Research focuses on eliminating produce pathogens

University of Illinois scientists are working to develop ways to prevent food-borne pathogens, including the strain of E. coli (0157:H7) that contaminated California spinach last summer, out of the food chain.

Food science professor Scott Martin is looking for ways to eliminate biofilms that contain pathogens and attach themselves to produce. Once the biofilm is on the produce, Martin said no amount of washing will remove it. Also, low levels (10-100 cells) of this E. coli strain can cause infection. Martin said growers need to be particularly careful about the water they use to irrigate plants, since it can be contaminated with pathogens.

Martin’s colleague Hao Feng is developing a process that kills pathogenic organisms in liquid products using ultrasound and low temperatures. A previous outbreak of E. coli occurred in cider and apple juice. Growers are now required to pasteurize these types of liquid products.

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For more: University of Illinois, Department o Food Science and Nutrition, 905 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801; (217) 244-4498.