Sanitation of surfaces is critical for avoiding cross contamination

Three controlled environment agriculture (CEA) operations were surveyed for Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella.

The CEA operations included soil-based, substratebased, and hydroponic growing systems.

Growing inputs (soil, substrate, irrigation water, and nutrient solution samples) were collected along with swab samples from harvesting equipment, boot swabs, and drainage systems.

Listeria monocytogenes was found in the soil-based and hydroponic growing systems.

Listeria monocytogenes–positive sites included booties, harvest bins, and nutrient drainage systems. Salmonella was detected only in the substrate-based growing system.

Salmonella-positive sampling sites included irrigation water and produce samples.

Water and soil, potential sources of pathogens

These findings highlight that water sources can be a primary route of contamination, soil and growing substrate can harbor pathogens, and foot/cart traffic can spread contamination through a facility.

Importance of a good bin sanitation

Harvest bin sanitation was also evaluated in this study.

The plastic bins were sampled before and after washing and sanitizing for total bacterial count (aerobic plate count).

Bacterial count after sanitation indicated that the bins were not being effectively cleaned and sanitized.

Ineffective sanitation can leave organic material and microorganisms on bins that can protect pathogens from sanitizer, promote their growth, and serve as a point of cross contamination.

Sanitation of surfaces is critical for avoiding cross contamination and the harborage of pathogens in the environment. Visual cleanliness is not enough to validate a cleaning and sanitation process.

More information, CPS

Picture, Gemini