Understanding the causes of pathogens in fresh produce

There has been an increase in the number of foodborne outbreaks over the past few years. This has been due to consumption of contaminated food and a number of outbreaks have been linked to consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. The major pathogens identified as etiological agents include Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and virus-Norovirus. This book includes a desktop research that was carried out to identify the major contamination sources. In addition, laboratory microbiological quality screening of selected fresh fruits and fresh-cut fruit salads was performed to have a broader view of the research problem. A research model based on techno-managerial aspects was developed to illustrate the possible control measures along the supply chain of vegetable production chain. Also, a horticultural assessment scheme for identifying critical sampling locations in a fresh-cut vegetables processing company is included.