In order to address the growing concern about pathogen contamination of fresh produce, Campden BRI is holding a seminar on 20th March 2014.
“Microbiology of produce - hazards, risks and controls - will highlight and explain the current issues associated with microbiological hazards in fresh produce, discuss some of the latest research being conducted,” said event co-director Suzanne Jordan, “and offer potential solutions. Legislative developments and how they might affect the sector will also be discussed.”
Consumption of fresh produce is encouraged as an important part of a healthy diet, notes Campden BRI. However, in recent years, increases in the number of cases of pathogen contamination of salad vegetables, such as lettuce, spinach, watercress, herbs, spices and bean sprouts, indicate the existence of a food safety problem of growing economic importance. The key pathogens that have been isolated from fresh produce include Salmonella, pathogenic E.coli and Listeria monocytogenes. Ironically, therefore, the preference for fresh and minimally processed foods may be contributing to increases in foodborne illnesses., the company says.
Safe disposal of manures from large-scale animal production facilities is a growing food safety problem in much of the world, with manures frequently containing pathogens, which could lead to contamination, Campden BRI continues. Effective management of microbiological hazards is key to avoiding further issues in the food chain. In addition, intensive animal husbandry techniques could lead to the emergence of new zoonotic diseases.
