Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
incorporation of animal manure into agricultural land can introduce the enteric
pathogens into the soil. Many studies have demonstrated that manure- borne enteric
pathogens can survive for an extended period of time in manure-amended soil, and
subsequently contaminate fresh produce growing in the fi eld. Due to the slow decline
of pathogen populations in manure-amended soil, reducing initial bacterial load is a
key factor to reducing the length of pathogen persistence in soil. Studies have dem-
onstrated that composting can be a safe and effective process to inactivate enteric
pathogens in manure if it is properly operated. However, further research is needed
to address the safety of those compost products produced under suboptimal conditions
or using improper composting practices. Furthermore, a few pathogenic cells in the
fi nished compost, either surviving composting or newly introduced from the environ-
ment, have the potential to regrow to high populations when the conditions are con-
ducive for growth. Therefore, it is important to identify the possible environmental
factors that could contribute to the extended survival or regrowth of foodborne patho-
gens in compost. In addition, the use of manure in the production of produce should
be carefully managed by following GAP and NOP guidelines. By eliminating patho-
gens in manure and compost, the likelihood of contamination of vegetables, fruits,
water, and the environment by human pathogens will be diminished and thereby
enhance the safety of fresh produce production in preharvest environment.
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