Foodborne disease outbreaks traced to fresh fruits and vegetables are an emerging problem in the United States. Given the increase in outbreaks there is a critical need to better understand the etiology, epidemiology and ecology of foodborne pathogens on plant surfaces. Contamination of produce by foodborne pathogens can occur during pre-harvest and post-harvest activities, but it is unclear how they do so and the role plant pathogens may play in the process. In colloboration with Dr. Jeffery LeJeune, a food safety specialist in the Food Animal Health Program we are investigating what pre-harvest management practices may influence the microbial quality of produce. Our goal is to provide growers with improved management practices so that both the grower and the consumer can be confident that their food is safe.

..............................................................Current Projects.................................................................

Growth and Survival Currently there is a gap in knowledge as to how E. coli O157:H7 can survive on or in an unfavorable host such as plants. In 2008 our lab began studies to address this issue. Our lab is looking at the biophysical and ecological processes that can impact the growth and survival of E. coli O157:H7 on leafy green vegetables.

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Plant-Human Pathogen Interactions Microniches on produce formed by biofilms may be selective for specific groups and species of microorganisms including foodborne pathogens. In this study we are investigating the impact of plant pathogen biofilms on the colonization and persistence of E. coli O157:H7 on leafy greens.

Food Safety Perceptions In this study we are attempting to identify any gaps in food safety knowledge that may exist between grower's and researchers using formal and empircal anayses. Our program, in collboration with researchers at Purdue and Kentucky State University, have developed two intensive surveys that are directed at understanding large and small grower's perceptions on food safety and how those perceptions may or may not relate to their current management practices.

...........................................................Recent Publications..............................................................

Aruscavage, D., Miller, S.A., Lewis Ivey, M.L., Lee, K., and LeJeune, J.T. 2008. Survival and Dissemination of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on Physically and Biologically Damaged Lettuce Plants. J. Food. Prot. 71: 2384-2388. [pdf]

Aruscavage, D., Lee, K., Miller, S. and LeJeune, J. T. 2006. Interactions affecting the proliferation and control of human pathogens on edible plants. J. Food Science 71:89-99. [pdf]

Questions, Comments or Concerns about this site? Send email to Melanie Lewis Ivey