[compost_tea] Microbiological assay of ready-to-eat organic vegetables in UK

From: Steve Diver <steved_at_ncat.org>
Date: Sun, 21 Mar 2004 19:09:27 -0000

Letters in Applied Microbiology
Volume 33 Issue 6 Page 434 - December 2001
doi:10.1046/j.1472-765X.2001.01026.x

http://www.blackwell-synergy.com/servlet/useragent
?func=synergy&synergyAction=showAbstract&doi=10.10
46/j.1472-765X.2001.01026.x

The microbiological examination of ready-to-eat organic vegetables
from retail establishments in the United Kingdom

S.K. Sagoo, C.L. Little & R.T. Mitchell


Aims: A microbiological study of uncooked ready-to-eat organic
vegetables was undertaken to determine the microbiological quality of
these vegetables on retail sale in the UK.

Methods and Results: Organic vegetables were collected and examined
according to a standardized protocol. The majority (3185 of 3200;
99·5%) of samples were found to be of satisfactory/acceptable
quality whilst only 15 (0·5%) were of unsatisfactory quality.
Unsatisfactory results were due to Escherichia coli and Listeria spp.
(not L. monocytogenes) levels in excess of 102 cfu g [-] 1.

Conclusions: The absence of pathogens (L. monocytogenes, Salmonella,
Campylobacter and E. coli O157) and the low incidence (1·5%) of E.
coli and Listeria spp. associated with these organic vegetables
indicates that overall agricultural, hygiene, harvesting and
production practices were good.

Significance and Impact of the Study: There has been a significant
expansion of the UK organic market since 1998/99. Of the various
commodity sectors making up the organic market, fruit and vegetables
is the largest sector and this has been reflected in an increased
interest in their microbiological safety. This is the first study to
provide information on the microbiological quality of organic
vegetables.

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Received on Sun Mar 21 2004 - 15:27:11 EST

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