Low Prevalence of Human Pathogens on Fresh Produce on Farms and in Packing Facilities: A Systematic Review.

ABSTRACT: Foodborne illness burdens individuals around the world and may be caused by consuming fresh produce contaminated with bacterial, parasite, and viral pathogens. Pathogen contamination on produce may originate at the farm and packing facility. This research aimed to determine the prevalence of human pathogens (bacteria, parasites, and viruses) on fresh produce (fruits, herbs, and vegetables) on farms and in packing facilities worldwide through a systematic review of 38 peer-reviewed articles. The median and range of the prevalence was calculated, and Kruskal-Wallis tests and logistic regression were performed to compare prevalence among pooled samples of produce groups, pathogen types, and sampling locations. Results indicated a low median percentage of fresh produce contaminated with pathog

SUBMITTER: Van Pelt AE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5829028 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature