Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 156

al contaminants (9, 14, 22, 43, 53). Moreover, other segments
of the food chain are required to have spill kits (e.g., processing,
retail, and foodservice), so it is important that similar
requirements be addressed across the entire food chain.
The U-pick customers did not have access to toilets (n
= 2) and HWS (n = 1) on some farms, so customers could
choose to defecate or urinate in the field, possibly directly
contaminating strawberries (30) or increasing pathogen
spread by unclean hands because they do not have access
to HWS (31, 34, 66). Not surprisingly, farm workers were
reported to increase handwash frequency if HWS and tools
needed to wash hands were readily available (52, 56, 62).
These latter study findings could, with caution, also be
applied to U-pick customers.
On some farms, workers were also provided additional
apparel, such as gloves (n = 13) and face masks (n = 10),
with the latter presumably due to the COVID-19 pandemic,
though additional clarifying information was not collected
during the on-farm assessments. Properly constructed and
used gloves can act as a barrier between hands and produce
(46) but are currently not required by the PSR (75).
Potentially high-risk water sources, such as groundwater
and surface water, without subsequent treatment or testing,
were also observed. Compromised groundwater systems
(2, 6, 8, 24, 25, 35, 37, 63) and contaminated irrigation waters
(27, 28, 32) are well-documented sources of pathogen contamination
(28). To determine if water sources are contaminated,
one needs to routinely test agricultural waters, and if
problems are detected, the water needs to be subsequently
treated. The estimated average annual water testing and treatment
costs for a small-scale produce grower are estimated to
be US$206 and US$1,189, respectively (5). However, some
growers might choose not to test or treat their water because
of this cost. Lack of knowledge about water quality could
also lead to the use of high-risk water sources. For example, a
study of 246 growers in Minnesota showed that many (66%)
agreed that the source of irrigation waters was not a source of
foodborne pathogens (36). In another study, only 14% of 31
produce growers were concerned about irrigation water quality
on fresh produce safety (51). Pivarnik et al. (57) reported
that well water is generally considered by over half (56%)
of 301 growers to be the safest source for irrigation. Chen et
al. (15) reported handling of agricultural water (i.e., water
application, sampling, testing) was one of the least understood
food safety topics by growers. These studies illustrate the need
for further training about agricultural water source risks, safe
application, testing, and treatment, as grower knowledge and
perceptions about it as a source of contamination is somewhat
limited and highly variable within the produce grower population.
Notably, all growers in our study used drip irrigation
systems for strawberry production, minimizing contamination
of strawberries even though some used high-risk water sources
for other applications, such as frost protection, pesticide application,
fertigation, and handwashing.
156 Food Protection Trends March/April
Production fields and water sources on some farms were
not located at a safe distance from potential contamination
sources (e.g., animal enclosures and BSAAO storages). Due
to the proximity, pathogens from these sources can be spread
during runoff, such as during heavy rainfall and snow melt,
possibly contaminating strawberry production fields, as well
as agricultural water sources (13, 27, 73). Growers need to
be able to identify potential contamination sources on the
farm environment that can influence the contamination of
strawberry fields or water sources by human pathogens.
Most farms in our study had animal preventive measures
present (e.g., fences, decoys, noise deterrents), which
was similar to findings from other studies, including one
specific to strawberry growers in the SE United States (5,
41, 78). However, animal intrusion, such as animal feces and
trampling in production fields, was reported on some farms,
possibly due to the use of ineffective preventive measures.
Strawberries can become contaminated by various animals
(e.g., aerial animals, burrowing animals, terrestrial animals),
their feces, as well as through intermediate vectors (e.g.,
insects and vermin) (19, 21, 26, 40, 44). To effectively use
animal preventive measures, it is necessary to first identify
what types of animals enter the farm, so the grower can use
an appropriate measure for the animal type. For example,
fences are effective against terrestrial animals, such as
deer, but ineffective against aerial and burrowing animals
(51). Animals might also access production fields when
preventive measures, such as fences, are not maintained
or when livestock or pets are allowed in production areas.
For example, 51.8% of 226 produce growers indicated that
livestock and pets had access to production fields (34). Also,
a study of 160 fresh produce growers showed that 25% did
not identify wild and/or domestic animals walking through
farms as a source of contamination (61), indicating that
animals were allowed in the production area.
Nearly half of the farms did not have food safety signage,
most likely because it is not required by the PSR (75).
Growers may assume customers are aware of applicable
on-farm food safety practices (20). Pivarnik et al. (57)
reported 91% of 301 produce growers stated U-pick
customers should be aware of hygienic practices, such as
handwashing, prior to picking. Posting food safety signage
is an inexpensive method to communicate with customers.
In fact, one study reported many growers were interested in
posters to reinforce RMP (17).
Regarding postharvest practices, some farms did not have
the PA needed to properly implement RMP (Table 4). This
could be possibly due to the lack of awareness among growers
about RMP related to postharvest practices. For example, less
than 50% of 210 vegetable growers surveyed strongly agreed
that storage containers, transportation equipment, processing
equipment, and postharvest wash water could be potential
contamination sources (38). A survey study conducted
with small fresh produce growers (>1 to 2 acres; 4,047 to

Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023

Perceptions of Risk, Control, and Responsibility Regarding Food Safety among Consumers in Lebanon
Fresh Produce Harvesting Equipment – A Review of Cleaning and Sanitizing Practices and Related Science
Assessing Physical Attributes Associated with Implementation of Risk Management Practices among Small Strawberry Farms
Evaluating Misinformation on YouTube about Washing Produce Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Minimally Processed Vegetables: Consumer Profile, Consumption Habits, and Perceptions of Microbiological Risk
Beyond the Bio
PDG Highlight
Industry Products
Letter to the Editor
Coming Events
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - Cover1
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - Cover2
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 105
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 106
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 107
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 108
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 109
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 110
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 111
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - Perceptions of Risk, Control, and Responsibility Regarding Food Safety among Consumers in Lebanon
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 113
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 114
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 115
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 116
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 117
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 118
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 119
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 120
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 121
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 122
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 123
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 124
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 125
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - Fresh Produce Harvesting Equipment – A Review of Cleaning and Sanitizing Practices and Related Science
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 127
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 128
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 129
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 130
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 131
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 132
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 133
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 134
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 135
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 136
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 137
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 138
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 139
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 140
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 141
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 142
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 143
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - Assessing Physical Attributes Associated with Implementation of Risk Management Practices among Small Strawberry Farms
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 145
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 146
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 147
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 148
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 149
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 150
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 151
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 152
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 153
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 154
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 155
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 156
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 157
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 158
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 159
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 160
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - Evaluating Misinformation on YouTube about Washing Produce Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 162
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 163
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 164
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 165
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 166
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - Minimally Processed Vegetables: Consumer Profile, Consumption Habits, and Perceptions of Microbiological Risk
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 168
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 169
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 170
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 171
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 172
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 173
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 174
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 175
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 176
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 177
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 178
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 179
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - Beyond the Bio
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 181
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 182
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - PDG Highlight
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 184
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 185
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 186
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 187
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - Industry Products
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 189
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 190
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 191
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 192
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - Letter to the Editor
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 194
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 195
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 196
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 197
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 198
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - 199
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - Coming Events
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - Cover3
Food Protection Trends - March/April 2023 - Cover4
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