Verification of micro-organisms on deciduous fruit

Foodborne diseases associated with food, and more recently fresh produce, may potentially threaten public health and have a negative impact on the economic affairs of the country, supplier, retailer and consumer.  In developing countries good quality water is becoming a scarce commodity and the lack of good quality water may further threaten trade. Water quality and supply may directly impact on the safety of fresh produce. It is therefore important to determine if a food safety risk is associated with table grapes pome fruit and stone fruit if contaminated water is used in the production environment.  Firstly, the fruit and water was analysed to determine possible bacterial foodborne pathogen (Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus) presence, using selective medium and a newly developed multiplex PCR, to determine the contamination level on farms. In order to assess the effect of contamination on deciduous fruit, simulated production chains were performed to determine the attachment, colonisation and survival of E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, S. Typhimurium and S. aureus on peaches, plums, apples, pears and table grapes. Pesticide in vitro and in situ assessments were conducted to determine the effect of pesticide sprays on the microflora of table grapes during the last weeks of pesticide spraying. The data collected will be used to determine the level of risk associated with table grape and deciduous fruit contamination, as well as determine the effect of contaminated water on fruit safety.