summerlin HN, Pola CC, Chamakura KR, Young R, Gentry T, McLamore ES, Karthikeyan R, Gomes CL. Fate of enteric viruses during leafy greens (romaine lettuce) production using treated municipal wastewater and AP205 bacteriophage as a surrogate. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2021; 56:1138-1144. [PMID: 34427159 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2021.1968231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Water reuse programs are being explored to close the gap between supply and demand for irrigation in agriculture. However, these sources could contain hazardous microbial contaminants, and pose risks to public health. This study aimed to grow and irrigate romaine lettuce with inoculated wastewater effluent to track AP205 bacteriophage prevalence through cultivation and post-harvest storage. AP205 is a bacteriophage and was used as a surrogate for enteric viruses. Low and high dosages (mean ± standard deviation) of AP205 at 4.8 ± 0.4 log PFU/mL and 6.6 ± 0.2 log PFU/mL; respectively, were prepared to examine viral load influence on contamination levels. Foliage, leachate, and soil contamination levels were directly related to AP205 concentrations in the effluent. AP205 concentrations increased throughout cultivation for foliage and leachate, suggesting bacteriophage accumulation. During post-harvest storage (14 day at 4 °C), there was a significant decrease in AP205 concentration on the foliage. Results show that wastewater effluents usage for leafy greens cultivation can pose risks to humans and additional steps are required to safely apply wastewater effluents to soils and crops.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harvey N Summerlin
- Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Cícero C Pola
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
| | - Karthikeyan R Chamakura
- Center for Phage Technology, Texas A&M AgriLife, College Station, Texas, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Ry Young
- Center for Phage Technology, Texas A&M AgriLife, College Station, Texas, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Terry Gentry
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Eric S McLamore
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, USA
| | | | - Carmen L Gomes
- Department of Biological & Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA
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Emilse PV, Matías V, Cecilia ML, Oscar GM, Gisela M, Guadalupe D, Elizabeth RV, Victorio PJ, Rodney C, Viviana NS, Angélica BP. Enteric virus presence in green vegetables and associated irrigation waters in a rural area from Argentina. A quantitative microbial risk assessment. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2021.111201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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11
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Cossio C, Perez-Mercado LF, Norrman J, Dalahmeh S, Vinnerås B, Mercado A, McConville J. Impact of treatment plant management on human health and ecological risks from wastewater irrigation in developing countries - case studies from Cochabamba, Bolivia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH 2021; 31:355-373. [PMID: 31475566 DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2019.1657075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater irrigation is a common practice in developing countries due to water scarcity and increasing demand for food production. However, there are health risks and ecological risks associated with this practice. Small-scale wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) intend to decrease these risks but still face management challenges. This study assessed how the management status of five small-scale WWTPs in Cochabamba, Bolivia affects health risks associated with consumption of lettuce and ecological risks due to the accumulation of nutrients in the soil for lettuce and maize crops. Risk simulations for three wastewater irrigation scenarios were: raw wastewater, actual effluent and expected effluent. Results showed that weak O&M practices can increase risk outcomes to higher levels than irrigating with raw wastewater. Improving O&M to achieve optimal functioning of small-scale WWTPs can reduce human health risks and ecological risks up to 2 log10 DALY person-1 year-1 and to 2 log10 kg nitrogen ha-1 accumulated in soil, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cossio
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden
- Centro de Aguas y Saneamiento Ambiental, Universidad Mayor de San Simón, Cochabamba, Bolivia
| | - Luis Fernando Perez-Mercado
- Centro de Aguas y Saneamiento Ambiental, Universidad Mayor de San Simón, Cochabamba, Bolivia
- Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jenny Norrman
- Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Sahar Dalahmeh
- Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Björn Vinnerås
- Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alvaro Mercado
- Centro de Aguas y Saneamiento Ambiental, Universidad Mayor de San Simón, Cochabamba, Bolivia
| | - Jennifer McConville
- Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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12
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Summerlin HN, Pola CC, McLamore ES, Gentry T, Karthikeyan R, Gomes CL. Prevalence of Escherichia coli and Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria During Fresh Produce Production (Romaine Lettuce) Using Municipal Wastewater Effluents. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:660047. [PMID: 34093474 PMCID: PMC8172605 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.660047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
High demand for food and water encourages the exploration of new water reuse programs, including treated municipal wastewater usage. However, these sources could contain high contaminant levels posing risks to public health. The objective of this study was to grow and irrigate a leafy green (romaine lettuce) with treated wastewater from a municipal wastewater treatment plant to track Escherichia coli and antibiotic-resistant microorganisms through cultivation and post-harvest storage to assess their fate and prevalence. Contamination levels found in the foliage, leachate, and soil were directly (p < 0.05) related to E. coli concentrations in the irrigation water. Wastewater concentrations from 177 to 423 CFU ml-1 resulted in 15-25% retention in the foliage. Leachate and soil presented means of 231 and 116% retention, respectively. E. coli accumulation on the foliage was observed (p < 0.05) and increased by over 400% during 14-day storage (4°C). From randomly selected E. coli colonies, in all four biomass types, 81 and 34% showed resistance to ampicillin and cephalothin, respectively. Reclaimed wastewater usage for leafy greens cultivation could pose potential health risks, especially considering the bacteria found have a high probability of being antibiotic resistance. Successful reuse of wastewater in agriculture will depend on appropriate mitigation and management strategies to guarantee an inexpensive, efficient, and safe water supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harvey N Summerlin
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Cícero C Pola
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
| | - Eric S McLamore
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States
| | - Terry Gentry
- Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | | | - Carmen L Gomes
- Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, United States
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13
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Ogunniyi AD, Dandie CE, Brunetti G, Drigo B, Aleer S, Hall B, Ferro S, Deo P, Venter H, Myers B, Donner E, Lombi E. Neutral electrolyzed oxidizing water is effective for pre-harvest decontamination of fresh produce. Food Microbiol 2021; 93:103610. [PMID: 32912583 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2020.103610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Pre-harvest sanitization of irrigation water has potential for reducing pathogen contamination of fresh produce. We compared the sanitizing effects of irrigation water containing neutral electrolyzed oxidizing water (EOW) or sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) on pre-harvest lettuce and baby spinach leaves artificially contaminated with a mixture of Escherichia coli, Salmonella Enteritidis and Listeria innocua (~1 × 108 colony-forming units/mL each resuspended in water containing 100 mg/L dissolved organic carbon, simulating a splash-back scenario from contaminated soil/manure). The microbial load and leaf quality were assessed over 7 days, and post-harvest shelf life evaluated for 10 days. Irrigation with water containing EOW or NaClO at 50 mg/L free chlorine significantly reduced the inoculated bacterial load by ≥ 1.5 log10, whereas tap water irrigation reduced the inoculated bacterial load by an average of 0.5 log10, when compared with untreated leaves. There were no visual effects of EOW or tap water irrigation on baby spinach or lettuce leaf surfaces pre- or post-harvest, whereas there were obvious negative effects of NaClO irrigation on leaf appearance for both plants, including severe necrotic zones and yellowing/browning of leaves. Therefore, EOW could serve as a viable alternative to chemical-based sanitizers for pre-harvest disinfection of minimally processed vegetables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abiodun D Ogunniyi
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, Australia.
| | - Catherine E Dandie
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gianluca Brunetti
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, Australia
| | - Barbara Drigo
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, Australia
| | - Samuel Aleer
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, Australia
| | - Barbara Hall
- Plant Health and Biosecurity, SARDI, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sergio Ferro
- Ecas4 Australia Pty Ltd, 8/1 London Road, Mile End South, South Australia, Australia
| | - Permal Deo
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Henrietta Venter
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Baden Myers
- Australian Flow Management Group & UniSA STEM, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, Australia
| | - Erica Donner
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, Australia
| | - Enzo Lombi
- Future Industries Institute, University of South Australia, Mawson Lakes, South Australia, Australia
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Ogunniyi AD, Tenzin S, Ferro S, Venter H, Pi H, Amorico T, Deo P, Trott DJ. A pH-neutral electrolyzed oxidizing water significantly reduces microbial contamination of fresh spinach leaves. Food Microbiol 2020; 93:103614. [PMID: 32912586 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2020.103614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
There are growing demands globally to use safe, efficacious and environmentally friendly sanitizers for post-harvest treatment of fresh produce to reduce or eliminate spoilage and foodborne pathogens. Here, we compared the efficacy of a pH-neutral electrolyzed oxidizing water (Ecas4 Anolyte; ECAS) with that of an approved peroxyacetic acid-based sanitizer (Ecolab Tsunami® 100) in reducing the total microbial load and inoculated Escherichia coli, Salmonella Enteritidis and Listeria innocua populations on post-harvest baby spinach leaves over 10 days. The impact of both sanitizers on the overall quality of the spinach leaves during storage was also assessed by shelf life and vitamin C content measurements. ECAS at 50 ppm and 85 ppm significantly reduced the bacterial load compared to tap water-treated or untreated (control) leaves, and at similar levels (approx. 10-fold reduction) to those achieved using 50 ppm of Ecolab Tsunami® 100. While there were no obvious deleterious effects of treatment with 50 ppm Tsunami® 100 or ECAS at 50 ppm and 85 ppm on plant leaf appearance, tap water-treated and untreated leaves showed some yellowing, bruising and sliming. Given its safety, efficacy and environmentally-friendly characteristics, ECAS could be a viable alternative to chemical-based sanitizers for post-harvest treatment of fresh produce.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abiodun D Ogunniyi
- Australian Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Ecology, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, 5371, Australia.
| | - Sangay Tenzin
- Australian Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Ecology, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, 5371, Australia
| | - Sergio Ferro
- Ecas4 Australia, Unit 8 / 1 London Road, Mile End South, 5031, Australia
| | - Henrietta Venter
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, 5000, Australia
| | - Hongfei Pi
- Australian Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Ecology, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, 5371, Australia
| | - Tony Amorico
- Ecas4 Australia, Unit 8 / 1 London Road, Mile End South, 5031, Australia
| | - Permal Deo
- Health and Biomedical Innovation, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, 5000, Australia.
| | - Darren J Trott
- Australian Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Ecology, School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, 5371, Australia
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15
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Ortúzar JE, Dogan OB, Sotomayor G, Jiménez C, Clarke J, Flores RA, Gray GM, Rupnow JH, Wang B. Quantitative assessment of microbial quality and safety risk: A preliminary case study of strengthening raspberry supply system in Chile. Food Control 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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16
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Di Dato M, Galešić M, Šimundić P, Andričević R. A novel screening tool for the health risk in recreational waters near estuary: The Carrying Capacity indicator. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 694:133584. [PMID: 31400678 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.133584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The present study aims to provide a conceptual framework to help practitioners to improve the quality of recreational waters near estuary, which may be affected by untreated wastewater from Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs). When CSOs are activated, the concentration of bacteria (e.g., Enterococci and E. coli) in estuary increases, thereby resulting in a potential health threat to swimmers. Here, the bacterial exposure is evaluated using physically-based stochastic model for contaminant transport, while human health risk is determined by Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA). Based on human health risk framework, we quantify the Carrying Capacity (CC) of the recreational water body. Such an indicator is defined as the number of swimming individuals that can be sustained in a beach resort with an acceptable risk threshold. The CC increases by dilution processes and by reduction of the source concentration, which in turn depends on the improvements in the sewage system. The presented approach can be a useful screening tool for policy-makers and other stakeholders, thereby providing a potential solution to the trade-off between economic development and the sustainable ecosystem in coastal areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariaines Di Dato
- Center of Excellence for Science and Technology-Integration of Mediterranean Region, University of Split, Croatia.
| | - Morena Galešić
- Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy, University of Split, Croatia
| | - Petra Šimundić
- Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy, University of Split, Croatia
| | - Roko Andričević
- Center of Excellence for Science and Technology-Integration of Mediterranean Region, University of Split, Croatia; Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Geodesy, University of Split, Croatia
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17
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Erickson MC, Liao JY, Payton AS, Cook PW, Adhikari K, Wang S, Bautista J, Pérez JCD. Efficacy of Acetic Acid or Chitosan for Reducing the Prevalence of Salmonella- and Escherichia coli O157:H7-Contaminated Leafy Green Plants in Field Systems. J Food Prot 2019; 82:854-861. [PMID: 31013166 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-18-347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Outbreaks associated with fresh-cut leafy greens continue to occur despite efforts to implement horticultural practices that minimize introduction of enteric pathogens to the crop. The experimental trials in this study were designed to examine the efficacy of an acetic acid (AA)- and chitosan-based spray treatment, applied 1 day prior to harvest, for reducing the prevalence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 (O157) and Salmonella in field-grown leafy greens contaminated at levels detectable only through enrichment culture. Responses to the treatment solution were variable and depended on the type of leafy green (leafy lettuce, spinach, or cabbage), cultivar, pathogen, and AA concentration (0.3 to 0.7%). No significant differences in E. coli O157 prevalence were found for untreated and treated cabbage heads and spinach plants (P > 0.05). In contrast, treatment significantly affected Salmonella on 'Bravo F1' green cabbage and '7-Green' spinach (P < 0.05), with odds ratios of 2.2 and 3.3 for finding the pathogen on untreated versus treated greens, respectively. Salmonella was also 7.1 times more likely to be found on an untreated lettuce plant than on a lettuce plant sprayed with a 0.7% AA treatment solution (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.1 to 12.2; P < 0.0001). In studies addressing the efficacy of chitosan (0.1 or 0.3%), this chemical failed to reduce the prevalence of either pathogen on lettuce (P > 0.05). Similarly, spraying with 0.3% AA did not affect the prevalence of Salmonella on lettuce plants (P > 0.05); however, treatment solutions with 0.4% AA reduced the likelihood of detecting Salmonella in treated versus untreated plants by 6.6 times (95% CI, 2.1 to 20.9; P = 0.0007). After the lettuce was harvested and hand washed, consumers failed to distinguish either visually or organoleptically between untreated lettuce and lettuce sprayed with an acetic acid solution (P > 0.05). These results indicate that acetic acid could be used to reduce the microbiological risk of preharvest leafy greens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilyn C Erickson
- 1 Center for Food Safety, University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, Georgia 30223-1797
| | - Jye-Yin Liao
- 1 Center for Food Safety, University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, Georgia 30223-1797
| | - Alison S Payton
- 1 Center for Food Safety, University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, Georgia 30223-1797
| | - Peter W Cook
- 1 Center for Food Safety, University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, Georgia 30223-1797
| | - Koushik Adhikari
- 2 Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, Georgia 30223-1797
| | - Shangci Wang
- 2 Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, 1109 Experiment Street, Griffin, Georgia 30223-1797
| | - Jesus Bautista
- 3 Department of Horticulture, University of Georgia, 2360 Rainwater Road, Tifton, Georgia 31793-5766, USA
| | - Juan Carlos Díaz Pérez
- 3 Department of Horticulture, University of Georgia, 2360 Rainwater Road, Tifton, Georgia 31793-5766, USA
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18
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Gonzales-Gustavson E, Rusiñol M, Medema G, Calvo M, Girones R. Quantitative risk assessment of norovirus and adenovirus for the use of reclaimed water to irrigate lettuce in Catalonia. WATER RESEARCH 2019; 153:91-99. [PMID: 30703677 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2018.12.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2018] [Revised: 09/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Wastewater is an important resource in water-scarce regions of the world, and its use in agriculture requires the guarantee of acceptable public health risks. The use of fecal indicator bacteria to evaluate safety does not represent viruses, the main potential health hazards. Viral pathogens could complement the use of fecal indicator bacteria in the evaluation of water quality. In this study, we characterized the concentration and removal of human adenovirus (HAdV) and norovirus genogroup II (NoV GII), highly abundant and important viral pathogens found in wastewater, in two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) that use different tertiary treatments (constructed wetland vs conventional UV, chlorination and Actiflo® treatments) for a year in Catalonia. The main objective of this study was to develop a Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment for viral gastroenteritis caused by norovirus GII and adenovirus, associated with the ingestion of lettuce irrigated with tertiary effluents from these WWTPs. The results show that the disease burden of NoV GII and HAdV for the consumption of lettuce irrigated with tertiary effluent from either WWTP was higher than the WHO recommendation of 10-6 DALYs for both viruses. The WWTP with constructed wetland showed a higher viral reduction on average (3.9 and 2.8 logs for NoV GII and HAdV, respectively) than conventional treatment (1.9 and 2.5 logs) but a higher variability than the conventional WWTP. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that the input parameters used to estimate the viral reduction by treatment and viral concentrations accounted for much of the model output variability. The estimated reductions required to reach the WHO recommended levels in tertiary effluent are influenced by the characteristics of the treatments developed in the WWTPs, and additional average reductions are necessary (in WWTP with a constructed wetland: A total of 6.7 and 5.1 logs for NoV GII and HAdV, respectively; and in the more conventional treatment: 7 and 5.6 logs). This recommendation would be achieved with an average quantification of 0.5 genome copies per 100 mL in reclaimed water for both viruses. The results suggest that the analyzed reclaimed water would require additional treatments to achieve acceptable risk in the irrigation of vegetables with reclaimed water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloy Gonzales-Gustavson
- Laboratory of Virus Contaminants of Water and Food, Section of Microbiology, Virology and Biotechnology, Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Avinguda Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Tropical and Highlands Veterinary Research Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, San Marcos University, Carretera Central s/n, El Mantaro, Peru.
| | - Marta Rusiñol
- Laboratory of Virus Contaminants of Water and Food, Section of Microbiology, Virology and Biotechnology, Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Avinguda Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Gertjan Medema
- KWR Watercycle Research Institute, P.O. Box 1072, 3430, BB Nieuwegein, the Netherlands; The Netherlands and Delft University of Technology, the Netherlands.
| | - Miquel Calvo
- Section of Statistics, Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Avinguda Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
| | - Rosina Girones
- Laboratory of Virus Contaminants of Water and Food, Section of Microbiology, Virology and Biotechnology, Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Avinguda Diagonal 643, 08028, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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19
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Risk of Human Pathogen Internalization in Leafy Vegetables During Lab-Scale Hydroponic Cultivation. HORTICULTURAE 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae5010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) is a growing industry for the production of leafy vegetables and fresh produce in general. Moreover, CEA is a potentially desirable alternative production system, as well as a risk management solution for the food safety challenges within the fresh produce industry. Here, we will focus on hydroponic leafy vegetable production (including lettuce, spinach, microgreens, and herbs), which can be categorized into six types: (1) nutrient film technique (NFT), (2) deep water raft culture (DWC), (3) flood and drain, (4) continuous drip systems, (5) the wick method, and (6) aeroponics. The first five are the most commonly used in the production of leafy vegetables. Each of these systems may confer different risks and advantages in the production of leafy vegetables. This review aims to (i) address the differences in current hydroponic system designs with respect to human pathogen internalization risk, and (ii) identify the preventive control points for reducing risks related to pathogen contamination in leafy greens and related fresh produce products.
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20
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Perez-Mercado LF, Lalander C, Joel A, Ottoson J, Iriarte M, Oporto C, Vinnerås B. Pathogens in crop production systems irrigated with low-quality water in Bolivia. JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH 2018; 16:980-990. [PMID: 30540272 DOI: 10.2166/wh.2018.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In dry areas, the need for irrigation to ensure agricultural production determines the use of all available water sources. However, the water sources used for irrigation are often contaminated by untreated or minimally treated wastewater. Microbial risks from reusing wastewater for vegetable irrigation can be addressed by installing environmental barriers that pathogens must cross to reach humans in the reuse system. Knowledge of pathogen flows inside the system and pathogen removal potential is the first step towards devising a risk management strategy. This study assessed microbe prevalence in farming systems in the Bolivian highlands that use wastewater-polluted sources for irrigation of lettuce. Samples of soil, lettuce and different water sources used in the farming systems were taken during one crop season and concentrations of coliphages, Escherichia coli and helminth eggs were measured. The results showed high spread of these microorganisms throughout the whole system. There was a significant correlation between microbial quality of water and of the harvested produce for several microorganisms. The microbial prevalence in protected shallow wells was found to be significantly lower than in other water sources. These findings can help formulate feasible risk management strategies in contexts where conventional technologies for microbial removal are not possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Fernando Perez-Mercado
- Center for Water and Environmental Sanitation (Centro de Aguas y Saneamiento Ambiental, CASA), Universidad Mayor de San Simon, Calle Sucre y Parque Latorre, Cochabamba, Bolivia E-mail: ; Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7032, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Lalander
- Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7032, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Abraham Joel
- Department of Soil and Environment, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7014, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jakob Ottoson
- Department of Risk and Benefit Assessment, National Food Agency of Sweden, Box 622, 75126 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mercedes Iriarte
- Center for Water and Environmental Sanitation (Centro de Aguas y Saneamiento Ambiental, CASA), Universidad Mayor de San Simon, Calle Sucre y Parque Latorre, Cochabamba, Bolivia E-mail:
| | - Carla Oporto
- Center for Water and Environmental Sanitation (Centro de Aguas y Saneamiento Ambiental, CASA), Universidad Mayor de San Simon, Calle Sucre y Parque Latorre, Cochabamba, Bolivia E-mail:
| | - Björn Vinnerås
- Department of Energy and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7032, 75007 Uppsala, Sweden
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21
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Bosch A, Gkogka E, Le Guyader FS, Loisy-Hamon F, Lee A, van Lieshout L, Marthi B, Myrmel M, Sansom A, Schultz AC, Winkler A, Zuber S, Phister T. Foodborne viruses: Detection, risk assessment, and control options in food processing. Int J Food Microbiol 2018; 285:110-128. [PMID: 30075465 PMCID: PMC7132524 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
In a recent report by risk assessment experts on the identification of food safety priorities using the Delphi technique, foodborne viruses were recognized among the top rated food safety priorities and have become a greater concern to the food industry over the past few years. Food safety experts agreed that control measures for viruses throughout the food chain are required. However, much still needs to be understood with regard to the effectiveness of these controls and how to properly validate their performance, whether it is personal hygiene of food handlers or the effects of processing of at risk foods or the interpretation and action required on positive virus test result. This manuscript provides a description of foodborne viruses and their characteristics, their responses to stress and technologies developed for viral detection and control. In addition, the gaps in knowledge and understanding, and future perspectives on the application of viral detection and control strategies for the food industry, along with suggestions on how the food industry could implement effective control strategies for viruses in foods. The current state of the science on epidemiology, public health burden, risk assessment and management options for viruses in food processing environments will be highlighted in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert Bosch
- University of Barcelona, Enteric Virus Laboratory, Department of Genetics, Microbiology and Statistics, and Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety, Diagonal 643, 8028 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Elissavet Gkogka
- Arla Innovation Centre, Arla R&D, Agro Food Park 19, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark,.
| | - Françoise S Le Guyader
- IFREMER, Environment and Microbiology Laboratory, Rue de l'Ile d'Yeu, BP 21103, 44311 Nantes, France.
| | - Fabienne Loisy-Hamon
- bioMérieux, Centre Christophe Mérieux, 5 rue des berges, 38025 Grenoble, France.
| | - Alvin Lee
- Illinois Institute of Technology, Moffett Campus, 6502 South Archer Road, 60501-1957 Bedford Park, IL, United States.
| | - Lilou van Lieshout
- The International Life Sciences Institute, Av. E. Mounier 83/B.6, 1200 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Balkumar Marthi
- Unilever R&D Vlaardingen, Olivier van Noortlaan 120, 3133 AT Vlaardingen, The Netherlands; DaQsh Consultancy Services, 203, Laxmi Residency, Kothasalipeta, Visakhapatnam 530 002, India
| | - Mette Myrmel
- Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, P.O. Box 8146, 0033 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Annette Sansom
- Campden BRI Group, Station Road, Chipping Campden, GL55 6LD Gloucestershire, United Kingdom.
| | - Anna Charlotte Schultz
- National Food Institute Technical University of Denmark, Mørkhøj Bygade 19, Building H, Room 204, 2860 Søborg, Denmark.
| | - Anett Winkler
- Cargill Deutschland GmbH, Cerestarstr. 2, 47809 Krefeld, Germany.
| | - Sophie Zuber
- Nestlé Research Centre, Institute of Food Safety and Analytical Science, Vers-chez-les-Blanc, Box 44, 1000 Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Trevor Phister
- PepsiCo Europe, Beaumont Park 4, Leycroft Road, LE4 1ET Leicester, United Kingdom.
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Quantitative microbial exposure modelling as a tool to evaluate the impact of contamination level of surface irrigation water and seasonality on fecal hygiene indicator E. coli in leafy green production. Food Microbiol 2018; 75:82-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2018.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Ricci A, Allende A, Bolton D, Chemaly M, Davies R, Fernández Escámez PS, Girones R, Herman L, Koutsoumanis K, Lindqvist R, Robertson L, Ru G, Sanaa M, Simmons M, Skandamis P, Snary E, Speybroeck N, Ter Kuile B, Threlfall J, Wahlström H, Andersen JK, Uyttendaele M, Valero A, Da Silva Felício MT, Messens W, Nørrung B. Guidance on the requirements for the development of microbiological criteria. EFSA J 2017; 15:e05052. [PMID: 32625345 PMCID: PMC7010099 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2017.5052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The European Food Safety Authority asked the Panel on Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) to deliver a scientific opinion providing: (i) a review of the approaches used by the BIOHAZ Panel to address requests from risk managers to suggest the establishment of microbiological criteria; (ii) guidance on the required scientific evidence, data and methods/tools necessary for considering the development of microbiological criteria for pathogenic microorganisms and indicator microorganisms; (iii) recommendations on methods/tools to design microbiological criteria and (iv) guidelines for the requirements and tasks of risk assessors, compared to risk managers, in relation to microbiological criteria. This document provides guidance on approaches when: (i) a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) is available, (ii) prevalence and concentration data are available, but not a QMRA model, and (iii) neither a QMRA nor prevalence and/or concentration data are available. The role of risk assessors should be focused on assessing the impact of different microbiological criteria on public health and on product compliance. It is the task of the risk managers to: (1) formulate unambiguous questions, preferably in consultation with risk assessors, (2) decide on the establishment of a microbiological criterion, or target in primary production sectors, and to formulate the specific intended purpose for using such criteria, (3) consider the uncertainties in impact assessments on public health and on product compliance and (4) decide the point in the food chain where the microbiological criteria are intended to be applied and decide on the actions which should be taken in case of non‐compliance. It is the task of the risk assessors to support risk managers to ensure that questions are formulated in a way that a precise answer can be given, if sufficient information is available, and to ensure clear and unambiguous answers, including the assessment of uncertainties, based on available scientific evidence.
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Castro-Ibáñez I, Gil MI, Allende A. Ready-to-eat vegetables: Current problems and potential solutions to reduce microbial risk in the production chain. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2016.11.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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25
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Effect of intervention strategies on the risk of infection from Listeria monocytogenes due to consumption of fresh baby spinach leaves: A quantitative approach. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2017.02.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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26
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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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27
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Jacxsens L, Uyttendaele M, Luning P, Allende A. Food safety management and risk assessment in the fresh produce supply chain. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1088/1757-899x/193/1/012020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
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28
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Kokkinos P, Kozyra I, Lazic S, Söderberg K, Vasickova P, Bouwknegt M, Rutjes S, Willems K, Moloney R, de Roda Husman AM, Kaupke A, Legaki E, D'Agostino M, Cook N, von Bonsdorff CH, Rzeżutka A, Petrovic T, Maunula L, Pavlik I, Vantarakis A. Virological Quality of Irrigation Water in Leafy Green Vegetables and Berry Fruits Production Chains. FOOD AND ENVIRONMENTAL VIROLOGY 2017; 9:72-78. [PMID: 27709435 DOI: 10.1007/s12560-016-9264-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
This study condenses data acquired during investigations of the virological quality of irrigation water used in production of fresh produce. One hundred and eight samples of irrigation water were collected from five berry fruit farms in Finland (1), the Czech Republic (1), Serbia (2), and Poland (1), and sixty-one samples were collected from three leafy green vegetable farms in Poland, Serbia, and Greece. Samples were analyzed for index viruses of human or animal fecal contamination (human and porcine adenoviruses, and bovine polyoma viruses), and human pathogenic viruses (hepatitis A virus, hepatitis E virus, and noroviruses GI/GII). Both index and pathogenic viruses were found in irrigation water samples from the leafy green vegetables production chain. The data on the presence of index viruses indicated that the highest percentage of fecal contamination was of human origin (28.1 %, 18/64), followed by that of porcine (15.4 %, 6/39) and bovine (5.1 %, 2/39) origins. Hepatitis E virus (5 %, 1/20) and noroviruses GII (14.3 %, 4/28) were also detected. Samples from berry fruit production were also positive for both index and pathogenic viruses. The highest percentage of fecal contamination was of human origin (8.3 %, 9/108), followed by that of porcine, 4.5 % (4/89) and bovine, 1.1 % (1/89) origins. Norovirus GII (3.6 %, 2/56) was also detected. These data demonstrate that irrigation water used in primary production is an important vehicle of viral contamination for fresh produce, and thus is a critical control point which should be integrated into food safety management systems for viruses. The recommendations of Codex Alimentarius, as well as regulations on the use of water of appropriate quality for irrigation purposes, should be followed.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Kokkinos
- Environmental Microbiology Unit, Department of Public Health, University of Patras, University Campus, 26500, Patras, Greece
| | - I Kozyra
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - S Lazic
- Scientific Veterinary Institute "Novi Sad", Rumenacki put 20, 21000, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - K Söderberg
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - P Vasickova
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 721 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - M Bouwknegt
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, RIVM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - S Rutjes
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, RIVM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - K Willems
- Laboratory for Process Microbial Ecology and Bioinspirational Management, Consortium for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, Department of Microbial and Molecular Systems, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Scientia Terrae Research Institute, Sint-Katelijne-Waver, Belgium
| | - R Moloney
- Environmental Health Service, Health Service Executive, Sandfield Centre, Ennis, Co., Clare, Ireland
| | - A M de Roda Husman
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, RIVM, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A Kaupke
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland
| | - E Legaki
- Environmental Microbiology Unit, Department of Public Health, University of Patras, University Campus, 26500, Patras, Greece
| | - M D'Agostino
- Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA), Sand Hutton, York, UK
| | - N Cook
- Food and Environment Research Agency (FERA), Sand Hutton, York, UK
| | - C-H von Bonsdorff
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - A Rzeżutka
- National Veterinary Research Institute, Al. Partyzantów 57, 24-100, Puławy, Poland.
| | - T Petrovic
- Scientific Veterinary Institute "Novi Sad", Rumenacki put 20, 21000, Novi Sad, Serbia.
| | - L Maunula
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 66, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - I Pavlik
- Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 70, 721 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - A Vantarakis
- Environmental Microbiology Unit, Department of Public Health, University of Patras, University Campus, 26500, Patras, Greece.
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Jacxsens L, Stals A, De Keuckelaere A, Deliens B, Rajkovic A, Uyttendaele M. Quantitative farm-to-fork human norovirus exposure assessment of individually quick frozen raspberries and raspberry puree. Int J Food Microbiol 2016; 242:87-97. [PMID: 27914323 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2016.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2015] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 11/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
A quantitative human norovirus (NoV) exposure model describing transmission of NoV during pre-harvest, harvest and further processing of soft red fruits exemplified by raspberries is presented. The outcomes of the model demonstrate the presence of NoV in raspberry puree or individual quick frozen (IQF) raspberry fruits and were generated by Monte Carlo simulations by combining GoldSim® and @Risk® software. Input data were collected from scientific literature, observational studies and assumptions. NoV contamination of soft red fruits is assumed to take place at farms by application of contaminated water for pesticides dilution or by berries' pickers shedding NoV. The model was built simulating that a collection center received berries from ten farms with a total of 245 food handlers picking soft red fruits during a 10-hour day shift. Given 0, 5 and 20 out of 245 berries' pickers were shedding NoV, these conditions were calculated to result in a mean NoV contamination of respectively 0.47, 14.1 and 36.2 NoV particles per kg raspberries in case all raspberries are mixed to one day-batch of 11tons. The NoV contamination of the fruits was mainly driven by the route of NoV shedding food pickers (95.8%) rather than by spraying contaminated pesticide water (4.2%) (baseline scenario with 5 shedding pickers and contaminated pesticide water). Inclusion of appropriate hand washing procedures or hand washing followed by hand disinfection resulted in estimated reductions of the mean NoV levels from 14.1 to 0.16 and 0.17 NoV particles per kg raspberries, respectively, for the baseline scenario with 5 out of 245 food pickers shedding NoV. The use of a mild heat treatment (30s at 75°C) during further processing of berries to purees was noted to reduce mean NoV levels substantially from 14.1 to 0.2 NoV particles per kg raspberry puree. For IQF raspberries, the NoV contamination is heterogeneously distributed and resulted in a mean contamination of 3.1 NoV particles per 250g package containing approximately 115 berries. This farm-to-fork model is a useful tool for evaluating NoV mitigation strategies in the soft red fruit supply chain.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Jacxsens
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium.
| | - A Stals
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - A De Keuckelaere
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - B Deliens
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - A Rajkovic
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium; Department of Food Safety and Food Quality Management, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade, Nemanjina 6, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - M Uyttendaele
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Department of Food Safety and Food Quality, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, 9000 Gent, Belgium
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30
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Marti E, Barardi CRM. Detection of human adenoviruses in organic fresh produce using molecular and cell culture-based methods. Int J Food Microbiol 2016; 230:40-4. [PMID: 27127838 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2016.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The consumption of organic fresh produce has increased in recent years due to consumer demand for healthy foods without chemical additives. However, the number of foodborne outbreaks associated with fresh produce has also increased. Contamination of food with enteric viruses is a major concern because the viruses have a low infectious dose and high persistence in the environment. Human adenovirus (HAdV) has been proposed as a good marker of faecal contamination. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the plaque assay (PA), real time PCR (qPCR) and integrated cell culture-RT-qPCR (ICC-RT-qPCR) for the recovery of HAdV from artificially and naturally contaminated fresh produce. Organic lettuce, strawberries and green onions were selected because these fresh products are frequently associated with foodborne outbreaks. The virus extraction efficiencies from artificially contaminated samples varied from 2.8% to 32.8% depending on the food matrix and the quantification method used. Although the HAdV recoveries determined by qPCR were higher than those determined by PA and ICC-RT-qPCR, PA was defined as the most reproducible method. The qPCR assays were more sensitive than the PA and ICC-RT-qPCR assays; however, this technique alone did not provide information about the viability of the pathogen. ICC-RT-qPCR was more sensitive than PA for detecting infectious particles in fresh produce samples. HAdV genome copies were detected in 93.3% of the analysed naturally contaminated samples, attesting to the common faecal contamination of the fresh produce tested. However, only 33.3% of the total samples were positive for infectious HAdV particles based on ICC-RT-qPCR. In conclusion, this study reported that HAdV can be an efficient viral marker for fresh produce contamination. Good detection of infectious HAdV was obtained with the ICC-RT-qPCR and PA assays. Thus, we suggest that the ICC-RT-qPCR and PA assays should be considered when quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) studies are required and to establish reliable food safety guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabet Marti
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Virologia Aplicada, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina CEP: 88040-970, Brazil.
| | - Célia Regina Monte Barardi
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Microbiologia, Imunologia e Parasitologia, Laboratório de Virologia Aplicada, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina CEP: 88040-970, Brazil
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31
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Chardon J, Swart A. Food Consumption and Handling Survey for Quantitative Microbiological Consumer Phase Risk Assessments. J Food Prot 2016; 79:1221-33. [PMID: 27357043 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-15-448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In the consumer phase of a typical quantitative microbiological risk assessment (QMRA), mathematical equations identify data gaps. To acquire useful data we designed a food consumption and food handling survey (2,226 respondents) for QMRA applications that is especially aimed at obtaining quantitative data. For a broad spectrum of food products, the survey covered the following topics: processing status at retail, consumer storage, preparation, and consumption. Questions were designed to facilitate distribution fitting. In the statistical analysis, special attention was given to the selection of the most adequate distribution to describe the data. Bootstrap procedures were used to describe uncertainty. The final result was a coherent quantitative consumer phase food survey and parameter estimates for food handling and consumption practices in The Netherlands, including variation over individuals and uncertainty estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jurgen Chardon
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Centre for Infectious Disease Control, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Arno Swart
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Centre for Infectious Disease Control, Antonie van Leeuwenhoeklaan 9, 3721 MA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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32
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Monaghan JM, Augustin JC, Bassett J, Betts R, Pourkomailian B, Zwietering MH. Risk Assessment or Assessment of Risk? Developing an Evidence-Based Approach for Primary Producers of Leafy Vegetables To Assess and Manage Microbial Risks. J Food Prot 2016; 80:725-733. [PMID: 28350184 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-16-237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Over the last 10 years, some high-profile foodborne illness outbreaks have been linked to the consumption of leafy greens. Growers are required to complete microbiological risk assessments (RAs) for the production of leafy crops supplied either to retail or for further processing. These RAs are based primarily on qualitative judgements of hazard and risks at various stages in the production process but lack many of the steps defined for quantitative microbiological RAs by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. This article is based on the discussions of an industry expert group and proposes a grower RA approach based on a structured qualitative assessment, which requires all decisions to be based on evidence and a framework for describing the decision process that can be challenged and defended within the supply chain. In addition, this article highlights the need for evidence to be more easily available and accessible to primary producers and identifies the need to develop hygiene criteria to aid validation of proposed interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Monaghan
- Fresh Produce Research Centre, Crop and Environment Sciences, Harper Adams University, TF10 8NB, Newport, UK
| | - J C Augustin
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 7 Avenue du Général de Gaulle, 95704, Maisons Alfort, France
| | - J Bassett
- John Bassett Consulting Ltd., Bedford, MK40 3DJ, Bedfordshire, UK
| | - R Betts
- Campden BRI, Chipping Campden, GL55 6LD, Gloucestershire, UK
| | - B Pourkomailian
- McDonald's Europe, Food Safety & Supplier Workplace Accountability, N2 8AW, London, UK; and
| | - M H Zwietering
- Food Microbiology Laboratory, Wageningen University, Postbus 17, 6700AA, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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