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Abdelshafy AM, Neetoo H, Al-Asmari F. Antimicrobial Activity of Hydrogen Peroxide for Application in Food Safety and COVID-19 Mitigation: An Updated Review. J Food Prot 2024; 87:100306. [PMID: 38796115 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfp.2024.100306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a well-known agent with a broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses. It is a colorless liquid and commercially available in aqueous solution over a wide concentration range. It has been extensively used in the food industry by virtue of its strong oxidizing property and its ability to cause cellular oxidative damage in microbial cells. This review comprehensively documents recent research on the antimicrobial activity of H2O2 against organisms of concern for the food industry, as well as its effect against SARS-CoV-2 responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, factors affecting the antimicrobial effectiveness of H2O2, different applications of H2O2 as a sanitizer or disinfectant in the food industry as well as safety concerns associated with H2O2 are discussed. Finally, recent efforts in enhancing the antimicrobial efficacy of H2O2 are also outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asem M Abdelshafy
- Department of Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agriculture, Al-Azhar University - Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt.
| | - Hudaa Neetoo
- Agricultural and Food Science Department, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mauritius, Reduit, Mauritius.
| | - Fahad Al-Asmari
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Food Sciences, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia.
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2
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Su Y, Shen X, Liu A, Zhu MJ. Evaluation of Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 as a surrogate for Listeria monocytogenes during chlorine and peroxyacetic acid interventions in simulated apple dump tank water. Int J Food Microbiol 2024; 414:110613. [PMID: 38341905 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2024.110613] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Sanitizers are widely incorporated in commercial apple dump tank systems to mitigate the cross-contamination of foodborne pathogens. This study validated the suitability of Enterococcus faecium NRRL B-2354 as a surrogate for Listeria monocytogenes during sanitizer interventions in dump tank water systems. E. faecium NRRL B-2354 inoculated on apples exhibited statistically equivalent susceptibility to L. monocytogenes when exposed to chlorine-based sanitizers (25-100 ppm free chlorine (FC)) and peroxyacetic acid (PAA, 20-80 ppm) in simulated dump tank water (SDTW) with 1000 ppm chemical oxygen demand (COD), resulting in 0.2-0.9 and 1.1-1.7 log CFU/apple reduction, respectively. Increasing the contact time did not affect sanitizer efficacies against E. faecium NRRL B-2354 and L. monocytogenes on apples. Chlorine and PAA interventions demonstrated statistically similar efficacies against both bacteria inoculated in SDTW. Chlorine at 25 and 100 ppm FC for 0.5-5 min contact yielded ~37.68-78.25 % and > 99.85 % inactivation, respectively, in water with 1000-4000 ppm COD, while ~51.55-99.86 % and > 99.97 % inactivation was observed for PAA at 20 and 80 ppm, respectively. No statistically significant difference was observed between the transference of E. faecium NRRL B-2354 and L. monocytogenes from inoculated apples to uninoculated apples and water, and from water to uninoculated apples during chlorine- or PAA-treated SDTW exposure. The data suggest E. faecium NRRL B-2354 is a viable surrogate for L. monocytogenes in dump tank washing systems, which could be used to predict the anti-Listeria efficacy of chlorine and PAA interventions during commercial apple processing. Further investigations are recommended to assess the suitability of E. faecium NRRL B-2354 as a surrogate for L. monocytogenes, when using different sanitizers and different types of produce to ensure reliable and comprehensive results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Su
- School of Food Science, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, United States of America
| | - Xiaoye Shen
- School of Food Science, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, United States of America
| | - Andrew Liu
- School of Food Science, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, United States of America
| | - Mei-Jun Zhu
- School of Food Science, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, United States of America.
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3
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Benitez JA, Aryal J, Lituma I, Moreira J, Adhikari A. Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Aeration and Chlorination during Washing to Reduce E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella enterica, and L. innocua on Cucumbers and Bell Peppers. Foods 2023; 13:146. [PMID: 38201174 PMCID: PMC10779055 DOI: 10.3390/foods13010146] [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: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The attachment strength of bacteria to surfaces can affect the efficacy of sanitizers during washing. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of chlorination and aeration in the removal of pathogens from the surface of produce. Cucumbers and bell peppers were inoculated with Listeria innocua, Escherichia coli O157:H7, or Salmonella enterica; afterwards, the produce was washed with or without chlorinated water (100 ppm) for 3 min in combination with or without aeration. Cucumbers washed with chlorinated water, with or without aeration, presented significant reductions of L. innocua (3.65 log CFU/cm2 and 1.13 log CFU/cm2, respectively) (p < 0.05). Similarly, bell peppers washed in chlorinated water with aeration (1.91 log CFU/g) and without aeration (2.49 log CFU/g) presented significant reductions of L. innocua. A significant reduction of L. innocua was observed on bell peppers washed with non-chlorinated water with aeration (2.49 log CFU/g) (p < 0.05). Non-chlorinated water was also effective in significantly reducing the level of Salmonella enterica (p < 0.05) on cucumbers and bell peppers. Washing with chlorinated water with aeration reduced Salmonella enterica levels from 4.45 log CFU/cm2 on cucumbers to below the detectable limit (0.16 log CFU/cm2). The highest reduction of Salmonella enterica from bell peppers occurred after washing with chlorinated water with aeration (2.48 log CFU/g). E. coli O157:H7, L. innocua, and Salmonella enterica levels present in non-chlorinated water after washing contaminated produce with or without aeration were significantly greater than those in chlorinated water (p < 0.05). After treatment, the population levels of all pathogens in chlorinated water with or without aeration were below the detectable limit for bell peppers (<1.10 log CFU/mL) and cucumbers (<1.20 log CFU/mL). Using chlorine in combination with forced aeration during washing minimizes cross-contamination of bacterial pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Achyut Adhikari
- School of Nutrition and Food Sciences, Louisiana State University AgCenter, 261 Knapp Hall, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA; (J.A.B.); (J.A.); (I.L.); (J.M.)
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4
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Lin Z, Wang G, Zhang K, Jiang S, Li S, Yang H. Metabolomics investigation of global responses of Cronobacter sakazakii against common sanitizing in infant formula processing environments. Food Res Int 2023; 172:113162. [PMID: 37689917 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2023.113162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Cronobacter sakazakii, an opportunistic bacterium, has raised a serious outbreak in powdered infant formula recent years. In this work, four sanitizing strategies used during infant formula processing, including chlorine, quaternary ammonium chloride (QAC), 60 °C heating, and malic acid (MA), were utilized against C. sakazakii among planktonic, air-dried (A), and air-dried & washed (AW) state, followed by an exploration of the metabolic responses induced by these treatments via a dual-platform metabolomics analysis with the ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance. In the planktonic state, MA was the most effective in inhibiting bacterial growth, followed by chlorine, QAC, and 60 °C heating. Under A state, the efficacy of heating improved considerably, compared to that in the planktonic state, and remained unaltered under AW state. Chlorine and QAC were ineffective to control bacterial growth under A state, but their efficacy rose under AW state. Furthermore, the metabolomic analysis revealed chlorine induces amino acids catabolism, membrane lysis, and depression in carbohydrate and nucleotide metabolism in both planktonic and AW states, while the initiation of antioxidation mechanism was only found under AW state. Although the metabolic change caused by QAC in the planktonic state was similar to chlorine, the accumulation of osmoprotectant and membrane phospholipids within the AW cells reflected the effort to restore intracellular homeostasis upon QAC. Heating was characterized by considerable amino acid anabolism, along with mildly perturbed carbohydrate and nucleotide metabolism for heat shock protein preparation in both states. Lastly, MA promoted amino acid-dependent acid resistance under the planktonic state, and the regulation of antioxidation and osmoprotection under AW state. The metabolomics study elucidated the intracellular perturbation induced by common sanitizing, as well as the bacterial response, which provides insights for novel sanitization development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zejia Lin
- Department of Food Science & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542, Singapore.
| | - Guoshu Wang
- Department of Food Science & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542, Singapore
| | - Kexin Zhang
- Department of Food Science & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542, Singapore
| | - Shaoqian Jiang
- Department of Food Science & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542, Singapore
| | - Songshen Li
- Department of Food Science & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542, Singapore
| | - Hongshun Yang
- Shaoxing Key Laboratory of Traditional Fermentation Food and Human Health, Jiangnan University (Shaoxing) Industrial Technology Research Institute, Zhejiang 312000, China
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Rebelo A, Duarte B, Freitas AR, Peixe L, Antunes P, Novais C. Exploring Peracetic Acid and Acidic pH Tolerance of Antibiotic-Resistant Non-Typhoidal Salmonella and Enterococcus faecium from Diverse Epidemiological and Genetic Backgrounds. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2330. [PMID: 37764174 PMCID: PMC10534362 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092330] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Acid stress poses a common challenge for bacteria in diverse environments by the presence of inorganic (e.g., mammals' stomach) or organic acids (e.g., feed additives; acid-based disinfectants). Limited knowledge exists regarding acid-tolerant strains of specific serotypes, clonal lineages, or sources in human/animal pathogens: namely, non-typhoidal Salmonella enterica (NTS) and Enterococcus faecium (Efm). This study evaluated the acidic pH (Mueller-Hinton acidified with HCl) and peracetic acid (PAA) susceptibility of Efm (n = 72) and NTS (n = 60) from diverse epidemiological/genetic backgrounds and with multiple antibiotic resistance profiles. Efm minimum growth/survival pH was 4.5-5.0/3.0-4.0, and for NTS it was 4.0-4.5/3.5-4.0. Efm distribution among acidic pH values showed that only isolates of clade-non-A1 (non-hospital associated) or the food chain were more tolerant to acidic pH compared to clade-A1 (hospital-associated clones) or clinical isolates (p < 0.05). In the case of NTS, multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates survived better in acidic pH (p < 0.05). The PAA MIC/MBC for Efm was 70-120/80-150 mg/L, and for NTS, it was 50-70/60-100 mg/L. The distribution of Efm among PAA concentrations showed that clade-A1 or MDR strains exhibited higher tolerance than clade-non-A1 or non-MDR ones (p < 0.05). NTS distribution also showed higher tolerance to PAA among non-MDR and clinical isolates than food chain ones (p < 0.05) but there were no differences among different serogroups. This unique study identifies specific NTS or Efm populations more tolerant to acidic pH or PAA, emphasizing the need for further research to tailor controlled measures of public health and food safety within a One Health framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Rebelo
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (A.R.); (B.D.); (A.R.F.); (L.P.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- ESS, Polytechnic of Porto, 4200-072 Porto, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Duarte
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (A.R.); (B.D.); (A.R.F.); (L.P.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana R. Freitas
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (A.R.); (B.D.); (A.R.F.); (L.P.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- 1H-TOXRUN, One Health Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Luísa Peixe
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (A.R.); (B.D.); (A.R.F.); (L.P.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Antunes
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (A.R.); (B.D.); (A.R.F.); (L.P.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Porto, 4150-180 Porto, Portugal
| | - Carla Novais
- UCIBIO-Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Laboratory of Microbiology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (A.R.); (B.D.); (A.R.F.); (L.P.)
- Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
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6
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Efficacy of triple-wash using a peroxyacetic acid and hydrogen peroxide solution at reducing populations and cross-contamination of Salmonella Typhimurium and the surrogate Enterococcus faecium on tomatoes. Lebensm Wiss Technol 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lwt.2023.114499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
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7
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Dual-Species Biofilms Formed by Escherichia coli and Salmonella Enhance Chlorine Tolerance. Appl Environ Microbiol 2022; 88:e0148222. [PMID: 36300924 PMCID: PMC9680634 DOI: 10.1128/aem.01482-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Outbreaks of
Escherichia coli
and
Salmonella
in food might be associated with the cross-contamination of biofilms on food-contact surfaces. The knowledge of the sanitization of mono-species biofilm on the food-contact surface is well established, while mixed-species biofilm occurs more naturally, which could profoundly affect the efficacy of sanitizer.
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Lin Z, Chen T, Zhou L, Yang H. Effect of chlorine sanitizer on metabolic responses of Escherichia coli biofilms "big six" during cross-contamination from abiotic surface to sponge cake. Food Res Int 2022; 157:111361. [PMID: 35761623 DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111361] [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] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The effect of chlorine on Escherichia coli biofilm O157:H7 are well established; however, the effect on biofilm adhesion to food as well as the six emerging E. coli serotypes ("big six") have not been fully understood. Chlorine sanitization with 1-min 100 mg/L was applied against seven pathogenic E. coli (O111, O121:H19, O45:H2, O26:H11, O103:H11, O145, and O157:H7) biofilms on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and stainless steel (SS) coupons, respectively. Using sponge cake as a food model, the adhesion behavior was evaluated by comparison of bacteria transfer rate before and after treatment. Besides, the metabolic profiles of biofilms were analyzed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometer. A significant decrease in transfer rate (79% decline on SS and 33% decline on HDPE) was recorded as well as the distinctive pattern between SS and HDPE coupons was also noticed, with a low population (6-7 log CFU/coupon) attached and low survivals (0-3 log CFU/coupon) upon chlorine on SS, while high population (7-8 log CFU/coupon) attached and high survivals (5-7 log CFU/coupon) on HDPE. Moreover, O121:H19 and O26:H11 demonstrated the highest resistance to chlorine with the least metabolic status and pathways affected. O103:H11, O145, and O111 followed similar metabolic patterns on both surfaces. Distinct metabolic patterns were found in O45:H2 and O157:H7, where the former had more affected metabolic status and pathways on SS but less on HDPE, whereas the latter showed an opposite trend. Overall, a potential contamination source of STEC infection in flour products was demonstrated and metabolic changes induced by chlorine were revealed by NMR-based metabolomics, which provides insights to avoid "big six" biofilms contamination in food.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zejia Lin
- Department of Food Science & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542, Singapore; National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, 377 Lin Quan Street, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, PR China
| | - Tong Chen
- Department of Food Science & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542, Singapore; National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, 377 Lin Quan Street, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, PR China
| | - Lehao Zhou
- Department of Food Science & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542, Singapore; National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, 377 Lin Quan Street, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, PR China
| | - Hongshun Yang
- Department of Food Science & Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117542, Singapore; National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, 377 Lin Quan Street, Suzhou Industrial Park, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, PR China.
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Stearns R, Xue J, Freshour N, Matak K, Luo Y, Shen C. The Efficacy of Conventional Spray, Electrostatic Spray, and Dip with a Combination of Hydrogen Peroxide and Peroxyacetic Acid To Inactivate Listeria monocytogenes on Apples. J Food Prot 2022; 85:828-834. [PMID: 35146513 DOI: 10.4315/jfp-21-448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and peroxyacetic acid (PAA) mixer delivered by conventional garden spray (GS), electrostatic spray (ES), and dip methods to inactivate Listeria monocytogenes on apples. Organic Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Pink Lady apples were dip inoculated with L. monocytogenes (two strains, serotype 1/2b), which were then kept untreated (control), sprayed with water only, or treated with the H2O2-PAA mixer (0.0064, 0.1, 0.25, and 0.50%) for 20 s via GS, ES, or dip, followed by draining (for 2 min) on aluminum foil. Surviving bacteria were recovered on modified Oxford agar. Atomic force microscopy was used to detect the structural changes of inactivation of L. monocytogenes in broth medium by the H2O2-PAA mixer solution. Data (two replicates, with six samples per replicate) were analyzed using the mixed model procedure of SAS (P = 0.05). Initial counts of L. monocytogenes on untreated apples were 6.80 to 6.90 log CFU per apple. The dip method was the most effective treatment (P < 0.05) for pathogen reductions (2.31 to 2.41 log CFU per apple), followed by GS (1.44 to 1.70 log CFU per apple) and then ES (0.84 to 1.20 log CFU per apple). Reductions of L. monocytogenes were greatest (P < 0.05) when apples were treated with H2O2-PAA mixer -0.25 and -0.50%. Atomic force microscopy analyses indicated that inactivation of L. monocytogenes cells in H2O2-PAA mixer solutions resulted from disruption of the outer membrane. The H2O2-PAA mixer-treated cells had increased width and height and decreased roughness compared with the untreated cells. Results suggested that applying a H2O2-PAA mixer by dip or GS methods is better for pathogen reduction than ES on apples. HIGHLIGHTS
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Stearns
- Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506
| | - Jingyi Xue
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
| | - Nettie Freshour
- Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506
| | - Kristen Matak
- Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506
| | - Yangchao Luo
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269, USA
| | - Cangliang Shen
- Division of Animal and Nutritional Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506
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Nag R, Russell L, Nolan S, Auer A, Markey BK, Whyte P, O'Flaherty V, Bolton D, Fenton O, Richards KG, Cummins E. Quantitative microbial risk assessment associated with ready-to-eat salads following the application of farmyard manure and slurry or anaerobic digestate to arable lands. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 806:151227. [PMID: 34715220 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Farmyard manure and slurry (FYM&S) and anaerobic digestate are potentially valuable soil conditioners providing important nutrients for plant development and growth. However, these organic fertilisers may pose a microbial health risk to humans. A quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) model was developed to investigate the potential human exposure to pathogens following the application of FYM&S and digestate to agricultural land. The farm-to-fork probabilistic model investigated the fate of microbial indicators (total coliforms and enterococci) and foodborne pathogens in the soil with potential contamination of ready-to-eat salads (RTEs) at the point of human consumption. The processes examined included pathogen inactivation during mesophilic anaerobic digestion (M-AD), post-AD pasteurisation, storage, dilution while spreading, decay in soil, post-harvest washing processes, and finally, the potential growth of the pathogen during refrigeration/storage at the retail level in the Irish context. The QMRA highlighted a very low annual probability of risk (Pannual) due to Clostridium perfringens, norovirus, and Salmonella Newport across all scenarios. Mycobacterium avium may result in a very high mean Pannual for the application of raw FYM&S, while Cryptosporidium parvum and pathogenic E. coli showed high Pannual, and Listeria monocytogenes displayed moderate Pannual for raw FYM&S application. The use of AD reduces this risk; however, pasteurisation reduces the Pannual to an even greater extent posing a very low risk. An overall sensitivity analysis revealed that mesophilic-AD's inactivation effect is the most sensitive parameter of the QMRA, followed by storage and the decay on the field (all negatively correlated to risk estimate). The information generated from this model can help to inform guidelines for policymakers on the maximum permissible indicator or pathogen contamination levels in the digestate. The QMRA can also provide the AD industry with a safety assessment of pathogenic organisms resulting from the digestion of FYM&S.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajat Nag
- University College Dublin, School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Lauren Russell
- Teagasc, Ashtown Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15, Ireland; University College Dublin, School of Veterinary Medicine, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Stephen Nolan
- National University of Ireland Galway, School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Agathe Auer
- University College Dublin, School of Veterinary Medicine, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Bryan K Markey
- University College Dublin, School of Veterinary Medicine, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Paul Whyte
- University College Dublin, School of Veterinary Medicine, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - Vincent O'Flaherty
- National University of Ireland Galway, School of Natural Sciences and Ryan Institute, Galway, Ireland.
| | - Declan Bolton
- Teagasc, Ashtown Food Research Centre, Ashtown, Dublin 15, Ireland.
| | - Owen Fenton
- Teagasc, Environment Research Centre, Johnstown Castle, County Wexford, Ireland.
| | - Karl G Richards
- Teagasc, Environment Research Centre, Johnstown Castle, County Wexford, Ireland.
| | - Enda Cummins
- University College Dublin, School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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