DEVELOPING SCIENTIFICALLY-BASED CONSENSUS FOOD SAFETY METRICS FOR LEAFY GREENS AND TOMATOES
Agricultural Issues
Wesley Kline
COUNTY AGENT II
MILLVILLE
Abstract
Food safety will continue to be one of the biggest concerns for produce growers in the future. Growers ask what factors are the most critical to evaluate when they do their risk assessments. In an effort to address these concerns, the University of Maryland is heading up a Specialty Crops Research Initiative to assess the relationship between microbial contamination in water and produce. The research and extension personnel are evaluating how frequently surface water needs testing since there are no frequency standards in the United States. Northeast growers (2011) questioned the need/size for buffers around flooded fields, which our research group will try to answer. Factors related to manure: Animal encroachment, airborne pathogen transport and the potential pathogen spread in a production field are especially important for small growers who have wildlife presence. This project will try to assess the importance of the animal manure interaction as it relates to possible leafy green and tomato pathogen contamination. Temperature control from harvest to packing, storage and transportation can influence produce quality and pathogen growth. Temperatures are being monitored to determine where improvements can be made in post-harvest handling methods. Extensions role in this project is to develop an effective multi-directional communications with growers, extension professionals, trade organizations, government agencies, food marketing companies and consumers. This is being done through personal interviews, in-depth listening sessions and regional meetings. Results from the research will be disseminated through a website, trade associations, extension publications and grower meetings.
Authors: Kline, W L.. , Buchanan, R.L., Everts, K.L.
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Kline, W L.. County Agent Il and Associate Professor, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey, 08332
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Buchanan, R.L. Professor, University of Maryland,
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Everts, K.L. Professor and Extension Plant Pathologist, University of Maryland, Maryland, 21801