Risks of pathogens in ready-to-eat fruit,
vegetables and salads throughout the
production process

A wide-ranging review of the occurrence of food-borne pathogens on fresh produce providing information on the micro-organisms themselves, routes of contamination, and sources of guidance on how to help manage the risks they pose

There has been a large increase in demand for and consumption of fresh prepared and minimally processed fruits, vegetables and salads. Industry has responded to consumer demand by creating a wide range of fresh and minimally processed products, incorporating raw fruits and vegetables that have been cut, trimmed, peeled and washed, for consumption raw without further preparation, washing or cooking. As with processed products, good manufacturing practice is essential in assuring the safety of these fresh prepared products, with particular attention being paid to potential routes of contamination and the risks associated with foodborne pathogens.

This review provides a wealth of background information on the risks of pathogens in ready-to-eat fruits, vegetables and salads throughout the production process. It looks at each of eight significant pathogens and their likely survival on produce before summarising surveys of pathogens on, and outbreaks associated with, fresh produce. Both of the latter sections are supported by extensive tables of data presented in the appendices. The core of the review then assesses the significance of the various potential routes of contamination, before listing sources of guidance on managing the risks and several hundred references that provide further information. The review will be of value to anyone working in the fresh produce sector with an interest in or responsibility for product safety assurance.

Contents:

• Introduction
• Micro-organisms associated with fresh produce
• Growth and survival of pathogens on fresh produce
• Surveys demonstrating presence of pathogens
• Outbreaks associated with fresh produce
• Sources of contamination
  - Seeds
  - In the field
  - Harvest and transport
  - Processing
• Guidelines
• Conclusions
• References
• Appendix 1 - Generalised harvest procedures
• Appendix 2 - Tables of growth and survival studies

Softcover - approx. 160 pages

Discounts available for multiple copies - please enquire