Irrigation water and contamination of fresh produce with bacterial foodborne pathogens

Abstract

Numerous scientific articles have been published in recent years regarding irrigation water contamination of fresh produce that has led to industry recalls and foodborne illness outbreaks. Current research addresses these issues associated with irrigation water, treatments for inactivation of pathogens in irrigation water, pathogen and fecal indicator testing of irrigation waters, as well as subsurface irrigation and other means of mitigating the risk of fresh-produce contamination by irrigation water. The presesnt work highlights some of the most recent, multidisciplinary research around irrigation water and risk of bacterial pathogen contamination of produce and the various approaches to mitigate these risks. Proposed changes to the Microbial Water Quality Profile requirement outlined in the Food Safety Modernization Act , Produce Safety Rule, is also discussed. • Pathogen inactivation in irrigation water by various means is discussed. • Subsurface irrigation appears to mitigate contamination of fresh produce. • Association of pathogens in irrigation water with bacterial families is described. • Annual water samples taken may be reduced without sacrificing statistical robustness. • Agricultural water testing guidelines have evolved with proposed changes.