Author
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FETT, WILLIAM |
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Submitted to: Book Chapter
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 11/15/2004 Publication Date: 8/1/2005 Citation: Fett, W.F. 2005. Interventions to ensure the microbial safety of sprouts. In: Sapers, G.M., Gorny, J.R., Yousef, A.E., editors. Microbiology of Fruits and Vegetables. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. p. 187-209. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Consumption of contaminated raw alfalfa and other types of sprouts has been associated with numerous instances of food-borne outbreaks due to Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7. Since 1999, when the last comprehensive reviews on the microbiological safety of sprouts appeared, there is a large amount of published research both on antimicrobial interventions and pathogen detection methods related to the microbiological safety of sprouts. This review presents information concerning sprout-related outbreaks of food-borne illness and interventions that have been tested to date on sprouting seed and spouts. These interventions have involved chemical, physical and biological treatments used alone or in combination. The latest developments in pathogen detection from seeds, sprouts or spent irrigation water are discussed. Based on this large body of information means of reducing the risk of future outbreaks are put forth and future research needs are identified. Future research needs include the development of improved methods for sanitizing sprouting seed useful for both organic and conventional growers that are highly effective, low cost, easily implemented, safe, and environmentally benign. Also required is the development of new or improved rapid, low cost, highly sensitive and specific tests for detection of pathogens. |
