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Pearson AJ, Mukherjee K, Fattori V, Lipp M. Opportunities and challenges for global food safety in advancing circular policies and practices in agrifood systems. NPJ Sci Food 2024; 8:60. [PMID: 39237595 PMCID: PMC11377707 DOI: 10.1038/s41538-024-00286-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Sustainable agrifood systems are needed to provide safe and nutritious food for the growing world's population. To improve sustainability, transforming linear policies and practices in agrifood systems into circularity will be critical, with food safety considerations key for the success of this shift. This review provides a synthesis of the current and emerging risks, data gaps, and opportunities for food safety in agrifood initiatives aiming to advance circular economy models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Pearson
- Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy.
- Tonkin + Taylor Ltd, Wellington, New Zealand.
| | - Keya Mukherjee
- Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Fattori
- Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
| | - Markus Lipp
- Agrifood Systems and Food Safety Division, Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Rome, Italy
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2
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Neetoo H, Juggoo K, Johaheer H, Ranghoo-Sanmukhiya M, Manoga Z, Gurib N. A study on the occurrence of human enteric viruses in salad vegetables and seafood and associated health risks for consumers in Mauritius. Ital J Food Saf 2023; 12:11447. [PMID: 38116372 PMCID: PMC10726392 DOI: 10.4081/ijfs.2023.11447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Norovirus (NOV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) are human enteric viruses of major concern worldwide. Salad vegetables and molluscan shellfish are highly susceptible to contamination by NOV and HAV and can pose a health threat when consumed raw. The objective of this study was to determine the occurrence of NOV and HAV in lettuce, watercress, tomatoes, and oysters using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and assess the health risks associated with the consumption of these commodities by semiquantitative risk assessment. The occurrence of NOV in vegetables ranked in the following decreasing order: lettuce (36%) > watercress (16%) > tomatoes (4%). However, HAV was more frequently detected in watercress (56%), compared to lettuce or tomatoes (12%). Additionally, NOV was detected in oysters (60%). The risk assessment exercise pointed to a medium-risk score of contracting a foodborne illness of viral origin for consumers eating fresh watercress or oysters. Future research will ascertain the presence of these enteric viruses in a broader range of food commodities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hudaa Neetoo
- Department of Agriculture and Food Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Mauritius, Reduit, Moka, Mauritius
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Morgado ME, Hudson CL, Chattopadhyay S, Ta K, East C, Purser N, Allard S, Ferrier MD, Sapkota AR, Sharma M, Goldstein RR. The effect of a first flush rainwater harvesting and subsurface irrigation system on E. coli and pathogen concentrations in irrigation water, soil, and produce. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 843:156976. [PMID: 35768032 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.156976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Climate change is stressing irrigation water sources, necessitating the evaluation of alternative waters such as harvested rainwater to determine if they meet water quality and food safety standards. We collected water, soil, and produce samples between June and August 2019 from two vegetable rain garden (VRG) sites in Frederick, Maryland that harvest rainwater using a first flush system, and deliver this water to produce through subsurface irrigation. The raised VRG beds include layers of gravel, sand, and soil that act as filters. We recorded the average surface soil moisture in each bed as well as antecedent precipitation. All water (n = 29), soil (n = 55), and produce (n = 57) samples were tested for generic E. coli using standard membrane filtration, and water samples were also tested for Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes by selective enrichment. No Salmonella spp. or L. monocytogenes isolates were detected in any water samples throughout the study period. Average E. coli levels from all harvested rainwater samples at both sites (1.2 and 24.4 CFU/100 mL) were well below the Good Agricultural Practices food safety guidelines. Only 7 % (3/44) of produce samples from beds irrigated with harvested rainwater were positive for E. coli. E. coli levels in soil samples were positively associated with average surface soil moisture (r2 = 0.13, p = 0.007). Additionally, E. coli presence in water samples was marginally associated with a shorter length of antecedent dry period (fewer days since preceding rainfall) (p = 0.058). Our results suggest that harvested rainwater collected through a first flush system and applied to produce through subsurface irrigation meets current food safety standards. Soil moisture monitoring could further reduce E. coli contamination risks from harvested rainwater-irrigated produce. First flush and subsurface irrigation systems could help mitigate climate change-related water challenges while protecting food safety and security.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele E Morgado
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD, USA.
| | - Claire L Hudson
- Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA; Department of Biology, Hood College, Frederick, MD, USA.
| | - Suhana Chattopadhyay
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD, USA.
| | - Kaitlin Ta
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD, USA.
| | - Cheryl East
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Northeast Area, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, USA.
| | - Nathan Purser
- Department of Biology, Hood College, Frederick, MD, USA.
| | - Sarah Allard
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD, USA.
| | - M Drew Ferrier
- Department of Biology, Hood College, Frederick, MD, USA.
| | - Amy R Sapkota
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD, USA.
| | - Manan Sharma
- United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Northeast Area, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center, Environmental Microbial and Food Safety Laboratory, Beltsville, MD, USA.
| | - Rachel Rosenberg Goldstein
- Maryland Institute for Applied Environmental Health, University of Maryland School of Public Health, College Park, MD, USA.
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Beauvais W, Englishbey A, Marconi C, Cholula U, Belias A, Wemette M, Usaga J, Churey J, Worobo R, Enciso J, Anciso J, Nightingale K, Ivanek R. The effectiveness of treating irrigation water using ultraviolet radiation or sulphuric acid fertilizer for reducing generic Escherichia coli on fresh produce-a controlled intervention trial. J Appl Microbiol 2021; 131:1360-1377. [PMID: 33482030 PMCID: PMC8451819 DOI: 10.1111/jam.15011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The aims of this study were to: (i) estimate the effectiveness of ultraviolet radiation (UV) and sulphuric acid-based fertilizer (SA), at reducing levels of generic Escherichia coli in surface irrigation water and on produce and surface soil in open produce fields; and (ii) describe the population dynamics of generic E. coli in produce fields. METHODS AND RESULTS Spinach and cantaloupe plots were randomly assigned to control, UV or SA treatment groups. Irrigation water was inoculated with Rifampicin-resistant E. coli prior to treatment. More than 75% of UV- and SA-treated tank water samples had counts below the detection limit, compared to a mean count of 3·3 Log10 CFU per ml before treatment. Levels of Rifampicin-resistant E. coli in soil and produce both increased and decreased over 10-15 days after irrigation, depending on the plot and time-period. CONCLUSIONS UV and SA treatments effectively reduce the levels of E. coli in surface irrigation water. Their effectiveness at reducing contamination on produce was dependent on environmental conditions. Applying wait-times after irrigation and prior to harvest is not a reliable means of mitigating against contaminated produce. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY The results are of timely importance for the agricultural industry as new FSMA guidelines require producers to demonstrate a low microbial load in irrigation water or allow producers to apply a wait-time to mitigate the risk of contaminated produce.
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Affiliation(s)
- W. Beauvais
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic SciencesCollege of Veterinary MedicineCornell UniversityIthacaNYUSA
- Comparative Pathobiology DepartmentCollege of Veterinary Medicine, Purdue UniversityWest LafayetteINUSA
| | - A.K. Englishbey
- Animal and Food SciencesTexas Tech UniversityLubbockTXUSA
- Hygiena LLCNew CastleDEUSA
| | - C.M. Marconi
- Texas A&M AgriLife‐WeslacoWeslacoTXUSA
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences ‐ IR‐4 ProjectNorth Carolina State UniversityRaleighNCUSA
| | - U. Cholula
- Biological and Agricultural EngineeringCollege of Agriculture and Life SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA
- Department of Agriculture, Veterinary and Rangeland SciencesUniversity of NevadaRenoNVUSA
| | - A.M. Belias
- Department of Food ScienceCollege of Agriculture and Life SciencesCornell UniversityIthacaNYUSA
| | - M. Wemette
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic SciencesCollege of Veterinary MedicineCornell UniversityIthacaNYUSA
| | - J. Usaga
- Department of Food ScienceCollege of Agriculture and Life SciencesCornell UniversityIthacaNYUSA
- National Center for Food Science and TechnologyUniversity of Costa RicaCiudad Universitaria Rodrigo FacioSan JoseCosta Rica
| | - J.J. Churey
- Department of Food ScienceCollege of Agriculture and Life SciencesCornell UniversityIthacaNYUSA
| | - R.W. Worobo
- Department of Food ScienceCollege of Agriculture and Life SciencesCornell UniversityIthacaNYUSA
| | - J. Enciso
- Biological and Agricultural EngineeringCollege of Agriculture and Life SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTXUSA
| | - J.R. Anciso
- Horticultural SciencesTexas A&M AgriLife Extension ServiceWeslacoTXUSA
| | - K. Nightingale
- Animal and Food SciencesTexas Tech UniversityLubbockTXUSA
| | - R. Ivanek
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic SciencesCollege of Veterinary MedicineCornell UniversityIthacaNYUSA
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Bozkurt H, Bell T, van Ogtrop F, Phan-Thien KY, McConchie R. Assessment of microbial risk during Australian industrial practices for Escherichia coli O157:H7 in fresh cut-cos lettuce: A stochastic quantitative approach. Food Microbiol 2021; 95:103691. [PMID: 33397620 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2020.103691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Escherichia coli O157:H7 risk associated with the consumption of fresh cut-cos lettuce during Australian industrial practices was assessed. A probabilistic risk assessment model was developed and implemented in the @Risk software by using the Monte Carlo simulation technique with 1,000,000 iterations. Australian preharvest practices yielded predicted annual mean E. coli O157:H7 levels from 0.2 to -3.4 log CFU/g and prevalence values ranged from 2 to 6.4%. While exclusion of solar radiation from the baseline model yielded a significant increase in concentration of E. coli O157:H7 (-5.2 -log fold), drip irrigation usage, exclusion of manure amended soil and rainfall reduced E. coli O157:H7 levels by 7.4, 6.5, and 4.3-log fold, respectively. The microbial quality of irrigation water and irrigation type both had a significant effect on E. coli O157:H7 concentrations at harvest (p < 0.05). The probability of illness due to consumption of E. coli O157:H7 contaminated fresh cut-cos lettuce when water washing interventions were introduced into the processing module, was reduced by 1.4-2.7-log fold (p < 0.05). This study provides a robust basis for assessment of risk associated with E. coli O157:H7 contamination on fresh cut-cos lettuce for industrial practices and will assist the leafy green industry and food safety authorities in Australia to identify potential risk management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayriye Bozkurt
- ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Food Safety in the Fresh Produce Industry, Sydney Institute of Agriculture, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Tina Bell
- ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Food Safety in the Fresh Produce Industry, Sydney Institute of Agriculture, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Floris van Ogtrop
- ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Food Safety in the Fresh Produce Industry, Sydney Institute of Agriculture, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Kim-Yen Phan-Thien
- ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Food Safety in the Fresh Produce Industry, Sydney Institute of Agriculture, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Robyn McConchie
- ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Food Safety in the Fresh Produce Industry, Sydney Institute of Agriculture, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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Janahi EM, Mustafa S, Parkar SFD, Naser HA, Eisa ZM. Detection of Enteric Viruses and Bacterial Indicators in a Sewage Treatment Center and Shallow Water Bay. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17186483. [PMID: 32899918 PMCID: PMC7559856 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17186483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of enteric viruses in treated wastewater and their potential release into the environment or use for agriculture are very critical matters in public health. In our study, PCR (polymerase chain reaction) analysis of enteric viruses was performed on 59 samples of influents and effluents collected from Tubli wastewater treatment plant (Water Pollution Control Center (WPCC)) and Tubli Bay, where the effluents were discharged, in Kingdom of Bahrain during two sampling periods. Four clinically essential waterborne enteric viruses were examined: enterovirus (EV), hepatitis A virus (HAV), astroviruses (AV), and rotaviruses (RV) and compared to standard bacterial and bacteriophages indicators of fecal pollution. Detection rates of EV, AV, HAV, and RV in the influent samples were 100%, 75%, 12.5%, and 12.5%, respectively, while 50% of the effluent samples from Tubli WPCC contained only EV RNA. None of the tested enteric viruses could be detected in any of the samples collected directly from Tubli Bay. Effluent samples from Tubli plant did not show significant seasonal differences. Since detection of enteric viruses genome does not necessarily indicate infectivity, the infectivity of these viruses was evaluated through isolation and growth of indictor bacteria and bacteriophages. High concentration of fecal bacteriological indicators was detected in all effluents samples (100%): 3.20 × 103 cfu/mL for E. coli, 1.32 × 103 cfu/mL for Salmonella spp., and 1.92 × 103 cfu/mL for Shigella spp. E. coli and Salmonella specific bacteriophages were also detected in the effluent samples in high titers. The combined results of PCR and bacterial enumeration point to a probable public health risk via the use of these wastewaters in agriculture or their discharge into the sea. Continuous surveillance of viral and bacterial prevalence and their resistance to sewage disinfection procedures could contribute to a better control of risks associated with the recycling of effluent wastewater and its release into the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Essam M. Janahi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir 32038, Bahrain; (S.M.); (S.F.D.P.); (H.A.N.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Sakina Mustafa
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir 32038, Bahrain; (S.M.); (S.F.D.P.); (H.A.N.)
| | - Saba F. D. Parkar
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir 32038, Bahrain; (S.M.); (S.F.D.P.); (H.A.N.)
| | - Humood A. Naser
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Bahrain, Sakhir 32038, Bahrain; (S.M.); (S.F.D.P.); (H.A.N.)
| | - Zaki M. Eisa
- The National Center for Disease Prevention and Control, Jazan 82722-2476, Saudi Arabia;
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7
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Estimation of Hepatitis A Virus Infection Prevalence Through Drinking Water Supply of Primary Schools of Sindh, Pakistan. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2020. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.98412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
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Ezzat SM. Applying Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment Model in Developing Appropriate Standards for Irrigation Water. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2020; 16:353-361. [PMID: 31799730 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to apply a quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) model to estimate the annual risk probability of Salmonella infection associated with the consumption of crops, which were irrigated with raw wastewater abstracted by farmers without official permission. Data generated from the model were used to propose realistic standards for Salmonella in irrigation water needed for safe crop production. Results demonstrated the presence of total coliforms, fecal coliforms, fecal streptococci, and Salmonella in wastewater samples. Salmonella was recorded on lettuce and spinach in 3 different harvesting events, although it was not found in data obtained for parsley plant. The QMRA scenario included surface irrigation, consumption of raw crops, and 1-day withholding period before harvest. The annual risk probability of Salmonella infection for consumers exceeded the target tolerable risk (7.7 × 10-4 ) for investigated crops. The Pearson's correlation coefficient between different annual risk probabilities showed significant correlation (p < 0.05). The levels of risk posed from spinach and lettuce were roughly similar, although they tended to be higher for lettuce. The optimum concentrations of Salmonella in irrigation water needed to satisfy the World Health Organization guidelines of disease burden (disability-adjusted life years 10-6 ) per person per year ranged from 34 to 119 via multiple-tube fermentation technique/100 mL, for spinach and lettuce plants, respectively. The study concluded that unofficial reuse of wastewater in irrigation is a principle route for crop contamination. Water quality monitoring programs should be integrated with QMRA investigations for better estimation of risk level. The fit parameters used could be tailored to cover a wide array of local situations in different countries. Models applied for viruses, helminths, and bacteria other than Salmonella are encouraged in future studies. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:353-361. © 2019 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safaa M Ezzat
- Central Laboratory for Environmental Quality Monitoring, National Water Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
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Fuzawa M, Smith RL, Ku KM, Shisler JL, Feng H, Juvik JA, Nguyen TH. Roles of Vegetable Surface Properties and Sanitizer Type on Annual Disease Burden of Rotavirus Illness by Consumption of Rotavirus-Contaminated Fresh Vegetables: A Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2020; 40:741-757. [PMID: 31742761 DOI: 10.1111/risa.13426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Revised: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Enteric viruses are often detected in water used for crop irrigation. One concern is foodborne viral disease via the consumption of fresh produce irrigated with virus-contaminated water. Although the food industry routinely uses chemical sanitizers to disinfect post-harvest fresh produce, it remains unknown how sanitizer and fresh produce properties affect the risk of viral illness through fresh produce consumption. A quantitative microbial risk assessment model was conducted to estimate (i) the health risks associated with consumption of rotavirus (RV)-contaminated fresh produce with different surface properties (endive and kale) and (ii) how risks changed when using peracetic acid (PAA) or a surfactant-based sanitizer. The modeling results showed that the annual disease burden depended on the combination of sanitizer and vegetable type when vegetables were irrigated with RV-contaminated water. Global sensitivity analyses revealed that the most influential factors in the disease burden were RV concentration in irrigation water and postharvest disinfection efficacy. A postharvest disinfection efficacy of higher than 99% (2-log10 ) was needed to decrease the disease burden below the World Health Organization (WHO) threshold, even in scenarios with low RV concentrations in irrigation water (i.e., river water). All scenarios tested here with at least 99.9% (3-log10 ) disinfection efficacy had a disease burden lower than the WHO threshold, except for the endive treated with PAA. The disinfection efficacy for the endive treated with PAA was only about 80%, leading to a disease burden 100 times higher than the WHO threshold. These findings should be considered and incorporated into future models for estimating foodborne viral illness risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyu Fuzawa
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Rebecca Lee Smith
- Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Kang-Mo Ku
- Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Department of Horticulture, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, 61886, Republic of Korea
| | - Joanna L Shisler
- Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Hao Feng
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - John A Juvik
- Department of Crop Science, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Thanh H Nguyen
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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Developing Irrigation Management at District Scale Based on Water Monitoring: Study on Lis Valley, Portugal. AGRIENGINEERING 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/agriengineering2010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Irrigation districts play a decisive role in Portuguese agriculture and require the adaptation to the new water management paradigm through a change in technology and practices compatible with farmers’ technical know-how and economic sustainability. Therefore, improvement of water management, focusing on water savings and increasing farmers’ income, is a priority. In this perspective, an applied research study is being carried out on the gravity-fed Lis Valley Irrigation District to assess the performance of collective water supply, effectiveness of water pumping, and safety of crop production due to the practice of reuse of drainage water. The water balance method was applied at irrigation supply sectors, including gravity and Pumping Irrigation Allocation. The average 2018 irrigation water allocated was 7400 m3/ha, being 9.3% by pumping recharge, with a global efficiency of about 67%. The water quality analysis allowed identifying some risk situations regarding salinization and microbiological issues, justifying action to solve or mitigate the problems, especially at the level of the farmers’ fields, according to the crops and the irrigation systems. Results point to priority actions to consolidate improved water management: better maintenance and conservation of infrastructure of hydraulic infrastructures to reduce water losses and better flow control; implementation of optimal operational plans, to adjust the water demand with distribution; improvement of the on-farm systems with better water application control and maintenance procedures; and improvement of the control of water quality on the water reuse from drainage ditches. The technological innovation is an element of the modernization of irrigation districts that justifies the development of multiple efforts and synergies among stakeholders, namely farmers, water users association, and researchers.
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Bozkurt H, Phan-Thien KY, van Ogtrop F, Bell T, McConchie R. Outbreaks, occurrence, and control of norovirus and hepatitis a virus contamination in berries: A review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2020; 61:116-138. [PMID: 32008374 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2020.1719383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Foodborne enteric viruses, in particular HuNoV and HAV, are the most common cause of the berry-linked viral diseases, and outbreaks around the world, and have become an important concern for health authorities. Despite the increased importance of berry fruits as a vehicle for foodborne viruses, there is limited information concerning the fate of foodborne viruses in the berry supply chain from farm to consumer. A comprehensive understanding of berry-associated viral outbreaks - with a focus on contamination sources, persistence, survival, and the effects of current postharvest and processing interventions and practices - is essential for the development of effective preventative strategies to reduce risk of illness. The purpose of this paper is twofold; (i) to critically review the published literature on the current state of knowledge regarding berry-associated foodborne viral outbreaks and the efficiency of berry processing practices and (ii) to identify and prioritize research gaps regarding practical and effective mechanism to reduce viral contamination of berries. The review found that fecally infected food handlers were the predominant source of preharvest and postharvest pathogenic viral contamination. Current industrial practices applied to fresh and frozen berries demonstrated limited efficacy for reducing the viral load. While maintaining best practice personal and environmental hygiene is a key intervention, the optimization of processing parameters (i.e., freezing, frozen storage, and washing) and/or development of alternative processing technologies to induce sufficient viral inactivation in berries along with retaining sensory and nutritional quality, is also an important direction for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayriye Bozkurt
- ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Food Safety in the Fresh Produce Industry, Sydney Institute of Agriculture, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kim-Yen Phan-Thien
- ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Food Safety in the Fresh Produce Industry, Sydney Institute of Agriculture, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Floris van Ogtrop
- ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Food Safety in the Fresh Produce Industry, Sydney Institute of Agriculture, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tina Bell
- ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Food Safety in the Fresh Produce Industry, Sydney Institute of Agriculture, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Robyn McConchie
- ARC Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Food Safety in the Fresh Produce Industry, Sydney Institute of Agriculture, Faculty of Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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12
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Factors Impacting the Prevalence of Foodborne Pathogens in Agricultural Water Sources in the Southeastern United States. WATER 2019. [DOI: 10.3390/w12010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Surface water poses a great risk to fruit and vegetable crops when contaminated by foodborne pathogens. Several factors impact the microbial quality of surface waters and increase the risk of produce contamination. Therefore, evaluating the factors associated with the prevalence of pathogenic microorganisms in agricultural water sources is critical to determine and establish preventive actions that may minimize the incidence of foodborne outbreaks associated with contaminated production water. In the Southeastern U.S. environmental factors such as rainfall, temperature, and seasonal variations have been associated with the prevalence of pathogens or microbial indicators of fecal contamination in water. Also, the geographical location of the irrigation sources as well as surrounding activities and land use play an important role on the survival and prevalence of pathogenic bacteria. Therefore, these factors may be determinants useful in the evaluation of production water quality and may help to preemptively identify scenarios or hazards associated with the incidence of foodborne pathogenic microorganisms.
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Tripathi VK, Rajput TBS, Patel N, Nain L. Impact of municipal wastewater reuse through micro-irrigation system on the incidence of coliforms in selected vegetable crops. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2019; 251:109532. [PMID: 31542620 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2019.109532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The incidence of coliforms in soil and agricultural produce was evaluated in two vegetable crops, namely, cauliflower and eggplant, which were grown using wastewater for irrigation. Field experiment was conducted at Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, India. In the field experiments to irrigate the crop, municipal wastewater was applied through drip system. The filtration of irrigation water was done through sand media, disk media and their combination. The laterals were placed at surface and subsurface of soil. All filtration processes significantly reduced total coliforms (12-20%) and E. coli (15-25%) populations when evaluated against untreated wastewater. The population dynamics of coliforms in soil profiles indicated that the maximum population of E. coli was estimated on the surface of soil profile when using surface drip, which decreased with soil depth under subsurface placement of drip lateral. After crop harvesting, E. coli in the soil reduced until 20 days after the cessation of irrigation and was highly correlated with soil moisture. E. coli and total coliforms availability were noticed on the surface and in the tissues of leaf and fruit, the coliform count is higher on the surface of plants under surface placement of drip lateral. The concentration of coliforms was lower with eggplant in comparison to cauliflower due to the smooth fruit surface of eggplant. Our study reveals the critical role of subsurface drip irrigation in reducing the load of coliform both in the soil and the crop produce ensuring safety of the consumers against health hazards. In another way protect the environment from wastewater disposal and reduce the burden on synthetic fertilizers as well as shrinking freshwater resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinod Kumar Tripathi
- Department of Farm Engineering, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, 221005, India.
| | | | - Neelam Patel
- Water Technology Centre, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, 110012, India
| | - Lata Nain
- Division of Microbiology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pusa, New Delhi, 110012, India
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14
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15
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El-Toony MM, Eid G, Algarni H. Estimation of hazardous materials in water and their toxicity levels in Mahayel Aseer, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2019; 191:779. [PMID: 31784811 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-019-7820-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This work aims to evaluate the different water sources available in Mahayel Aseer, KSA, chemically, toxicology and microbiologically. Several water samples, such as tap water, differentially desalinated water and bottled water, were analysed. Moreover, different metal ions and anions, including sodium, potassium, calcium, lead, cadmium, manganese, bicarbonate, fluoride, chloride, sulphate, nitrate and nitrite, were evaluated and assessed for human health. Bacterial and fungal pollutions arising from various water sources were also investigated. This study was conducted on polymer bottles and the best storage conditions. In order to acquire purified water safe for human consumption, certain recommendations pertaining to the steps of water treatment can be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M El-Toony
- Chemistry Dept., King Khaled Univ., Tohama Branch, Abha, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Gh Eid
- Physics Dept., King Khaled Univ., Tohama Branch, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - H Algarni
- Physics Dept., King Khaled Univ., Tohama Branch, Abha, Saudi Arabia
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16
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Iwu CD, Okoh AI. Preharvest Transmission Routes of Fresh Produce Associated Bacterial Pathogens with Outbreak Potentials: A Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:E4407. [PMID: 31717976 PMCID: PMC6888529 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16224407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Disease outbreaks caused by the ingestion of contaminated vegetables and fruits pose a significant problem to human health. The sources of contamination of these food products at the preharvest level of agricultural production, most importantly, agricultural soil and irrigation water, serve as potential reservoirs of some clinically significant foodborne pathogenic bacteria. These clinically important bacteria include: Klebsiella spp., Salmonella spp., Citrobacter spp., Shigella spp., Enterobacter spp., Listeria monocytogenes and pathogenic E. coli (and E. coli O157:H7) all of which have the potential to cause disease outbreaks. Most of these pathogens acquire antimicrobial resistance (AR) determinants due to AR selective pressure within the agroecosystem and become resistant against most available treatment options, further aggravating risks to human and environmental health, and food safety. This review critically outlines the following issues with regards to fresh produce; the global burden of fresh produce-related foodborne diseases, contamination between the continuum of farm to table, preharvest transmission routes, AR profiles, and possible interventions to minimize the preharvest contamination of fresh produce. This review reveals that the primary production niches of the agro-ecosystem play a significant role in the transmission of fresh produce associated pathogens as well as their resistant variants, thus detrimental to food safety and public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chidozie Declan Iwu
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa;
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa
| | - Anthony Ifeanyi Okoh
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa;
- Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group, Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, University of Fort Hare, Alice 5700, South Africa
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17
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18
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Rock CM, Brassill N, Dery JL, Carr D, McLain JE, Bright KR, Gerba CP. Review of water quality criteria for water reuse and risk-based implications for irrigated produce under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act, produce safety rule. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2019; 172:616-629. [PMID: 30878733 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.12.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Questions related to the safety of alternative water sources, such as recycled water or reclaimed water (including grey water, produced water, return flows, and recycled wastewater), for produce production have been largely un-explored at the detail warranted for protection of public health. Additionally, recent outbreaks of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in fresh produce, in which agricultural water was suspected as the source, coupled with heightened media coverage, have elevated fruit and vegetable safety into the forefront of public attention. Exacerbating these concerns, new Federal regulations released by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as part of implementation of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), require testing of agricultural water quality for generic E. coli. Here, we present a review of water quality criteria - including surface water, groundwater recreational water, and water reuse - in an attempt to better understand implications of new FDA regulations on irrigated produce. In addition, a Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) was conducted to estimate risks from pathogen contamination of food crops eaten fresh under the context of FDA regulations to provide perspective on current water reuse regulations across the country. Results indicate that irrigation water containing 126 CFU/100 mL of E. coli correspond to a risk of GI illness (diarrhea) of 9 cases in 100,000,000 persons (a 0.000009% risk) for subsurface irrigation, 1.1 cases in 100,000 persons (a 0.0011% risk) for furrow irrigation, and 1.1 cases in 1000 persons (a 0.11% risk) for sprinkler irrigation of lettuce. In comparison to metrics in states that currently regulate the use of recycled water for irrigation of food crops eaten fresh, the FDA FSMA water quality metrics are less stringent and therefore the use of recycled water presents a reduced risk to consumers than the FDA regulations. These findings, while limited to a one-time exposure event of lettuce irrigated with water meeting FSMA water quality regulations, highlight the need for additional assessments to determine if the scientific-basis of the regulation is protective of public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Channah M Rock
- Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
| | - Natalie Brassill
- Maricopa Agricultural Center, University of Arizona, Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA.
| | - Jessica L Dery
- Maricopa Agricultural Center, University of Arizona, Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA.
| | - Dametreea Carr
- Maricopa Agricultural Center, University of Arizona, Maricopa, AZ 85138, USA.
| | - Jean E McLain
- Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; Water Resources Research Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
| | - Kelly R Bright
- Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
| | - Charles P Gerba
- Department of Soil, Water and Environmental Science, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA.
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19
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Evaluation of the microbial contamination of fresh produces and their cultivation environments from farms in Korea. Food Sci Biotechnol 2019; 28:1265-1274. [PMID: 31275728 DOI: 10.1007/s10068-019-00570-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Revised: 01/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, a total of 195 samples including fresh produce and farming environments was used to perform the microbial risk assessment. Levels of total aerobic bacteria ranged from 2.77 to 5.99, 6.28 to 7.81, and 1.31 to 2.74 log10 CFU/g, whereas levels of coliforms were ≤ 2.48, ≤ 3.35, and ≤ 0.85 log10 CFU/g, levels of Escherichia coli were ≤ 1.04, ≤ 0.12, and ≤ 1.69 log10 CFU/g in fresh produce, soil, and irrigation water, respectively. When the presence of pathogenic bacteria was detected, only Bacillus cereus and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated from 14 (7.2%) and 7 (3.6%) samples out of 195 samples, respectively. From the results, it was difficult to find a strong correlation between microbial contamination of fresh produce and their farming environments. However, continuous monitoring of agricultural products and related environments should be undertaken in order to ensure the microbial safety of fresh produce.
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20
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Wall GL, Clements DP, Fisk CL, Stoeckel DM, Woods KL, Bihn EA. Meeting Report: Key Outcomes from a Collaborative Summit on Agricultural Water Standards for Fresh Produce. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2019; 18:723-737. [PMID: 33336930 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
On February 27 to 28, 2018, the Produce Safety Alliance convened a national water summit in Covington, KY to discuss the requirements of the United States Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Food Safety Modernization Act Standards for the Growing, Harvesting, Packing, and Holding of Produce for Human Consumption (Produce Safety Rule [PSR]). The goals of the meeting were to better understand the challenges growers face in implementing the requirements in Subpart E-Agricultural Water and work collaboratively to develop practical solutions to meet fruit and vegetable production needs while protecting public health. To meet these goals, the summit engaged a diverse group of stakeholders including growers, researchers, extension educators, produce industry members, and regulatory personnel. Key outcomes included defining implementation barriers due to diversity in water sources, distribution systems, commodity types, climates, farm size, and production activities. There was an articulated need for science-based solutions, such as the use of agricultural water system assessments and sharing of federal, state, and regional water quality data, to ensure qualitative and quantitative standards reduce microbial risks. These identified challenges and needs resulted in significant debate about whether reopening the PSR-Subpart E for modification or attempting to address concerns through guidance would provide the best mechanism for alleviating concerns. In addition, training, outreach, and technical assistance were identified as vital priorities once the concerns are formally addressed by FDA. The water summit highlighted the critical need for transparency of FDA's progress on reevaluating the Subpart E requirements to help guide growers' decisions regarding the use of agricultural water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen L Wall
- Produce Safety Alliance, Dept. of Food Science, Cornell Univ., 665 W. North Street, Geneva, NY, 14456, U.S.A
| | - Donna P Clements
- Produce Safety Alliance, Dept. of Food Science, Cornell Univ., 665 W. North Street, Geneva, NY, 14456, U.S.A
| | - Connie L Fisk
- Produce Safety Alliance, Dept. of Food Science, Cornell Univ., 665 W. North Street, Geneva, NY, 14456, U.S.A
| | - Donald M Stoeckel
- Produce Safety Alliance, Dept. of Food Science, Cornell Univ., 665 W. North Street, Geneva, NY, 14456, U.S.A
| | - Kristin L Woods
- Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Auburn University, P.O. Box 40, Grove Hill, AL, 36451, U.S.A
| | - Elizabeth A Bihn
- Produce Safety Alliance, Dept. of Food Science, Cornell Univ., 665 W. North Street, Geneva, NY, 14456, U.S.A
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21
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Clark GG, Jamal R, Weidhaas J. Roofing material and irrigation frequency influence microbial risk from consuming homegrown lettuce irrigated with harvested rainwater. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 651:1011-1019. [PMID: 30266046 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.09.277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Revised: 09/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Rooftop harvested rainwater has become an alternative, potable, and non-potable water source used around the world. In the United States, rooftop harvested rainwater is most commonly used for irrigation. Rooftop harvested rainwater may contain contaminants from bird or animal feces that may present a risk to water users. Different roofing materials may influence the survival of fecal bacteria on the rooftop prior to runoff during rainfall. In this study, three pathogen groups (E. coli, enterococci and Salmonella enterica) in rooftop runoff from three, replicated roof types (asphalt shingle, synthetic slate, and wood shake) were quantified in multiple rain events. Matched roofs were selected from locations with differing amounts of tree cover. Enterococci were the most frequently detected bacteria from all roof types. Wood shake and asphalt shingle roofing materials had the poorest microbial water quality. Rainwater runoff from two of the six buildings failed to meet United States Food and Drug Administration microbial standards for irrigation water. A quantitative microbial risk assessment indicated that the annual probability of illness from consuming lettuce irrigated with rooftop harvested rainwater varied by roofing material, irrigation water withholding period, and exposure frequency. Consuming lettuce immediately after irrigation with rooftop rainwater presented the highest human health risk based on the probability of illness from E. coli and enterococci exposure. Withholding irrigation by 1 day prior to harvest decreased the annual probability of illness from E. coli by 2 log, but had a minimal effect on the risk from enterococci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma G Clark
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Utah, 110 Central Campus Drive Suite 2000, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Rubayat Jamal
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Utah, 110 Central Campus Drive Suite 2000, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Jennifer Weidhaas
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Utah, 110 Central Campus Drive Suite 2000, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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22
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O'Flaherty E, Solimini AG, Pantanella F, De Giusti M, Cummins E. Human exposure to antibiotic resistant-Escherichia coli through irrigated lettuce. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2019; 122:270-280. [PMID: 30449627 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2018.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) have been found on fresh fruit and vegetables globally. These types of ARB infections are spreading rapidly and are a major human health threat. A quantitative human exposure assessment model was created using scenario analysis to investigate the potential human exposure to antibiotic resistant Escherichia coli (AR-E. coli) through the consumption of lettuce irrigated with surface water. Scientific literature and site specific data were collected to model each process from farm to fork to calculate the concentration of AR-E. coli on the lettuce at the point of human consumption. The processes examined were the adhesion, colonisation and viability of bacteria on the lettuce; the effect of different post-harvest cleaning processes; the effect of consuming the lettuce before, on or after the expiry date; and the effect of the consumer washing the lettuce. The results show the mean human exposure levels ranged between 1.00 × 10-2 and 1.35 × 106 colony forming units (CFU) of AR-E. coli per 100 g of surface water irrigated lettuce for the different scenarios investigated. The mean probability of illness from consuming 100 g of lettuce contaminated with potential pathogenic antibiotic-sensitive E. coli was between 1.46 × 10-9 to 1.88 × 10-2. A back calculation revealed that in order for the EC No 1441/2007 regulation to be exceeded (≥1000 CFU/g of E. coli on lettuce at the manufacturing stage), the mean contamination levels required in the irrigation water would need to be 2.7, 3.1 or 4.8 log CFU/ml using the post-harvest treatments of washing with water, rapid cooling with water and washing with a chlorine solution respectively. The information generated from this model could help to set guidelines for producers on maximum permissible AR-E. coli contamination levels in irrigation water and provides recommendations on the best post-harvest treatment to use.
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Affiliation(s)
- E O'Flaherty
- University College Dublin, School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
| | - A G Solimini
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - F Pantanella
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - M De Giusti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - E Cummins
- University College Dublin, School of Biosystems and Food Engineering, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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23
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Riggio GM, Wang Q, Kniel KE, Gibson KE. Microgreens-A review of food safety considerations along the farm to fork continuum. Int J Food Microbiol 2018; 290:76-85. [PMID: 30308448 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2018.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2018] [Revised: 09/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The food safety implications of microgreens, an emerging salad crop, have been studied only minimally. The farm to fork continuum of microgreens and sprouts has some overlap in terms of production, physical characteristics, and consumption. This review describes the food safety risk of microgreens as compared to sprouts, potential control points for microgreen production, what is known to date about pathogen transfer in the microgreen production environment, and where microgreens differ from sprouts and their mature vegetable counterparts. The synthesis of published research to date may help to inform Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and Good Handling Practices (GHPs) for the emerging microgreen industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina M Riggio
- University of Arkansas, Dept. of Food Science, 2650 Young Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72704, United States of America.
| | - Qing Wang
- University of Delaware, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Newark, DE 19711, United States of America.
| | - Kalmia E Kniel
- University of Delaware, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Newark, DE 19711, United States of America.
| | - Kristen E Gibson
- University of Arkansas, Dept. of Food Science, 2650 Young Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72704, United States of America.
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24
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Alegbeleye OO, Singleton I, Sant'Ana AS. Sources and contamination routes of microbial pathogens to fresh produce during field cultivation: A review. Food Microbiol 2018; 73:177-208. [PMID: 29526204 PMCID: PMC7127387 DOI: 10.1016/j.fm.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 12/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Foodborne illness resulting from the consumption of contaminated fresh produce is a common phenomenon and has severe effects on human health together with severe economic and social impacts. The implications of foodborne diseases associated with fresh produce have urged research into the numerous ways and mechanisms through which pathogens may gain access to produce, thereby compromising microbiological safety. This review provides a background on the various sources and pathways through which pathogenic bacteria contaminate fresh produce; the survival and proliferation of pathogens on fresh produce while growing and potential methods to reduce microbial contamination before harvest. Some of the established bacterial contamination sources include contaminated manure, irrigation water, soil, livestock/ wildlife, and numerous factors influence the incidence, fate, transport, survival and proliferation of pathogens in the wide variety of sources where they are found. Once pathogenic bacteria have been introduced into the growing environment, they can colonize and persist on fresh produce using a variety of mechanisms. Overall, microbiological hazards are significant; therefore, ways to reduce sources of contamination and a deeper understanding of pathogen survival and growth on fresh produce in the field are required to reduce risk to human health and the associated economic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ian Singleton
- School of Applied Sciences, Sighthill Campus, Edinburgh Napier University, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anderson S Sant'Ana
- Department of Food Science, Faculty of Food Engineering, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
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25
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Wright D, Feibert E, Reitz S, Shock C, Waite-Cusic J. Field Evidence Supporting Conventional Onion Curing Practices as a Strategy To Mitigate Escherichia coli Contamination from Irrigation Water. J Food Prot 2018; 81:369-376. [PMID: 29411999 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-17-231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The Produce Safety Rule of the U.S. Food Safety Modernization Act includes restrictions on the use of agricultural water of poor microbiological quality. Mitigation options for poor water quality include the application of an irrigation-to-harvest interval of <4 days; however, dry bulb onion production includes an extended irrigation-to-harvest interval (<30 days). This study evaluated conventional curing practices for mitigating Escherichia coli contamination in a field setting. Well water inoculated with rifampin-resistant E. coli (1, 2, or 3 log CFU/mL) was applied to onion fields (randomized block design; n = 5) via drip tape on the final day of irrigation. Onions remained undisturbed for 7 days and were then lifted to the surface to cure for an additional 21 days before harvest. Water, onions, and soil were tested for presence of rifampin-resistant E. coli. One day after irrigation, 13.3% of onions (20 of 150) receiving the poorest quality water (3 log CFU/mL) tested positive for E. coli; this prevalence was reduced to 4% (6 of 150 onions) after 7 days. Regardless of inoculum level, E. coli was not detected on any onions beyond 15 days postirrigation. These results support conventional dry bulb onion curing practices as an effective strategy to mitigate microbiological concerns associated with poor quality irrigation water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Wright
- 1 Department of Food Science and Technology, 100 Wiegand Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331
| | - Erik Feibert
- 2 Malheur Experiment Station, 595 Onion Avenue, Oregon State University, Ontario, Oregon 97914; and
| | - Stuart Reitz
- 3 Malheur County Extension, 710 S.W. 5th Avenue, Oregon State University, Ontario, Oregon 97914, USA
| | - Clint Shock
- 2 Malheur Experiment Station, 595 Onion Avenue, Oregon State University, Ontario, Oregon 97914; and
| | - Joy Waite-Cusic
- 1 Department of Food Science and Technology, 100 Wiegand Hall, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331
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26
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Harris CS, Tertuliano M, Rajeev S, Vellidis G, Levy K. Impact of storm runoff on Salmonella and Escherichia coli prevalence in irrigation ponds of fresh produce farms in southern Georgia. J Appl Microbiol 2018; 124:910-921. [PMID: 29316043 DOI: 10.1111/jam.13689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To examine Salmonella and Escherichia coli in storm runoff and irrigation ponds used by fresh produce growers, and compare Salmonella serovars with those found in cases of human salmonellosis. METHODS AND RESULTS We collected water before and after rain events at two irrigation ponds on farms in southern Georgia, USA, and collected storm runoff/storm flow within the contributing watershed of each pond. Salmonella and E. coli concentrations were higher in ponds after rain events by an average of 0·46 (P < 0·01) and 0·61 (P < 0·05) log10 most probable number (MPN) per 100 ml respectively. Salmonella concentrations in storm runoff from fields and forests were not significantly higher than in ponds before rain events, but concentrations in storm flow from streams and ditches were higher by an average of 1·22 log10 MPN per 100 ml (P < 0·001). Eighteen Salmonella serovars were identified from 155 serotyped isolates, and eight serovars were shared between storm runoff/storm flow and ponds. Seven of the serovars, including five of the shared serovars, were present in cases of human illness in the study region in the same year. However, several serovars most commonly associated with human illness in the study region (e.g. Javiana, Enteritidis, and Montevideo) were not found in any water samples. CONCLUSIONS Salmonella and E. coli concentrations in irrigation ponds were higher, on average, after rain events, but concentrations of Salmonella were low, and the ponds met FDA water quality standards based on E. coli. Some similarities and notable differences were found between Salmonella serovars in water samples and in cases of human illness. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY This study directly examined storm runoff/storm flow into irrigation ponds and quantified increases in Salmonella and E. coli following rain events, with potential implications for irrigation pond management as well as human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Harris
- Bureau of Water Resources, St. Johns River Water Management District, Palatka, FL, USA
| | - M Tertuliano
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, University of Georgia, Tifton, GA, USA
| | - S Rajeev
- Biomedical Sciences, Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, Basseterre, KN
| | - G Vellidis
- Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, University of Georgia, Tifton, GA, USA
| | - K Levy
- Department of Environmental Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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27
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Abakpa GO, Umoh VJ, Kamaruzaman S, Ibekwe M. Fingerprints of resistant Escherichia coli O157:H7 from vegetables and environmental samples. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2018; 98:80-86. [PMID: 28543177 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.8441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some routes of transmission of Escherichia coli O157:H7 to fresh produce include contaminated irrigation water and manure polluted soils. The aim of the present study was to determine the genetic relationships of E. coli O157:H7 isolated from some produce growing region in Nigeria using enterobacterial repetitive intergenic consensus (ERIC) DNA fingerprinting analysis. A total of 440 samples comprising leafy greens, irrigation water, manure and soil were obtained from vegetable producing regions in Kano and Plateau States, Nigeria. Genes coding for the quinolone resistance-determinant (gyrA) and plasmid (pCT) coding for multidrug resistance (MDR) were determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in 16 isolates that showed MDR. RESULTS Cluster analysis of the ERIC-PCR profiles based on band sizes revealed six main clusters from the sixteen isolates analysed. The largest cluster (cluster 3) grouped isolates from vegetables and manure at a similarity coefficient of 0.72. CONCLUSION The present study provides data that support the potential transmission of resistant strains of E. coli O157:H7 from vegetables and environmental sources to humans with potential public health implications, especially in developing countries. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Veronica J Umoh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Akwa Ibom State University, Mkpat Enin LGA, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
| | - Sijam Kamaruzaman
- Department of Agrobio, Universiti Putra, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mark Ibekwe
- USDA-ARS-US Salinity Laboratory, Riverside, CA, USA
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Markland SM, Bais H, Kniel KE. Human Norovirus and Its Surrogates Induce Plant Immune Response in Arabidopsis thaliana and Lactuca sativa. Foodborne Pathog Dis 2017; 14:432-439. [PMID: 28504573 DOI: 10.1089/fpd.2016.2216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Human norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness worldwide with the majority of outbreaks linked to fresh produce and leafy greens. It is essential that we thoroughly understand the type of relationship and interactions that take place between plants and human norovirus to better utilize control strategies to reduce transmission of norovirus in the field onto plants harvested for human consumption. In this study the expression of gene markers for the salicylic acid (SA) and jasmonic acid (JA) plant defense pathways was measured and compared in romaine lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and Arabidopsis thaliana Col-0 plants that were inoculated with Murine Norovirus-1, Tulane Virus, human norovirus GII.4, or Hank's Balanced Salt Solution (control). Genes involving both the SA and JA pathways were expressed in both romaine lettuce and A. thaliana for all three viruses, as well as controls. Studies, including gene expression of SA- and JA-deficient A. thaliana mutant lines, suggest that the JA pathway is more likely involved in the plant immune response to human norovirus. This research provides the first pieces of information regarding how foodborne viruses interact with plants in the preharvest environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Markland
- 1 Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Delaware , Newark, Delaware
| | - Harsh Bais
- 2 Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Delaware , Newark, Delaware
| | - Kalmia E Kniel
- 1 Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Delaware , Newark, Delaware
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29
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Weller DL, Kovac J, Roof S, Kent DJ, Tokman JI, Kowalcyk B, Oryang D, Ivanek R, Aceituno A, Sroka C, Wiedmann M. Survival of Escherichia coli on Lettuce under Field Conditions Encountered in the Northeastern United States. J Food Prot 2017; 80:1214-1221. [PMID: 28632416 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-16-419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Although wildlife intrusion and untreated manure have been associated with microbial contamination of produce, relatively few studies have examined the survival of Escherichia coli on produce under field conditions following contamination (e.g., via splash from wildlife feces). This experimental study was performed to estimate the die-off rate of E. coli on preharvest lettuce following contamination with a fecal slurry. During August 2015, field-grown lettuce was inoculated via pipette with a fecal slurry that was spiked with a three-strain cocktail of rifampin-resistant nonpathogenic E. coli. Ten lettuce heads were harvested at each of 13 time points following inoculation (0, 2.5, 5, and 24 h after inoculation and every 24 h thereafter until day 10). The most probable number (MPN) of E. coli on each lettuce head was determined, and die-off rates were estimated. The relationship between sample time and the log MPN of E. coli per head was modeled using a segmented linear model. This model had a breakpoint at 106 h (95% confidence interval = 69, 142 h) after inoculation, with a daily decrease of 0.70 and 0.19 log MPN for 0 to 106 h and 106 to 240 h following inoculation, respectively. These findings are consistent with die-off rates obtained in similar studies that assessed E. coli survival on produce following irrigation. Overall, these findings provide die-off rates for E. coli on lettuce that can be used in future quantitative risk assessments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Weller
- 1 Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | - Jasna Kovac
- 1 Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | - Sherry Roof
- 1 Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | - David J Kent
- 1 Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | - Jeffrey I Tokman
- 1 Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | - Barbara Kowalcyk
- 2 RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | - David Oryang
- 3 U.S. Food and Drug Administration, College Park, Maryland 20740
| | - Renata Ivanek
- 4 Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
| | - Anna Aceituno
- 2 RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | - Christopher Sroka
- 5 Department of Economics, Applied Statistics, and International Business, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003, USA
| | - Martin Wiedmann
- 1 Department of Food Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
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30
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Henao-Herreño LX, López-Tamayo AM, Ramos-Bonilla JP, Haas CN, Husserl J. Risk of Illness with Salmonella due to Consumption of Raw Unwashed Vegetables Irrigated with Water from the Bogotá River. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2017; 37:733-743. [PMID: 27348408 DOI: 10.1111/risa.12656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2015] [Revised: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The Bogotá River receives untreated wastewater from the city of Bogotá and many other towns. Downstream from Bogotá, water from the river is used for irrigation of crops. Concentrations of indicator organisms in the river are high, which is consistent with fecal contamination. To investigate the probability of illness due to exposure to enteric pathogens from the river, specifically Salmonella, we took water samples from the Bogotá River at six sampling locations in an area where untreated water from the river is used for irrigation of lettuce, broccoli, and cabbage. Salmonella concentrations were quantified by direct isolation and qPCR. Concentrations differed, depending on the quantification technique used, ranging between 107.7 and 109.9 number of copies of gene invA per L and 105.3 and 108.4 CFU/L, for qPCR and direct isolation, respectively. A quantitative microbial risk assessment model that estimates the daily risk of illness with Salmonella resulting from consuming raw unwashed vegetables irrigated with water from the Bogotá River was constructed using the Salmonella concentration data. The daily probability of illness from eating raw unwashed vegetables ranged between 0.62 and 0.85, 0.64 and 0.86, and 0.64 and 0.85 based on concentrations estimated by qPCR (0.47-0.85, 0.47-0.86, and 0.41-0.85 based on concentrations estimated by direct isolation) for lettuce, cabbage, and broccoli, respectively, which are all above the commonly propounded benchmark of 10-4 per year. Results obtained in this study highlight the necessity for appropriate wastewater treatment in the region, and emphasize the importance of postharvest practices, such as washing, disinfecting, and cooking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura X Henao-Herreño
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Ana M López-Tamayo
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan P Ramos-Bonilla
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Charles N Haas
- Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Johana Husserl
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia
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31
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Water reconditioning and reuse in the food processing industry: Current situation and challenges. Trends Food Sci Technol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2016.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Njage PMK, Buys EM. Quantitative assessment of human exposure to extended spectrum and AmpC β-lactamases bearing E. coli in lettuce attributable to irrigation water and subsequent horizontal gene transfer. Int J Food Microbiol 2017; 240:141-151. [PMID: 27789039 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2016.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The contribution of the fresh produce production environment to human exposure with bacteria bearing extended spectrum β-lactamases and AmpC β-lactamases (ESBL/AmpC) has not been reported. High prevalence of ESBLs/AmpC bearing E. coli as well as a high gene transfer efficiency of lettuce and irrigation water E. coli isolates was previously reported. This stochastic modeling was aimed at quantitatively assessing human exposure to ESBL/AmpC bearing E. coli through lettuce attributable to irrigation water and subsequent horizontal gene transfer. Modular process risk approach was used for the quantitative exposure assessment and models were constructed in Ms. Excel spreadsheet with farm to consumption chain accounted for by primary production, processing, retail and consumer storage. Probability distributions were utilised to take into account the variability of the exposure estimates. Exposure resulting from ESBL/AmpC positive E. coli and gene transfer was taken into account. Monte Carlo simulation was carried out using @Risk software followed by sensitivity and scenario analysis to assess most effective single or combinations of mitigation strategies for the ESBL/AmpC positive E. coli events from farm to fork. Three percent of South African lettuce consumers are exposed to lettuce contaminated with about 106.4±106.7 (95% CI: 105.1-107) cfu of ESBL/AmpC positive E. coli per serving. The contribution of originally positive isolates and conjugative genetic transfer was 106±106.7 (95% CI: 105-107) and 105.2±105.6 (95% CI: 103.9-105.8) cfu per serving respectively. Proportion of ESBL/AmpC positive E. coli (Spearman's correlation coefficient (ρ)=0.85), conjugative gene transfer (ρ=0.05-0.14), washing in chlorine water (ρ=0.18), further rinsing (ρ=0.15), and prevalence of E. coli in irrigation water (ρ=0.16) had highest influence on consumer exposure. The most effective single methods in reducing consumer exposure were reduction in irrigation water microbial quality variation (87.4% reduction), storage period (49.9-87.4% reduction) and growth rate reduction by 75% (90% reduction). Reduction in growth rate together with storage time (92.1-99.4%) and reduction in storage time combined with E. coli concentration in irrigation water (95-96% reduction) were most effective combinations of mitigation measures. The high variation in exposure reflected the high irrigation water quality variation. The exposure levels may impose higher consumer risk than acceptable for irrigation water risk. E. coli contamination and growth related measures, as well as measures to reduce contamination with antimicrobial resistant E. coli from lettuce production environment are recommended. This exposure model could form a basis for the development of similar models assessing the impact of contaminated irrigation water and gene transfer in other microbial hazards, antimicrobial resistance types and fresh produce types.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M K Njage
- Department of Food Science, University of Pretoria, Lynwood Road, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Institute for Food, Nutrition and Well-being, University of Pretoria, South Africa; Division for Epidemiology and Microbial Genomics, National Food Institute, Technical University of Denmark, Søltofts Plads, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.
| | - E M Buys
- Department of Food Science, University of Pretoria, Lynwood Road, Pretoria 0002, South Africa; Institute for Food, Nutrition and Well-being, University of Pretoria, South Africa.
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Nguyen-The C, Bardin M, Berard A, Berge O, Brillard J, Broussolle V, Carlin F, Renault P, Tchamitchian M, Morris CE. Agrifood systems and the microbial safety of fresh produce: Trade-offs in the wake of increased sustainability. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 562:751-759. [PMID: 27110986 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2016.03.241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Fresh produce has been a growing cause of food borne outbreaks world-wide prompting the need for safer production practices. Yet fresh produce agrifood systems are diverse and under constraints for more sustainability. We analyze how measures taken to guarantee safety interact with other objectives for sustainability, in light of the diversity of fresh produce agrifood systems. The review is based on the publications at the interface between fresh produce safety and sustainability, with sustainability defined by low environmental impacts, food and nutrition security and healthy life. The paths for more sustainable fresh produce are diverse. They include an increased use of ecosystem services to e.g. favor predators of pests, or to reduce impact of floods, to reduce soil erosion, or to purify run-off waters. In contrast, they also include production systems isolated from the environment. From a socio-economical view, sustainability may imply maintaining small tenures with a higher risk of pathogen contamination. We analyzed the consequences for produce safety by focusing on risks of contamination by water, soil, environment and live stocks. Climate change may increase the constraints and recent knowledge on interactions between produce and human pathogens may bring new solutions. Existing technologies may suffice to resolve some conflicts between ensuring safety of fresh produce and moving towards more sustainability. However, socio-economic constraints of some agri-food systems may prevent their implementation. In addition, current strategies to preserve produce safety are not adapted to systems relying on ecological principles and knowledge is lacking to develop the new risk management approaches that would be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Nguyen-The
- UMR408 SQPOV «Sécurité et Qualité des Produits d'Origine Végétale», INRA, Avignon Université, 84000 Avignon, France.
| | - Marc Bardin
- INRA, UR0407 Plant Pathology, F-84143 Montfavet, France.
| | | | - Odile Berge
- INRA, UR0407 Plant Pathology, F-84143 Montfavet, France.
| | - Julien Brillard
- UMR408 SQPOV «Sécurité et Qualité des Produits d'Origine Végétale», INRA, Avignon Université, 84000 Avignon, France.
| | - Véronique Broussolle
- UMR408 SQPOV «Sécurité et Qualité des Produits d'Origine Végétale», INRA, Avignon Université, 84000 Avignon, France.
| | - Frédéric Carlin
- UMR408 SQPOV «Sécurité et Qualité des Produits d'Origine Végétale», INRA, Avignon Université, 84000 Avignon, France.
| | | | | | - Cindy E Morris
- INRA, UR0407 Plant Pathology, F-84143 Montfavet, France.
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Li D, De Keuckelaere A, Uyttendaele M. Fate of Foodborne Viruses in the "Farm to Fork" Chain of Fresh Produce. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2015; 14:755-770. [PMID: 32313514 PMCID: PMC7162173 DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Norovirus (NoV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) are the most important foodborne viruses. Fresh produce has been identified as an important vehicle for their transmission. In order to supply a basis to identify possible prevention and control strategies, this review intends to demonstrate the fate of foodborne viruses in the farm to fork chain of fresh produce, which include the introduction routes (contamination sources), the viral survival abilities at different stages, and the reactions of foodborne viruses towards the treatments used in food processing of fresh produce. In general, the preharvest contamination comes mainly from soli fertilizer or irrigation water, while the harvest and postharvest contaminations come mainly from food handlers, which can be both symptomatic and asymptomatic. Foodborne viruses show high stabilities in all the stages of fresh produce production and processing. Low-temperature storage and other currently used preservation techniques, as well as washing by water have shown limited added value for reducing the virus load on fresh produce. Chemical sanitizers, although with limitations, are strongly recommended to be applied in the wash water in order to minimize cross-contamination. Alternatively, radiation strategies have shown promising inactivating effects on foodborne viruses. For high-pressure processing and thermal treatment, efforts have to be made on setting up treatment parameters to induce sufficient viral inactivation within a food matrix and to protect the sensory and nutritional qualities of fresh produce to the largest extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Li
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering Ghent Univ Coupure Links 653 B-9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Ann De Keuckelaere
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering Ghent Univ Coupure Links 653 B-9000 Ghent Belgium
| | - Mieke Uyttendaele
- Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering Ghent Univ Coupure Links 653 B-9000 Ghent Belgium
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35
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Généreux M, Breton MJ, Fairbrother JM, Fravalo P, Côté C. Persistence of Indicator and Pathogenic Microorganisms in Broccoli following Manure Spreading and Irrigation with Fecally Contaminated Water: Field Experiment. J Food Prot 2015; 78:1776-84. [PMID: 26408125 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-15-081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In 2011 and 2012, trials consisting of experimental plots were carried out to evaluate the presence of pathogenic (Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella) and prevalence of indicator (Escherichia coli) microorganisms in broccoli fertilized with liquid hog manure or mineral fertilizers and irrigated zero, one, or two times with E. coli-contaminated water. In 2011, results showed that E. coli contamination in broccoli heads was affected by the interval between irrigation and sampling (P = 0.0236), with a significant decrease between the first and third day following irrigation (P = 0.0064). In 2012, irrigation frequency significantly increased E. coli prevalence in broccoli samples (P = 0.0499). In 2012, E. coli counts in the soil were significantly influenced by the type of fertilizer applied, as plots receiving liquid hog manure showed higher bacterial counts (P = 0.0006). L. monocytogenes was recovered in one broccoli sample, but geno-serogrouping differentiated the isolate from those recovered in manure and irrigation water. The L. monocytogenes serogroup IIA, pulsotype 188 strain was found in six soil samples and in irrigation water applied 5 days before soil sampling. This study highlights the link between E. coli levels in irrigation water, irrigation frequency, and interval between irrigation and harvest on produce contamination. It also demonstrates that L. monocytogenes introduced into the soil following irrigation can persist for up to 5 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mylène Généreux
- Research and Development Institute for the Agri-Environment (IRDA), 335 Vingt-Cinq East Road, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Québec, Canada J3V 0G7.
| | - Marie Jo Breton
- Research and Development Institute for the Agri-Environment (IRDA), 335 Vingt-Cinq East Road, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Québec, Canada J3V 0G7
| | - John Morris Fairbrother
- OIE Reference Laboratory for Escherichia coli (EcL), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, 3200 Sicotte Street, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada J2S 2M2
| | - Philippe Fravalo
- NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Meat Safety, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, 3200 Sicotte Street, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada J2S 2M2
| | - Caroline Côté
- Research and Development Institute for the Agri-Environment (IRDA), 335 Vingt-Cinq East Road, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville, Québec, Canada J3V 0G7
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Irrigation Water Quality for Leafy Crops: A Perspective of Risks and Potential Solutions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2015; 12:7457-77. [PMID: 26151764 PMCID: PMC4515668 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph120707457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence of the contribution of irrigation water in the contamination of produce leading to subsequent outbreaks of foodborne illness. This is a particular risk in the production of leafy vegetables that will be eaten raw without cooking. Retailers selling leafy vegetables are increasingly targeting zero-risk production systems and the associated requirements for irrigation water quality have become more stringent in regulations and quality assurance schemes (QAS) followed by growers. Growers can identify water sources that are contaminated with potential pathogens through a monitoring regime and only use water free of pathogens, but the low prevalence of pathogens makes the use of faecal indicators, particularly E. coli, a more practical approach. Where growers have to utilise water sources of moderate quality, they can reduce the risk of contamination of the edible portion of the crop (i.e., the leaves) by treating irrigation water before use through physical or chemical disinfection systems, or avoid contact between the leaves and irrigation water through the use of drip or furrow irrigation, or the use of hydroponic growing systems. This study gives an overview of the main problems in the production of leafy vegetables associated with irrigation water, including microbial risk and difficulties in water monitoring, compliance with evolving regulations and quality standards, and summarises the current alternatives available for growers to reduce microbial risks.
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De Keuckelaere A, Jacxsens L, Amoah P, Medema G, McClure P, Jaykus LA, Uyttendaele M. Zero Risk Does Not Exist: Lessons Learned from Microbial Risk Assessment Related to Use of Water and Safety of Fresh Produce. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ann De Keuckelaere
- Dept. of Food Safety & Food Quality; Faculty of Bio-Science Engineering; Ghent Univ; Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Jacxsens
- Dept. of Food Safety & Food Quality; Faculty of Bio-Science Engineering; Ghent Univ; Belgium
| | - Philip Amoah
- Intl. Water Management Inst. (IWMI); Accra Ghana
| | - Gertjan Medema
- Water Quality & Health, KWR Watercycle Research Inst. and Water Management, Faculty of Civil Engineering & Geosciences; Delft Univ. of Technology; the Netherlands
| | | | | | - Mieke Uyttendaele
- Dept. of Food Safety & Food Quality; Faculty of Bio-Science Engineering; Ghent Univ; Belgium
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38
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Bartz S, Hessel CT, Rodrigues RDQ, Possamai A, Perini FO, Jacxsens L, Uyttendaele M, Bender RJ, Tondo EC. Insights in agricultural practices and management systems linked to microbiological contamination of lettuce in conventional production systems in Southern Brazil. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF FOOD CONTAMINATION 2015. [DOI: 10.1186/s40550-015-0011-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Three conventional lettuce farms were evaluated in Southern Brazil using a standardized self-assessment questionnaire with 69 indicators and a microbiological sampling plan in order to assess the status of current agricultural practices and management systems. The use of both tools aimed to identify the foremost contamination sources and control measures during the crop production. A total of 128 samples were taken (manure, soil, water, workers’ hands and equipment, lettuce seedlings and lettuce heads) in four visits during the growth cycle of lettuces. Samples were analysed for hygiene indicators (E. coli) and presence of pathogens (Salmonella spp. and E. coli O157).
Results
Microbiological results indicated that E. coli counts were very low in all analysed samples and no pathogens were detected. These results could be explained partially because all farms had toilets near to the fields, they did not raise animals near the crops, fields were located in areas where flooding was not possible, they used organic fertilizers adequately composted, and irrigation water demonstrated good microbiological quality. The microbial results for manure and soil indicated that the composting time was of utmost importance to maintain minimal contamination levels for the duration of the cultivation period, as long as the quality of irrigation water was very important to prevent further contamination of the crop. On the other hand, the self-assessment questionnaire identified a moderate to high risk level concerning microbiological contamination in all evaluated farms, because they had no formal good agricultural practices implemented, technical support, water control, inspections, food safety registers or sampling plan for microbiological or chemical analyses.
Conclusion
These different results are important in order to provide information about the actual status of contamination (microbial sampling plan) and possible food safety problems in the future based on the results given by the questionnaire. Furthermore, the results of this study also highlighted the necessity to provide more safety during the fresh produce cultivation, being formal good agricultural practices implementation an important start to the fresh produce farms in Brazil, as well as to adopt a higher level of control activities in order to achieve lower risk levels.
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Kokkinos P, Bouwknegt M, Verhaelen K, Willems K, Moloney R, de Roda Husman A, D'Agostino M, Cook N, Vantarakis A. Virological fit-for-purpose risk assessment in a leafy green production enterprise. Food Control 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2014.11.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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40
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Uyttendaele M, Jaykus LA, Amoah P, Chiodini A, Cunliffe D, Jacxsens L, Holvoet K, Korsten L, Lau M, McClure P, Medema G, Sampers I, Rao Jasti P. Microbial Hazards in Irrigation Water: Standards, Norms, and Testing to Manage Use of Water in Fresh Produce Primary Production. Compr Rev Food Sci Food Saf 2015. [DOI: 10.1111/1541-4337.12133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 173] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lee-Ann Jaykus
- Dept. of Food, Bioprocessing and Nutrition Sciences; North Carolina State Univ; U.S.A
| | | | - Alessandro Chiodini
- ILSI Europe, Intl. Life Sciences Inst; European Branch; 83 Ave. E. Mounier, B6, B-1200 Brussels Belgium
| | - David Cunliffe
- Dept. of Health; Public Health; P.O. Box 6, Rundle Mall 5000 South Australia
| | | | - Kevin Holvoet
- Dept. Food Safety & Food Quality; Ghent Univ; Ghent Belgium
| | - Lise Korsten
- Dept. of Plant and Crop Sciences; Univ. of Pretoria; 0002 Pretoria South Africa
| | - Mathew Lau
- School of Chemical & Life Sciences; Nanyang Polytechnic; Singapore
| | - Peter McClure
- Mondelez Intl., Bayerwaldstrasse 8; 81737 München; Germany
| | - Gertjan Medema
- KWR, Watercycle Research Inst; Delft Univ. of Technology; Postbus 1072 3430 BB Nieuwegein The Netherlands
| | - Imca Sampers
- Dept. of Industrial Biological Sciences; Ghent Univ. Campus Kortrijk; Kortrijk Belgium
| | - Pratima Rao Jasti
- ILSI Europe, Intl. Life Sciences Inst; European Branch; 83 Ave. E. Mounier, B6, B-1200 Brussels Belgium
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41
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Gelting RJ, Baloch MA, Zarate-Bermudez M, Hajmeer MN, Yee JC, Brown T, Yee BJ. A systems analysis of irrigation water quality in an environmental assessment of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in the United States linked to iceberg lettuce. AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT 2015; 150:11-118. [PMID: 35923433 PMCID: PMC9345567 DOI: 10.1016/j.agwat.2014.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
A foodborne Escherichia coli O157:H7 outbreak in December 2006 included 77 illnesses reported in Iowa and Minnesota. Epidemiologic investigations by health departments in those states and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identified shredded iceberg lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) as the vehicle of transmission. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Minnesota and California public health agencies traced the lettuce to several growing regions in California based on information from a lettuce processor in Minnesota. Samples from an environmental investigation initiated by the California Food Emergency Response Team (CalFERT) revealed a genetic match between the outbreak strain and environmental samples from a single farm, leading to an in-depth systems-based analysis of the irrigation water system on that farm. This paper presents findings from that systems-based analysis, which assessed conditions on the farm potentially contributing to contamination of the lettuce. The farm had three sources of irrigation water: groundwater from onsite wells, surface water delivered by a water management agency and effluent from wastewater lagoons on nearby dairy farms. Wastewater effluent was blended with the other sources and used only to irrigate animal feed crops. However, water management on the farm, including control of wastewater blending, appeared to create potential for cross-contamination. Pressure gradients and lack of backflow measures in the irrigation system might have created conditions for cross-contamination of water used to irrigate lettuce. The irrigation network on the farm had evolved over time to meet various needs, without an overall analysis of how that evolution potentially created vulnerabilities to contamination of irrigation water. The type of systems analysis described here is one method for helping to ensure that such vulnerabilities are identified and addressed. A preventive, risk-based management approach, such as the Water Safety Plan process for drinking water, may also be useful in managing irrigation water quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J. Gelting
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Center for Global Health, Health Systems Reconstruction Team, 4770 Buford Highway, MS F-57, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Mansoor A. Baloch
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Environmental Health, Environmental Health Services Branch, 4770 Buford Highway, MS F-58, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Max Zarate-Bermudez
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Environmental Health, Environmental Health Services Branch, 4770 Buford Highway, MS F-58, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA
| | - Maha N. Hajmeer
- California Department of Public Health, Food and Drug Branch, 1500 Capitol Ave, MS 7602, Sacramento, CA 95899-7435, USA
| | - J. Christopher Yee
- Food and Drug Administration, Pacific Region, 1301 Clay St., Suite 1180N, Oakland, CA, 94612, USA
| | - Teresa Brown
- Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, 1412 Circle Drive, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA
| | - Benson J. Yee
- California Department of Public Health, Food and Drug Branch, 1500 Capitol Ave, MS 7602, Sacramento, CA 95899-7435, USA
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Sales-Ortells H, Fernandez-Cassi X, Timoneda N, Dürig W, Girones R, Medema G. Health risks derived from consumption of lettuces irrigated with tertiary effluent containing norovirus. Food Res Int 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodres.2014.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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43
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Gerba CP. Risk Assessment. Environ Microbiol 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394626-3.00024-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Garcia BCB, Dimasupil MAZ, Vital PG, Widmer KW, Rivera WL. Fecal contamination in irrigation water and microbial quality of vegetable primary production in urban farms of Metro Manila, Philippines. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART. B, PESTICIDES, FOOD CONTAMINANTS, AND AGRICULTURAL WASTES 2015; 50:734-743. [PMID: 26273758 DOI: 10.1080/03601234.2015.1048107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Microbial contamination of fresh produce can present a severe risk to public health. By conducting a rigorous survey of irrigation waters, the impacts of fecal contamination on the quality of produce could be assessed. In this study, surface waters were observed to be contaminated with Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., and somatic coliphages. Culture methods show that out of 373 irrigation water, soil, and vegetable samples collected for a 1-year period, 232 (62.20%) were found positive for E. coli, 213 (57.26%) for somatic coliphages, and 2 (0.53%) for Salmonella spp. Out of 190 water samples, 167 (87.9%) were found to have E.coli, 174 (91.6%) have somatic coliphages, and 1 (0.5%) with Salmonella spp. In soil samples, 36 of 91 (39.6%) have E. coli, 31 (34.0%) have somatic coliphages, and none with Salmonella spp. Lastly, out of 92 vegetable samples, 29 (31.5%), 8 (8.7%), and 1 (1.1%) were found to have E. coli, somatic coliphages, and Salmonella spp., respectively. Molecular analysis confirmed the presence of bacterial contaminants. Seasonal weather conditions were noted to have an effect on the presence and number of these fecal indicator organisms. The observed data suggest that contaminated irrigation water may greatly affect the quality of fresh produce from these agricultural operations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bea Clarise B Garcia
- a Natural Sciences Research Institute, University of the Philippines , Diliman , Quezon City , Philippines
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45
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Généreux M, Grenier M, Côté C. Persistence of Escherichia coli following irrigation of strawberry grown under four production systems: Field experiment. Food Control 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.foodcont.2014.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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46
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Gil MI, Selma MV, Suslow T, Jacxsens L, Uyttendaele M, Allende A. Pre- and Postharvest Preventive Measures and Intervention Strategies to Control Microbial Food Safety Hazards of Fresh Leafy Vegetables. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2014; 55:453-68. [DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2012.657808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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47
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48
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Mok HF, Hamilton AJ. Exposure factors for wastewater-irrigated Asian vegetables and a probabilistic rotavirus disease burden model for their consumption. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2014; 34:602-13. [PMID: 24576153 PMCID: PMC3984355 DOI: 10.1111/risa.12178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Many farmers in water-scarce regions of developing countries use wastewater to irrigate vegetables and other agricultural crops, a practice that may expand with climate change. There are a number of health risks associated with wastewater irrigation for human food crops, particularly with surface irrigation techniques common in the developing world. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends using quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) to determine if the irrigation scheme meets health standards. However, only a few vegetables have been studied for wastewater risk and little information is known about the disease burden of wastewater-irrigated vegetable consumption in China. To bridge this knowledge gap, an experiment was conducted to determine volume of water left on Asian vegetables and lettuce after irrigation. One hundred samples each of Chinese chard (Brassica rapa var. chinensis), Chinese broccoli (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra), Chinese flowering cabbage (Brassica rapa var. parachinensis), and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) were harvested after overhead sprinkler irrigation. Chinese broccoli and flowering cabbage were found to capture the most water and lettuce the least. QMRAs were then constructed to estimate rotavirus disease burden from consumption of wastewater-irrigated Asian vegetables in Beijing. Results indicate that estimated risks from these reuse scenarios exceed WHO guideline thresholds for acceptable disease burden for wastewater use, signifying that reduction of pathogen concentration or stricter risk management is necessary for safe reuse. Considering the widespread practice of wastewater irrigation for food production, particularly in developing countries, incorporation of water retention factors in QMRAs can reduce uncertainty regarding health risks for consumers worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi-Fei Mok
- Department of Agriculture and Food Systems, Melbourne School of Land and Environment, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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49
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Pielaat A, van Leusden FM, Wijnands LM. Microbiological risk from minimally processed packaged salads in the Dutch food chain. J Food Prot 2014; 77:395-403. [PMID: 24674430 DOI: 10.4315/0362-028x.jfp-13-136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the microbial hazard associated with the consumption of mixed salads produced under standard conditions. The presence of Salmonella, Campylobacter spp., and Escherichia coli O157 in the Dutch production chain of mixed salads was determined. Microbial prevalence and concentration data from a microbiological surveillance study were used as inputs for the quantitative microbial risk assessment. Chain logistics, production figures, and consumption patterns were combined with the survey data for the risk assessment chain approach. The results of the sample analysis were used to track events from contamination through human illness. Wide 95% confidence intervals around the mean were found for estimated annual numbers of illnesses resulting from the consumption of mixed salads contaminated with Salmonella Typhimurium DT104 (0 to 10,300 cases), Campylobacter spp. (0 to 92,000 cases), or E. coli (0 to 800 cases). The main sources of uncertainty are the lack of decontamination data (i.e., produce washing during processing) and an appropriate dose-response relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annemarie Pielaat
- Centre for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands.
| | - Frans M van Leusden
- Centre for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Lucas M Wijnands
- Centre for Zoonoses and Environmental Microbiology, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
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Lim KY, Jiang SC. Reevaluation of health risk benchmark for sustainable water practice through risk analysis of rooftop-harvested rainwater. WATER RESEARCH 2013; 47:7273-86. [PMID: 24238739 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2013.09.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2013] [Revised: 09/12/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Health risk concerns associated with household use of rooftop-harvested rainwater (HRW) constitute one of the main impediments to exploit the benefits of rainwater harvesting in the United States. However, the benchmark based on the U.S. EPA acceptable annual infection risk level of ≤1 case per 10,000 persons per year (≤10(-4) pppy) developed to aid drinking water regulations may be unnecessarily stringent for sustainable water practice. In this study, we challenge the current risk benchmark by quantifying the potential microbial risk associated with consumption of HRW-irrigated home produce and comparing it against the current risk benchmark. Microbial pathogen data for HRW and exposure rates reported in literature are applied to assess the potential microbial risk posed to household consumers of their homegrown produce. A Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) model based on worst-case scenario (e.g. overhead irrigation, no pathogen inactivation) is applied to three crops that are most popular among home gardeners (lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes) and commonly consumed raw. The infection risks of household consumers attributed to consumption of these home produce vary with the type of produce. The lettuce presents the highest risk, which is followed by tomato and cucumber, respectively. Results show that the 95th percentile values of infection risk per intake event of home produce are one to three orders of magnitude (10(-7) to 10(-5)) lower than U.S. EPA risk benchmark (≤10(-4) pppy). However, annual infection risks under the same scenario (multiple intake events in a year) are very likely to exceed the risk benchmark by one order of magnitude in some cases. Estimated 95th percentile values of the annual risk are in the 10(-4) to 10(-3) pppy range, which are still lower than the 10(-3) to 10(-1) pppy risk range of reclaimed water irrigated produce estimated in comparable studies. We further discuss the desirability of HRW for irrigating home produce based on the relative risk of HRW to reclaimed wastewater for irrigation of food crops. The appropriateness of the ≤10(-4) pppy risk benchmark for assessing safety level of HRW-irrigated fresh produce is questioned by considering the assumptions made for the QMRA model. Consequently, the need of an updated approach to assess appropriateness of sustainable water practice for making guidelines and policies is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keah-Ying Lim
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697-2175, USA
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