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<OL> <LI> Develop more effective means for decontaminating organic and conventionally grown
fresh and minimally processed fruits and vegetables including sprout seed containing
human pathogens to ensure food safety and security by assessing the efficacy of new
and/or improved intervention technologies. <LI>Determine effectiveness of treatment
combinations (multiple hurdle approach).<LI> Assess factors that might limit treatment
efficacy. <LI>Transfer effective decontamination technology to the produce industry in
order to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
Approach: A variety of chemical, physical and biological intervention technologies will be
evaluated. Physical and chemical treatments include the use of hot water
pasteurization, ultrasound, gaseous chlorine dioxide, cold plasma, hydrogen peroxide
vapor, and ionizing radiation alone or in combination. Conduct studies on the use of
single or multiple isolates of antagonistic bacteria for inhibiting the outgrowth of
bacterial human pathogens on sprouting seed and on sprouts postharvest. Determine the
mode of action of effective antagonists. Scale up studies of effective interventions
from laboratory scale to pilot plant scale. Investigate changes in composition and
structure of indigenous microbial communities in relation to shelf life and hygienic
quality of produce while in storage. Study the formation of biofilms by pathogens
alone or in combination with native microflora on the surface of selected produce.
Evaluate the effects of the various interventions on sensory and nutritional quality
attributes, yield, physiology, and shelf-life to ensure acceptable quality of treated
foods.