i- In a report published November 3, 2023, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) asked the Panel on Biological Hazards (BIOHAZ) for a scientific opinion on the microbiological hazards associated with water use in the post-harvest handling and processing of fresh and frozen fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Understanding water quality is crucial to limiting hazards during processing. Such microbiological hazards include Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, E. coli, and viruses such as norovirus.
- Large volumes of water are used for rinsing, fluming, chilling, cooling, general cleaning, sanitation, and disinfection. Most post-harvest processors use the same water during many hours of operation to conserve water and energy, as access to potable water can be limited and expensive. According to the EFSA report, current practices utilize potable water to fill the equipment and tanks during the first hour in the morning, and it is not replaced for several hours or sometimes days during processing.
- The report stated that water control based solely on a basic prerequisite program (PRP) is no longer feasible, and an HACCP-based approach is required for water management. Good manufacturing practices (GMP) and good hygienic practices (GHP) related to a water management plan and implementation of a water management system are critical.
- Based on replies from the industry survey, three good practices are not yet well implemented: replacing infrastructure to avoid biofilm formation, seeking biofilm formation in the water management system, and water cooling. Responses showed that monitoring the quality of process water was absent or weak. Emerging agricultural practices like hydroponics, vertical farming, and urban agriculture may introduce pathogens into the food chain, although the extent of this is expected to be lower than conventional farming, according to the report.
- The BIOHAZ Panel recommended that more information should be included in outbreak investigation reports and clear guidelines should be available to clarify how water disinfection treatments can be used in the post-harvest handling and processing of fruit, vegetables, and herbs.
EFSA Assesses Hazards for Water Use in the Produce Sector
Thursday, November 9, 2023
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