Understanding the public health burden of unconventional produce-associated enteropathogens

Publication date: Available online 25 January 2020Source: Current Opinion in Food ScienceAuthor(s): Oluwadara Oluwaseun Alegbeleye, Anderson S Sant’AnaEmerging pathogens, which although have been periodically detected in produce items, are comparatively rarely implicated in large outbreaks. Many of these pathogens are inhabitants of the natural environment and may be major potential sources of contamination for fruits and vegetables. This overview examines the growing epidemiological relevance of three of such emerging pathogens; Arcobacter spp., Helicobacter pylori and Cronobacter sakazakii and the recent status of the scientific literature on their potential for transmission to humans via the consumption of fruits and vegetables. There appears to be a potentially important, yet overlooked exposure risk for humans via produce consumption. Certain crucial research gaps such as the need to optimize detection approaches for the swift and accurate isolation of these agents from produce items has been identified. To establish comprehensive microbiological criteria for produce safety, it is important to characterize all associated potential human pathogens.Graphical abstract

Source: Current Opinion in Food Science - January 26, 2020 Category: Food Science Source Type: research