FECAL CONTAMINATION OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES DURING CULTIVATION AND PROCESSING FOR MARKET. A REVIEW1

TLDR

Contamination of produce during cultivation and marketing has been documented, prompting discussion of multiple microbiological safeguards to protect public health. The study examined bacteriological data from irrigation water, crops, and soils to assess sources and magnitude of fecal contamination in fruit and vegetable production and marketing. Researchers collected and analyzed bacteriological samples from irrigation water, field crops, and soils across various field studies. Fecal coliform density proved a superior indicator of waterborne pathogens, with densities above 1,000 per 100 ml correlating with nearly universal Salmonella presence, supporting a 1,000‑coliform limit coupled with sanitation practices.

Abstract

Bacteriological data collected from various field studies involving irrigation water, field crops, and soils were studied with respect to sources and magnitude of fecal contamination associated with cultivation, harvesting, and marketing of fruits and vegetables. Other reports concerned with contamination during agricultural activities were reviewed. Fecal coliform densities proved to be a better measurement of the probable occurrence of waterborne pathogens than any single test for a specific pathogenic group. When the fecal coliform density per 100 ml was above 1,000 organisms in various stream waters, Salmonella occurrence reached almost 100 per cent frequency. These data support the establishment of the proposed limit of 1,000 fecal coliforms per 100 ml of irrigation water, but approved sanitation practices must accompany (or supplement) use of this bacteriological standard. A concept of multiple safeguards to limit the public health hazard associated with poor quality irrigration water, irrigation farming practices, and market preparation of produce is discussed from the microbiological viewpoint.