Abstract
Establishment of foodborne pathogens in agricultural production areas (orchards, fields) has been linked to produce-related outbreaks. The source of contaminants is often undetermined; however, agricultural water could serve as a conduit for the initial and continual contamination of produce. Of particular concern, is the potential persistence of foodborne pathogens in agricultural soils used for crops that come in contact with the ground (i.e., root crops, tree nuts).
Highlights
50% of food borne illness outbreaks in the U.S are linked to produce [1,2,3]
This contamination is of particular concern for crops that come into direct contact with soil prior to harvest
For the purposes of this study, we were interested in evaluating the persistence of generic E. coli in soils that had been irrigated with water of exceptionally poor microbial quality
Summary
50% of food borne illness outbreaks in the U.S are linked to produce [1,2,3]. The highest risk associated with poor quality water has been attributed to applications in which water comes in direct contact with the harvestable portion of the crop; this has been the focus during the continued evolution of water quality regulations [4,6]. While contact with water represents the most immediate concern for produce contamination, there is the potential for poor quality water to serve as a conduit for the long-term establishment of foodborne pathogens in agricultural fields and orchards. This contamination is of particular concern for crops that come into direct contact with soil prior to harvest (i.e., root crops, tree nuts). The 5-year persistence of an outbreak-associated Salmonella Enteritidis PT30 in an almond orchard has demonstrated this as a serious risk [7,8]
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