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<OL> <LI> Identify the most effective bacteriophages only or in combination with MAP against L. monocytogenes, Salmonella, and E. coli under laboratory conditions<LI>Determine the effectiveness of the most potent bacteriophage cocktail-MAP combination for controlling target pathogens in fresh produce<LI>Conduct a shelf-life study to determine the storage stability and safety of bacteriophage-treated fresh produce<LI>Analyze the cost/benefits of bacteriophage treatment alone or in combination with MAP.
NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY: Current methods for disinfecting fresh produce of potentially harmful pathogens have not been effective. This project will test the effectiveness of pathogen-specific bacteriophages as biocontrol agents to disinfect fresh produce. <P>
APPROACH: The phage cocktail, LMP-102 against L. monocytogenes, ECP-100 against E. coli O157:H7, and Salmonella-specific phages will be used in this study. Leafy fresh produce, namely green leaf lettuce, collard green, kale, and spinach, will be used to test the effectiveness of bacteriophage or bacteriophage cocktail treatments. The green vegetables will be placed in sterile 15x19 cm2 bags with an oxygen transmission rate of 0.0645 m2/24 h atm at 22C and 0% relative humidity. The vegetables will be sprayed with appropriate concentration of bacterial suspension. Then, the most effective phage treatments will be applied. The bacteriophage treated and control samples will be packaged under the most effective MAP. The samples will then be stored at 4C for 15 days.At the beginning and during the course of study, the changes in the concentrations of O2 and CO2 will be monitored. Target pathogens will be enumerated on appropriate media. Colony counts will be determined and the data will be expressed as CFU per sample. All experiments will include 5 replicates and be repeated twice. Benefit-cost analysis will be applied to value the bacteriophage treatment technology only or in combination with MAP. Data on actual cost from illness, hospitalization, loss of wages, and death as a result of morbidity will be collected from NIH/CDC. The sum of these numbers will serve as benefits in the formed health care cost saved. The cost side will include the estimated extra amount consumers are willing to pay to avert the perceived risk and the net benefit is discounted over the life-time of the technology.