Microbial Contamination Research Articles

Microbial Contamination and Food Safety Aspects of Cassava Roasted Flour (“Rale”) in Mozambique

Cassava is an important staple food that contributes to the food security of small-scale Mozambican farmers. In southern Mozambique, cassava roots are usually processed into cassava roasted flour, locally known as “rale”. The handling and processing practices connected to “rale” production may introduce microbial contamination. We assessed the microbial contamination of “rale” processed in local farmers’ associations and consumed either locally or sold in rural markets. Microbial sampling was carried out both during the warmer rainy and cooler dry seasons, and microorganisms of relevance for food safety and fermentation were enumerated. The results revealed variation in terms of microbial diversity in all stages of cassava root processing. In samples collected in the warmer rainy season, molds, lactic acid bacteria, general aerobic bacteria and Bacillus spp. were isolated, whereas in samples collected in the cooler dry season, other groups of microorganisms such as yeasts and Staphylococcus aureus were present. Wickerhamomyces anomalus, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, Pichia exigua, Meyerozyma caribbica and Torulaspora delbrueckii were the most frequent yeast species found within the cassava processing stages. Aflatoxin-producing molds were observed infrequently in this study, and only at low counts, thus, the risk for aflatoxin contamination appears to be low. The results obtained from the Illumina 16S rRNA gene sequencing can be considered a complementary technique to the plating methods relied on in this study. From a food quality and safety point of view, this staple food does not appear to pose a high risk for foodborne disease.

Active Polylactide-poly(ethylene glycol) Films Loaded with Olive Leaf Extract for Food Packaging—Antibacterial Activity, Surface, Thermal and Mechanical Evaluation

As the demand for sustainable and innovative solutions in food packaging continues to grow, this study endeavors to introduce a comprehensive exploration of novel active materials. Specifically, we focus on characterizing polylactide-poly(ethylene glycol) (PLA/PEG) films filled with olive leaf extract (OLE; Olea europaea) obtained via solvent evaporation. Examined properties include surface structure, thermal degradation and mechanical attributes, as well as antibacterial activity. The results indicated a significant impact of the incorporation of OLE into this polymeric matrix, increasing hydrophobicity, decreasing surface free energy, and enhancing surface roughness, albeit with slight reductions in mechanical properties. Notably, these modified materials exhibited significant bacteriostatic, bactericidal and anti-adhesive activity against both Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Consequently, PLA/PEG/OLE films demonstrated considerable potential for advanced food packaging, facilitating interactions between products and their environment. This capability ensures the preservation and extension of food shelf life, safeguards against microbial contamination, and maintains the overall quality, safety, and integrity of the packaged food. These findings suggest potential pathways for developing more sustainable and effective food packaging films.

Evaluating the feasibility, sensitivity, and specificity of next-generation molecular methods for pleural infection diagnosis.

Pleural infections are common and associated with substantial healthcare costs, morbidity, and mortality. Accurate diagnosis remains challenging due to low culture positivity rates, frequent polymicrobial involvement, and non-specific diagnostic biomarkers. Here, we undertook a prospective study examining the feasibility and performance of molecular methods for diagnosing suspected pleural infection. We prospectively characterized 26 consecutive clinically suspected pleural infections, and 10 consecutive patients with suspected non-infective pleural effusions, using shotgun metagenomics, bacterial metataxonomics, quantitative PCR, and conventional culture. Molecular methods exhibited excellent diagnostic performance, with each method identifying 54% (14 out of 26) positive cases among the pleural infection cohort, versus 38% (10 out of 26) with culture. Metagenomics and bacterial metataxonomics unveiled complex polymicrobial infections that were not captured by culture. Dominant microbes included streptococci (Streptococcus intermedius, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Streptococcus mitis), Prevotella spp. (Prevotella oris and Prevotella pleuritidis), staphylococci (S. aureus and S. saprophyticus), and Klebsiella pneumoniae. However, we encountered challenges that complicated pleural infection interpretation, including: (i) uncertainties regarding microbial pathogenicity and the impact of prior antibiotic therapy on diagnostic performance; (ii) lack of a clinical diagnostic gold-standard for molecular performance comparisons; (iii) potential microbial contamination during specimen collection or processing; and (iv) difficulties distinguishing background microbial noise from true microbial signal in low-biomass specimens. This pilot study demonstrates the potential utility and value of molecular methods in diagnosing pleural infection and highlights key concepts and challenges that should be addressed when designing larger prospective trials.IMPORTANCEConfident pleural infection diagnosis is often challenging due to low culture positivity rates, frequent polymicrobial involvement, and non-specific diagnostic biomarkers. Limitations of conventional diagnostic tests result in prolonged and inappropriately broad-spectrum antimicrobial use, encouraging antimicrobial resistance and leading to avoidable adverse effects. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility, utility, and challenges associated with the use of culture-independent molecular techniques for accurate pleural infection diagnosis in a real-world clinical setting. These data will help to inform the design of larger prospective clinical trials and identify potential obstacles to be overcome before next-generation sequencing technologies can be integrated into routine clinical practice.

Storage Stability and Probiotic Viability of Foxtail Millet Probiotic Powder Enriched with High Protein and Fiber

Aims: The study aimed to evaluate the storage stability of foxtail millet probiotic powder enriched with high protein and dietary fiber under two storage conditions: room temperature (27 ± 1°C) and refrigeration temperature (7 ± 1°C). Study Design: This was an experimental, laboratory-based study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Department of Dairy Microbiology, Dairy Science College, Hebbal, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, between January 2024 and October 2024. Methodology: Foxtail millet probiotic powder enriched with high protein and dietary fiber was stored in polypropylene sachets under two storage conditions: room temperature and refrigeration temperature. Samples were systematically drawn at 7-day intervals and analyzed for key quality parameters, including probiotic viability, microbial contaminants, water activity, moisture content, alcoholic acidity, and pH. Statistical analyses were performed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), with a 5% significance level. A critical difference (CD) value was employed to determine the statistical significance of observed variations between treatments over the storage period. Results: The storage stability of the optimized foxtail millet probiotic dry mix was assessed at both room temperature (27 ± 1°C) and refrigeration (7 ± 1°C) until spoilage or decline in probiotic viability below the threshold value. Probiotic viability declined significantly under both conditions, with a reduction from 11.04 log₁₀ CFU/g to 8.88 log₁₀ CFU/g at room temperature and 8.81 log₁₀ CFU/g under refrigeration. Water activity and moisture content increased over time, reflecting the hygroscopic nature of the mix, while alcoholic acidity rose significantly in both storage conditions. Despite these changes, the mix maintained probiotic viability above the therapeutic threshold (9 log₁₀ CFU/g) for 84 days at room temperature and 105 days under refrigeration, demonstrating its potential as a stable functional food product. Conclusion: The storage study of foxtail millet probiotic powder demonstrated its stability under both refrigeration and ambient conditions, with probiotic viability exceeding the 1 billion CFU/g threshold for up to 105 days and 84 days, respectively. Significant changes in water activity, moisture content, alcoholic acidity, and pH were observed, highlighting the product’s dynamic response to storage conditions.These results support the feasibility of developing shelf-stable, high-protein, high-fiber probiotic millet powders for the health-conscious market.

Employee personal hygiene, visible cleanliness and microbial contamination of beverages at coffee outlets in Busan: a pilot study

PurposeThe study objective was to investigate the microbial status of the coffee, ice and cups used in coffee outlets. This study compared food safety practices and microbial status between franchised and single-unit outlets.Design/methodology/approachThe study subjects included franchised and single-unit coffee outlets. This study adopted two different methods: self-answered checklists and microbial laboratory tests. We compared the two datasets by operation type (franchised vs single-unit). We analysed the data using independent t-test and chi-square tests.FindingsFranchised outlets were more likely to apply food safety practices than single-unit outlets; however, microbial testing showed that franchised outlets had a worse microbial status than single-unit outlets. A restaurant sanitation certificate did not influence microbial status. In addition, an analysis of food safety practice checklist items and microbial status showed that the checklist items did not impact food safety.Originality/valueThese study results suggest that regular employee training programmes are needed for food safety and sanitation. Current inspection items should be revised and new items added for target operations (outlets that make and serve beverages). The current restaurant certification system should be revised, and certified food service outlets should be inspected regularly.

Microplastic Materials for Inhalation Studies: Preparation by Solvent Precipitation and Comprehensive Characterization.

Assessing the inhalation hazard of microplastics is important but necessitates sufficient quantity of microplastics that are representative and respirable (<4µm). Common plastics are not typically manufactured in such small sizes. Here, solvent precipitation is used to produce respirable test materials from thermoplastics polyurethane (TPU), polyamide (PA-6), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE). Complementary methods verified that the desired size range is achieved both in number metrics and in mass metrics. To assess if the test materials are representative of their original plastic, a range of molecular properties, particle properties, and impurities are characterized: chemical composition, molecular weight, crystallinity, molecular mobility, density, surface charge, surface reactivity, particle size in mass and number metrics, particle shape, endotoxin content, and solvent content. The test materials obtained by precipitation are compared to commercial granules as references, and to alternative test materials obtained by other synthesis routes from LDPE, TPU, PET, PA-6, polystyrene (PS), and polyvinylchloride (PVC). Charge and surface reactivity of the precipitated test materials are low. Due to storage in water, microbial contamination needed to be monitored. For PET, PA-6, and TPU, the test materials are considered as representative and fit for purpose, whereas the inherent hydrophobicity of LDPE imposed strong aggregation.

Microbial Contamination and Food Safety (Volume I)

Food safety is a global concern driven by the constant need to find innovative solutions to mitigate contamination risks by pathogenic microorganisms [...]

Reusable Tourniquets as Potential Transmitters of Infection: A Microbiological Analysis

Introduction: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose a significant global challenge, resulting in prolonged hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, and increased morbidity and mortality rates. Reusable medical equipment, such as tourniquets, represents a potential vector for infection transmission. Despite frequent use and close contact with patients’ skin, infection control protocols often overlook these devices. This study examines microbial contamination on the surface of reusable tourniquets in both emergency department and operating theatre settings. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and September 2024 in Gdansk, Poland. Samples from tourniquets used in the emergency department and the operating theatre were collected after an indefinite period, 14 days, and 28 days. Bacterial contamination on the surfaces of the tourniquets was measured using Columbia agar blood medium and expressed as colony-forming units (CFUs) per cm2. Results: Significant bacterial loads were detected on reusable tourniquets, with contamination levels varying by location and duration of use. The average number of CFU/cm2 across all stages of this study was 545 CFU/cm2 for the emergency department and 101 CFU/cm2 for the operating theatre. Tourniquets used in the emergency department exhibited higher bacterial counts compared to those from the operating theatre, which showed a greater diversity of bacterial species. These findings underscore the need to revise infection control protocols for reusable tourniquets. Conclusion: This study provides critical data that may influence future policy changes aimed at reducing the risk of HAIs through the improved management of reusable medical devices.

Microbial Control in the Processing of Low-Temperature Meat Products: Non-Thermal Sterilization and Natural Antimicrobials

The safety and health of food have been persistent concerns, particularly about meat products. Low-temperature meat products refer to those that are processed at lower temperatures. Meat, rich in proteins and other nutrients, is highly susceptible to microbial contamination, leading to spoilage, particularly when processed at lower temperatures that increase storage and transportation requirements. In response to the limitations of conventional preservation methods, such as heat treatment and chemical bacteriostats, emerging preservation technologies are increasingly being adopted. These technologies aim to mitigate the negative effects of microorganisms on meat products. Non-thermal technologies and biotechnological approaches, which are low in energy consumption and energy efficiency, are becoming more prevalent. Non-thermal sterilization technology is widely applied in various food products. It maintains the original quality of food, enhances food safety, reduces energy consumption, and improves production efficiency. Biocides are extensively used in the antibacterial field owing to their high efficiency, low toxicity, and long-lasting properties. Both non-thermal sterilization technology and biocides can ensure food safety, extend the shelf life of food products, improve food quality, meet consumers’ demand for natural and healthy food, enhance market competitiveness, and play a positive role in promoting the sustainable development of the food industry. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the specific applications of biocides and non-thermal sterilization methods in food, highlighting the control parameters and their effects on microbes during low-temperature meat processing, to supply pertinent researchers with theoretical references.

Hygiene Practices and Microbial Contamination of Liquid Gapal Sold in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

Aims: Liquid gapal is a fermented food prepared mainly from millet paste and milk, and is increasingly consumed in Burkina Faso's major cities. This study aims to contribute to knowledge of the microbiological quality of liquid gapal marketed in Ouagadougou. Methodology: To achieve this objective, we surveyed eleven (11) gapal producers located in ten (10) different districts of the city. Thirty-three (33) samples of liquid gapal randomly collected at a rate of three (3) samples per producer were then analyzed using standard microbiological analyzes methods. Results: The results showed that some producers had poor control over good hygiene and production practices. The use of public mills to grind millet and lack of backup power systems that can contribute to promote microbial contamination. Microbiological analyzes showed that the level of microbiological contamination varied from one gapal producer to another. Microbial loads varied from 4.9 to 8.1log10 CFU/mL for total aerobic mesophilic microorganisms, 4.3 to 5.7 log10 CFU/mL for yeasts and moulds, 4.6 to 8.8 log10 CFU/mL for lactic acid bacteria, 1.4 to 4.6 log10 CFU/mL for enterobacteria, 0.8 to 4.6 log10 CFU/mL for thermotolerant coliforms, ˂1.0 UFC/mL to 3.7 log10 CFU/mL for Staphylococcus aureus and 0.6 to 3.0 log10 CFU/mL for Bacillus cereus. Conclusion: These results underline the need to strengthen the capacities of these gapal producers in order to improve the quality of the products they marketed.

EXPERIMENTAL SEARCH AN UNDERLYING BASIS OF PRINCIPLES FOR MICROBIOLOGICAL QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF PRESERVATIVE SOLUTIONS

Introduction. Microbiological control of preservative solutions and assessment of the state of anatomical preparations are topical issues, the solution of which requires adaptation of methods for quantitative determination of the level of microbial contamination to the special conditions of equilibrium systems containing biological preparations. The aim of the study is screening, experimental testing and adaptation of microbiological methods for quantitative assessment of the level of microbial contamination for monitoring the microbiological purity of preservative solutions using the Melnikov–Razvedenkov solution as an example. Material and methods. The object of the study was the Melnikov–Razvedenkov preservative solution modified by the Scientific Research Center for Biomedical Technologies of the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants. The study used methods for quantitative assessment of the level of microbial contamination on agar nutrient media. Results. As a result of screening, experimental testing and comparative analysis of methods for quantitative assessment of the level of microbial contamination, the most promising methodological approaches were identified and adapted for microbiological monitoring of modified Melnikov-Razvedenkov solution. Conclusions. The microbiological study of the modified Melnikov-Razvedenkov preservative solution showed the feasibility of using the membrane vacuum filtration method with membrane filters made of a mixture of cellulose acetate and nitrate with a nominal pore diameter of 0.45 μm. For sterilization of the test solution, the use of a vacuum filtration through membrane filters with a nominal pore diameter of 0.22 μm is promising.

To Determine the Microbial Recovery from Different Surfaces Using a Standard Contact Plate Sampling Method

The most appropriate sampling method to be utilised by 55 mm diameter tryptone soya agar (with neutralisers) contact plates to recover naturally occurring surface microbial contamination from hard surfaces has previously been determined. This sampling method was used to investigate the recovery from different surfaces, typical of those that are routinely sampled in a cleanroom. These were a polyester garment, stainless steel, cleanroom latex gloves, workstation barrier EDPM gauntlets and cleanroom goggles copolyester lens. The surfaces had been contaminated with microbe-carrying particles (MCPs) dispersed from people following exposure within heavily populated environments, and is more representative of the contamination that is found within cleanrooms. It was determined that the polyester garment, latex gloves and EPDM barrier gauntlet all had a recovery efficiency of around 70% and the copolyester lens goggles and stainless steel tray had a higher recovery of efficiency of around 80%.

Silicene-Based Quantum Dots Nanocomposite Coated Functional UV Protected Textiles With Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties: A Versatile Solution for Healthcare and Everyday Protection.

The predominant adverse health effects in care delivery result from hospital-acquired (nosocomial) infections, which impose a substantial financial burden on global healthcare systems. Integrating contact-killing antibacterial action, gas permeability, and antioxidant properties into textile coatings offers a transformative solution, significantly enhancing both medical and everyday protective applications. This study presents an innovative, pollution-free physical compounding method for creating a fluorescent biopolymer composite embedded with silicene-based heteroatom-doped carbon quantum dots for the production of functional textiles. The resulting coated fabric shows superior ultraviolet (UV) protection behavior (UVA and UVB), thermal stability, breathability, mechanical strength, and antioxidant capabilities as demonstrated by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl(DPPH) experiment (>78%) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) ABTS assay (>90%). Rigorous testing against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria confirms that the coated fabric has excellent antibacterial activity. Results from time-dependent antibacterial assays indicate that the nanocomposite can markedly inhibit bacterial proliferation within a few hours. Molecular dynamics modeling, in conjunction with experimental investigations, is employed to elucidate the intermolecular interactions influencing the components of the treated cotton fabrics. The ongoing research can result in the creation of cost-effective smart textile substrates aimed at inhibiting microbial contamination in healthcare and medical applications, possibly rendering them commercially viable.

Microbial Contamination of Nebulizers in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis.

Objective: Nebulizer contamination has potential harmful effects on the respiratory system. The aim was to investigate the contamination profile of the nebulizers in cystic fibrosis patients and evaluate the relationship between hygiene practices and microbial contamination. Materials and Methods: Microbiological swab samples were taken from 3 different locations of the nebulizers of 102 patients. A questionnaire regarding nebulizer hygiene practices was applied to participants. Results: Contamination rate was 40.2%, while chambers were the most contaminated area. The bacterial contamination rate was 37.3%, with gram-negative bacterial growth being predominant. The organisms identified were mostly environmental or floral. Only 3 of the patients were performing the whole steps correctly. This number was not sufficient to assess the relationship between nebulizer cleaning and disinfection practices and microbial growth from nebulizers. When the relationship between nebulizer cleaning/disinfection frequencies, methods, and storage locations was evaluated separately with microbial growth from nebulizers, no statistically significant relationship was found for all (P > .05 for all). Conclusion: The nebulizer contamination rate with pathogenic microorganisms is low in the present study. Regular educational interventions regarding nebulizer hygiene practices should be implemented in all Cystic Fibrosis Centers.

Treated wastewater reuse and its impact on soil properties and potato and corn growth.

Water scarcity is a growing challenge in semi-arid regions. Many farmers have resorted to treated wastewater (TWW) as an available and low-cost water source. This study investigated the impact of irrigating potato (Solanum Tuberosum) and corn (Zea mays) with tertiary-treated (TW) and secondary-treated (SW) wastewater compared to freshwater, over two years. We studied the impact of TWW reuse on soil properties, soil microbes, crop yield, and potato tuber health. Irrigation of both corn and potato with TW significantly increased organic matter (OM) content; on average across both years and crops OM increased by about 35% under SW and 42% under TW. TWW irrigation also increased cation exchange capacity (CEC) by the second year under SW and TW in potato (average 67%), and by the second year under TW in corn (average 13%). TWW also enhanced soil fertility with no heavy metals contamination. However, potato field irrigated with SW showed high levels of total and thermotolerant coliforms in soil, exceeding predefined thresholds, in the second season. No microbial contamination was recorded in TW-irrigated fields, however, it raised salinity concerns compared to control with 935mg Na /kg in TW soil compared to 465mg/kg in control soil during the first season in potato soil. Significant increases in potato tillers, number of tubers (average 6 tubers/plant in TW vs 3 tubers/plant in the control), and tuber weight were recorded in season two under TW irrigation. Both SW and TW increased corn biomass during both seasons. In conclusion, TW is a sustainable alternative water source that enhances crop yields and improves soil quality. This study highlighted the critical role of TWW management and monitoring to address challenges such as salinity and microbial contamination. Further research is required to optimize TWW long-term reuse sustainable agriculture, balancing crop benefits while safeguarding human health.

Unveiling the flavor and quality variations in dried Zanthoxylum bungeanum maxim from China's diverse regions

Dried Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim (DZM) is one of the popular categories in spices and condiments market. The flavor and quality of DZM products determine its value and application scope. This study evaluated the flavor and quality of DZMs from various origins, considering physical, chemical, and safety attributes. Notable variations were observed, with DZMs from Maoxian and Jinyang excelling in aroma, pungency, and appearance. Chromatic analysis distinguished green and red DZMs from Meishan and Hancheng. HPLC results revealed high pungency compound levels in Maoxian and Wudu samples, while GC–MS identified 173 volatile compounds, dominated by linalool and d-limonene. Microbial contamination was minimal in DZMs from Hanyuan and Jiangjin, and the lowest heavy metal levels were in samples from Hanyuan, Hancheng, and Jingyang, indicating superior environmental conditions. The research offered insights into origin and processing influences on DZM, aiding in selection and food safety assurance.

Antibacterial mechanism of vitamin K3-mediated photodynamic inactivation against Pseudomonas fluorescens and its influences on blunt bream (Megalobrama amblycephala) quality

Photodynamic inactivation (PDI) has emerged as a novel non-thermal process technology for inactivating microorganisms due to its low cost, safety, and efficiency. This study aimed to investigate the antimicrobial effect of VK3-mediated PDI against Pseudomonas fluorescens (P. fluorescens) and to assess its impact on the quality of the blunt bream contaminated with P. fluorescens. The inhibition efficiency and photosensitization mechanism were investigated under different VK3 concentrations and UV-A light time conditions. The results showed that PDI could significantly inactivate P. fluorescens >7.0 log10 cfu/ml with 1 mM VK3 and 45 min of UV-A irradiation. Type I and type II photoresponses could co-occur in VK3-mediated PDI by quantitatively analyzing the photoresponse product ROS (OH, H2O2, 1O2). It was observed by SEM and TEM that the combined treatment of VK3 and UV-A disrupted the cellular integrity of P. fluorescens, leading to leakage of cell contents. Meanwhile, it degraded intracellular proteins and destroys genomic DNA, ultimately leading to bacterial death. In addition, the PDI system slowed down P. fluorescens’ proliferation during the blunt bream storage at 4 °C. The PDI system effectively killed 59 % of P. fluorescens on the blunt bream fillets under 1.5 mM VK3 and 60 min of UV-A irradiation. The VK3-mediated PDI delayed pH change and TVB-N production, inhibited protein degradation and fat oxidation, and ultimately maintained the quality of fish fillets. This study provides a promising PDI system for controlling food microbial contamination and maintaining the storage quality of aquatic products.

Assessment of Multi-dose Lidocaine Vials use for Microbial Contamination in Ophthalmic Regional Anesthesia in Ocular Surgeries

Assessment of Multi-dose Lidocaine Vials use for Microbial Contamination in Ophthalmic Regional Anesthesia in Ocular Surgeries

Emerging trends in nano-sensors: A new frontier in food safety and quality assurance.

The rapid evolution of nanotechnology has catalyzed significant advancements in the design and application of nano-sensors, particularly within the food industry, where ensuring safety and quality is of paramount concern. This review explores the multifaceted role of nano-sensors constructed from diverse nanomaterials in detecting foodborne pathogens and toxins, offering a comprehensive analysis of their operational principles, sensitivity, and specificity. Nano-sensors leverage unique physical and chemical properties at the nanoscale to enhance the detection of microbial contamination, actively contributing to food safety protocols. With applications ranging from real-time monitoring of pathogenic bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella, to assessing environmental factors affecting food quality, these innovative devices demonstrate unparalleled advantages over conventional detection methods. Recent research illustrates the integration of nano-sensors with biosensing techniques, enabling multiplex analysis and rapid detection. Furthermore, the review addresses current challenges in the commercialization and regulatory landscape of nano-sensor technology, emphasizing the need for ongoing research to optimize their performance and facilitate widespread adoption in food safety systems. Overall, the incorporation of nano-sensors represents a transformative approach to safeguarding public health by proactively managing food safety risks and enhancing the efficiency of food quality assurance processes.

A Preliminary Pilot Farmers’ Market Survey of the Triple-Wash Method: A West Virginia Farmers’ Market Survey of Very Small Produce Growers' Knowledge of Microbial Contamination and Their Perception of the Triple-Wash Method

Fresh produce sold at local farmers’ markets (FMs) was identified as a source of microbial contamination. In this study, a survey was developed to analyze small and very small produce growers’ knowledge of food safety. The questionnaire also assessed producers’ familiarity and willingness to implement the triple wash method (TWM). Surveys were conducted at FMs in West Virginia. The survey included demographics, knowledge of microbial cross-contamination on produce, washing strategies, awareness of the TWM, and willingness to attend good agricultural practice/ Food Safety Modernization Act (GAPS/FSMA) and TWM training. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test (P &lt; 0.05) in R-software. A total of 82 vendors participated in the survey. The survey results revealed knowledge gaps about food safety among FM produce vendors. Additionally, 53.7% of FM vendors did not wash their produce due to increased spoilage (52.6%; P &lt; 0.05). Among participants who washed produce, only 28.2% were familiar with the TWM. Most respondents who washed produce (65.3%; P &lt; 0.05) stated they would be interested in attending GAP/FSMA and TWM training. The information obtained from this study will help tailor GAP/FSMA and TWM training provided by regional extension offices.