ARS | Publication request: Update: intervention strategies for producing safe sprouts

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 16, 2012
Publication Date: May 17, 2012
Citation: Rajkowski, K.T. 2012. Update: intervention strategies for producing safe sprouts. Meeting Abstract.Capital Area Food Protection Assn. Meeting., Washington, DC., May 17, 2012., Volume 1, Page 1.

Technical Abstract: There are still foodborne illness outbreaks and product recalls due to pathogen contaminated sprouts. Contaminated seeds, used for sprouting, are considered the main source of the problem. A review of seed contamination strategies, both chemical and non-thermal, will be presented. The chemical interventions studied to remove Salmonella on alfalfa seed achieved a 1 log reduction. Ozone gas or irradiation (2 kGy) treatments achieved a 2 log reduction of Salmonella. When ozone gas treatment and a 1 % peroxyacetic wash were combined, a 4 log reduction was reported, but this combination was considered too costly. Since sprout recalls are still occurring a Sprout Safety Task Force (government, academia and industry members) was established and an up-date of the group’s activities is given.