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<p>The major goals of this project are to: (a). Determine the presence of coliforms, E. coli (as an indicator of fecal contamination), and food borne pathogens ( E. coli O157:H, Salmonella and Listeria) in soil and water from small and mid-sized conventional and organic farms throughout the cycle (pre-growth, harvest and post- harvest). (b). Determine the antibiotic resistance profiles of potential pathogens and other Enterobacteriaceae members isolated from these samples. (c). Monitor the food safety aspects of the Aquaponics plant and fish crops grown with and without UV disinfection in the water recirculation system. (d). Determine the effects of electrolyzed water on microbial load, appearance, texture and nutritional composition of leafy green vegetables; Certain aspects of this objective are part of the currently ongoing project. </p>
<p>In recent years, the number of food-borne outbreaks associated with contaminated produce has increased substantially. Consequently, there is a need for a systematic study on how and at what stage/s of cultivation and distribution are potential sites for contamination and successful transmission of food-borne pathogens in fresh produce. While most produce related outbreaks are associated with conventionally grown commodities, given a wide range of organic production practices, and with more small farmers starting to organic production, there is a vulnerable segment of produce which demands microbial safety assessment. Animal and plant wastes are the major sources of fertility for organic production. These practices can result in higher risk of contamination by microbial pathogens on organic vegetables. Kentucky is the global capital of the equine industry, and its dairy industry is ranked 27th in the nation in milk production. Similarly, it has a strong and vibrant cattle industry, currently ranking 12th in the nation most of which are raised using conventional systems. Although not directly relevant with organic production system, there is a worldwide concern about the increased prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in microbial communities. The indiscriminate and widespread use of antimicrobial agents in food animal production systems is considered to be the main risk factor for increased resistance in pathogenic bacteria. In addition to these food production systems, aquaponics is another novel and sustainable food production system that relies on using wastes from the aquaculture processes to grow produce. In all the production systems however there are potential possibilities of microbial contamination. The goal of this multidisciplinary research project is to perform a comparative evaluation of coliforms, Escherichia Coli, E. Coli O157:H7, Salmonella and Listeria isolated from small Organic (dairy and produce) and Conventional (dairy and produce) farms in the Blue-Grass region of Kentucky, to profile their antibiotic resistance and evaluate the microbial safety of aquaponic method of production. Information generated from the research will help in offering Food Safety training to small and minority organic producers dealing with fresh produce, in the context of changing scenario of Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). In addition, a comprehensive evaluation and Hazard Analyses and Critical Control Points (HACCP) analysis of the microbial safety of the Aquaponic system of production will be performed. In addition, undergraduate and graduate minority students will be trained in advanced molecular biological approaches involved in Food Safety. This proposal addresses NIFA Priority Area of Food Safety. Research results will be used to create several educational modules focusing on FSMA and delivered through the collaborating Extension units resulting in producers learning to develop customized Food Safety Plans. </p>