Microbial Contamination in Sprouts: How Effective Is Seed Disinfection Treatment?

摘要: Microbial contamination of sprouts by Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157 : H7 has been a common cause foodborne diseases continuing challenge to the sprout industry. Seed disinfection treatment recommended as major intervention step in multihurdle approach reduce risk illness associated with contaminated sprouts. U.S. Food Drug Administration cited 20000 ppm calcium hypochlorite an example its recommendation for seed this considered reference standard over decade. However, promising new treatments have emerged recent years. In study, we summarized published data compared efficacies different methods reduction microbial on seeds. Our findings suggest that while biological interventions such competitive exclusion certain chemical appear be similar disinfection, physical especially high pressure may more effective than regardless type bacteria or seed. The combination 2 treatments, sequentially simultaneously, further improve results. Since levels disinfectants, hypochlorite, can pose environmental worker safety risks, alternative approaches should considered. Additional studies confirm greater efficacy combined identify other management strategies are needed safety.