Holvoet, Kevin

Jacxsens, Liesbeth

Sampers, Imca

Seynnaeve, Marleen

Uyttendaele, Mieke

Ghent University Academic Bibliography

Title: Sampling to gain insight into the microbial contamination with VTEC,  Salmonella and E. coli during primary production of lettuce in Belgium  In te dienen in topic: A-1. Foodborne pathogens  Kevin Holvoet1,2, Imca Sampers1,2, Liesbeth Jacxsens1, Mieke Uyttendaele1 1 Laboratory of Food Microbiology and Food Preservation, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Coupure links 653, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium 2 Research Group EnBiChem, Department of Industrial Engineering and Technology, University College of West-Flanders (Howest), Graaf Karel de Goedelaan 5, B-8500 Kortrijk, Belgium   Abstract:  (Your abstract must use 10pt Arial font and must not be longer than this box) In order to assess the microbiological status of butterhead lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. capitata) at primary production level in Belgium, a systematic approach in sampling and microbial analysis was elaborated vertical through the production cycle including sampling of lettuce crops, irrigation water and soil at four different moments. Samples were analyzed for VTEC and Salmonella by GeneDisc and cultural confirmation and enumeration of E. coli. More than one year sampling is under execution with the aim to visit four greenhouse and four open air farmers (three crop cycles per farmer) to obtain a helicopter view on the microbiological status of the process. Preliminary results represented four greenhouse farmers (one visit) and one open air farmer (two visits).   First results indicated no high contaminated levels of E. coli (all < 10 CFU/g) on lettuce, nor the detection of any VTEC or Salmonella on the lettuce crops (n = 18). The soil of the seedling showed high levels of E. coli for all farmers (2.2 – 3.9 log cfu E. coli/g). For the greenhouse farmers, in most cases (11/12) the initial E. coli levels in the soil were below detection limit (< 10 CFU/g). In function of time (growth of lettuce), the E. coli levels in the soil increased, probably due to the cross-contamination with the soil of the seedling (15/36 > 10 CFU E. coli/g). For the open air farmer, the initial soil quality showed higher levels of E. coli due to the applied cow manure before planting the seedlings. Nevertheless, the levels decreased in function of time. The irrigation water of three greenhouse farmers complied to the potable water criteria except for farmer 2. The open pond irrigation water of the open air farmer showed higher levels of E. coli with levels up to 3.6 log CFU E. coli/100 ml. This may be attributed to the surrounding pastures with cattle.  Although no pathogens or elevated levels of E. coli were identified in the lettuce, it may be concluded that there is a potential environmental pressure from soil of seedlings and the need for attention to good agricultural practices.    Important notes:  Do NOT enter author and affiliation information on this document. You will be able to enter this information online when you submit the abstract.  Do NOT write outside the boxes.  Do NOT alter the structure of this document. Simply enter your abstract in the box. The document will be automatically processed – if you alter its structure your submission will not be processed correctly.   

Sampling to gain insight into the microbial contamination with VTEC, Salmonella and E. coli during primary production of lettuce in Belgium

https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/2983684/file/2983685

Sampling to gain insight into the microbial contamination with VTEC, Salmonella and E. coli during primary production of lettuce in Belgium

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Ghent University Academic Bibliography