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MATPROG-Matprogrammet: Norsk mat fra sjø og land

Irrigation water as a potential source of foodborne pathogens in vegetables consumed raw with special focus on lettuce

Tildelt: kr 1,7 mill.

This project aims to evaluate the extent to which water is a potential source of foodborne pathogens on Norwegian vegetables, particularly lettuce, that are eaten raw. The goal is to suggest practical means to reduce the risk. This is because water is use d in all steps in the production of lettuce, from irrigation to washing of the ready-to-eat product, and its contribution to the total microbial load is only partly investigated. In Norway, the irrigation water is usually surface derived with a variable b acteriological quality. The aim of WP1 is to investigate the influence of water on the bacteriological quality of lettuce from the field to the table. This will be achieved by studying in detail the irrigation water, including the contribution of biofilm from the pipes, and lettuce after irrigation. It is also vital to study the survival of faecal indicators on lettuce grown under natural conditions. During the survival trial, the effect of simple pre-filters and UV-treatment of the irrigation water will also be tested. The results from WP1 together with data from the literature will be included in the construction of a probabilistic quantitative model for contamination of lettuce with the pathogens carried by the irrigation water. The model constructed i n WP2 may be used to estimate the effect of preventive measures that are suggested in WP3. WP3 will also include assessment of water source protection, irrigation treatment and disinfection during washing of pre-cut lettuce, and also practical testing of different potential disinfectants. The expected outcomes of this project are that the producers, industry and authorities are provided with guidelines for irrigation water, that potential preventive measures are evaluated both in a quantitative model and also in practice. The results from this project will also contribute internationally to increased knowledge about the contamination routes of vegetables.

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MATPROG-Matprogrammet: Norsk mat fra sjø og land