S294: Quality and Safety of Fresh-cut Vegetables and Fruits

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Inactive/Terminating

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[06/30/2012] [07/31/2013] [12/31/2014] [01/24/2016] [01/19/2018]

Date of Annual Report: 06/30/2012

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 04/30/2012 - 05/03/2012
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2011 - 09/01/2012

Participants

Alejandro Castillo (a-castillo@tamu.edu) - Texas AgriLife Research; Angela Laury (angelaml@iastate.edu) - Iowa State University; Anne Plotto (anne.plotto@ars.usda.gov) - USDA ARS Florida; Aubrey Mendonca ( amendon@iastate.edu) - Iowa State University; Bassam Annous (Bassam.annous@ars.usda.gov) - USDA,ARS, ERRC; Bill Hurst (bhurst@uga.edu) - University of Georgia; Byron Brehm-Stecher (Byron@iastate.edu) - Iowa State University; Charles Forney (forneys@agr.gc.ca) - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Kentville Canada; Charles Sims (csims@ufl.edu) - University of florida; C. Y. Lee (cyl1@cornell.edu) - Cornell University; David Gombas (dgombas@unitedfresh.org) - United Fresh Produce Assoc; Diane Barrett (dmbarrett@ucdavis.edu) - University of California, Davis; Donald Huber (djhuber@ufl@msu.edu) - University of Florida; Elina Coneva (edc0001@auburn.edu) - Auburn University; Elizabeth Baldwin (Liz.Baldwin@ars.usda.gov) - USDA ARS Florida; Eva Almenar (ealmenar@msu.edu) - Michigan State University; Floyd Woods (woods@auburn.edu) - Auburn University; Giancarlo Colelli (g.colelli@unifg.it) - University of Foggia, Italy; Hao Feng (haofeng@illinois.edu) - University of Illinois; Jeffrey Brecht (jkbrecht@ufl.edu) - University of Florida; Jerry Bartz (softbart@ufl.edu) - University of Florida; Jinhe Bai (Jinhe.Bai@ars.usda.gov - USDA, ARS, John Beaulieu (john.beaulieu@ars.usda.gov) - USDA, ARS, SRRC; Jorge Fonseca (jfonseca@Ag.arizona.edu - University of Arizona; Joseph Kemble (kembljm@auburn.edu) - Auburn University; Keith Schneider (keiths29@ufl.edu) - University of Florida; Luis Cisneros-Zevallos (lcisnero@tamu.edu) - Texas AgriLife Research; Lihua Fan (Lihua.Fan@agr.gc.ca) - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Kentville Canada; L. A. Wilson (lawilson@iastate.edu) - Iowa State University; Maria Isabel Gil (migil@cebas.csic.es) - CSIC Spain; Marita Cantwell (micantwell@ucdavis.edu) - University of California, Davis; Mikal Saltveit (mesaltveit@ucdavis.edu) - UC Davis; Mosbah Kushad (kushad@illinoi.edu) - University of Illinois; Quin Wang (wangqin@umd.edu) - University of Maryland; Peter M.A. Toivonen (Peter.Toivonen@agr.gc.ca) - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Summerland Canada; Thomas Orton (orton@aesop.rutgers.edu) - Rutgers University; Ram Rao (rrao@nifa.usda.gov) - USDA NIFSI; Reuben Moore (reubenm@mafes.msstate.edu) - Mississippi State University; Sudarsan Mukhopadhyay (sudarsan.mukhopadhyay@ars.usda.gov) - Pennsylvania (ERRC); Susan Bach (Susan.Bach@agr.gc.ca) - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Summerland Canada; Steven Sargen (sasa@ufl.edu) - University of Florida; Terry Boylston (tboylston@iastare.edu); Trevor Suslow (tvsuslow@ucdavis.edu) - University of California Davis; Xuetong Fan (xuetong.fan@ars.usda.gov) - USDA, ARS, ERRC; William Hurst (bhurst@uga.edu) - University of Georgia; Witoon Prinyawiwatkul (wprinya@lsu.edu) - Louisiana Sate University; Yaguang Luo (yaguan.luo@ars.usda.gov) - USDA, ARS, BARC; Yayun Zhao (yayun.zhao@oregon state.edu) Oregon State University; Youfu Zhao (zhao888@illinois.edu) - University of Illinois

Brief Summary of Minutes

Brief Summary of Minutes of Annual Meeting:

The meeting convened at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, April 30, 2012

Chair: Jeff Brecht
Vice Chair: Charles Forney
Secretary: Eva Almenar

List of Attendees:

Name Institution email

Participants:
Eva Almenar Michigan State University ealmenar@msu.edu
Jeff Brecht University of Florida jkbrecht@ufl.edu
Marita Cantwell UC Davis micantwell@ucdavis.edu
Lihua Fan Ag. & Agri-Food Canada, Kentville Lihua.fan@agr.gc.ca
Charles Forney Ag. & Agri-Food Canada, Kentville charles.forney@agr.gc.ca
Mosbah Kushad University of Illinois kushad@illinois.edu
Mikal Saltveit UC Davis mesaltveit@ucdavis.edu
Angel Shaw Iowa State University amgelaml@iastate.edu
Peter Toivonen Ag. & Agri-Food Canada, Summerland peter.toivonen@agr.gc.ca
Yanyun Zhao Oregon State University yanyun.zhao@orgonstate.edu

Others:
Marina Buccheri Agricultural Research Council, Italy marina.buccheri@entecra.it
Giancarlo Colelli University of Foggia, Italy g.colelli@unifg.it
Reuben Moore Mississippi State University reubenm@mafes.msstate.edu
Ram Rao NIFA, USDA rrao@nifa.usda.gov

The meeting was convened with a welcome by Jeff Brecht and a round of introductions.

1. Review of agenda Additions to the agenda: (1) Current funding limitations being a problem for scientist to attend S-294 meetings (several members), (2) Development of an ISHS working group in fresh-cut produce in support of the ISHS meeting that will be held in Davis in 2015 (Dr. Marita Cantwell), (3) Announcement of a conference focused on MAP that will be held in Italy next year (Dr. Giancarlo Colelli), (4) Announcement of open postdoc positions (Drs. Giancarlo Colelli and Eva Almenar). The agenda of the 2012 meeting was approved by voice vote.

2. Approval of 2011 minutes 2011 minutes were approved unanimously.

3. Report from the Administrative Adviser, Reuben Moore Dr. Reuben Moore stressed the importance of the S-294 project, which is the most productive project of the several projects he advises. He proposed to apply to the 2012 Experimental Station Section Award for Excellence in Multistate Research and gave to the secretary the related paperwork. Dr. Reuben Moore complemented Dr. Eva Almenar for the good job as a secretary. He also discussed our current partnership with the UnitedFresh and the importance of this being maintained due to the mutual benefits (they give us a form to present our research (posters) and in return, we present our cutting research to industry). Dr. Reuben Moore provided an update on funding programs like land-grand funding from HASS funds. These are not competitive and require one to spend 25% of the funding to get new funding. He suggested this could be funding opportunities for individuals who want to attend the multistate project or for collaborations with others.

4. Remarks and presentation about SCRI from NIFA Representative, Ram Rao Dr. Ram Rao provided an update on the funding programs in the Specialty Crops Research Initiative (SCRI): (1) Food safety-SCRI funding increases from $5 to $19 millions, (2) Quality-SCRI funding is dispersed among all areas and therefore, it is difficult to specify a dollar amount, (3) Funding is available for metrics since metrics are needed to implement safety regulations, (4) NIFA representatives would like to receive feedback about the RFP from the S-294 members, and (5) Increase of virtual panels due to the serious cuts in travel funds. Dr. Reuben Moore expressed his concern about the integrity of the panels.

Additional information on funding opportunities: (1) AFRI: funding for detection of pathogens increased by $6 millions, AFRI Foundational program will combine 2012 and 2013 RFP (August 15), and funding for AFRI safety challenge is expected to be increased from $254 to $325 millions if accepted by the President, (2) NIFSI: no funding for the following years, (3) OREI: Dr. Ram Rao asked us to share our thoughts as a group about evaluation panels and comments on the RFP, and (4) Improved processing technology: fruits and vegetables are included in the RFP.

Dr. Ram Rao indicated that smaller amounts of funding than those of previous years will be assigned to future projects as multi-institution collaborations will not be requested.

5. Science Symposium The science symposium organized by S-294 members, which has traditionally been well attended in past meetings, was broadly discussed.

Dr. Ram Rao informed us that funding opportunities to support a science symposium organized by S-294 members are available at symposium proposal of any program. Dr. Ram Rao suggested the programs Improved Processing Technology and Food Safety. He also suggested to prepare the symposium and to link it to United Fresh (possible speaker cost sharing between grant and United Fresh). He also proposed to join other multistate groups in order to strengthen the proposal.

A discussion on topics for the science symposium followed Dr. Ram Raos comments and suggestions. Suggested topics for the symposium were as follows: (1) Identification of gaps in science and knowledge, (2) Identification of issues related to the fresh-cut industry, (3) Development of models to determine shelf life, (4) Procedures and metrics for safe fresh-cut produce, and (5) Focus on small scale markets: local markets or grocery stores or farmer markets, (6) Cutting edge processing technology, (7) Symposium related to cantaloupe, (8) Symposium related to soft and rugose surfaces, (8) Identification of issues related to fresh-cut apples, (9) Emerging fresh-cut produces, (10) Tropical produce, and (11) No risk but answers related to pathogens. It was suggested to publish the proceedings and it could be done in the form of metrics (recommendations/guidelines). It was also suggested to have ISHS and S-294 as a sponsor and co-sponsor and to put together a proposal for 2015 SCRI Special Grants-Planning Grants. A workshop is proposed instead of a symposium. It is proposed that a working group could bring up the topic to Dr. David Gombas (industry could support the workshop).

6. Election of new secretary Dr. Susan Bach was nominated and unanimously elected as Secretary for 2012-2013 (Dr. Peter Toivonens motion, Dr. Jeff Brecht moved, and Dr. Mikal Saltveit seconded).

7. Submission of book authored by the S-294 members Dr. Peter Toivonen informed us that he was contacted by Wiley-Blackwell about submitting a book proposal. He suggested focusing on fresh-cut fruits and vegetables and having the book authored by the S294, and Wiley-Blackwell was very interested. The follow-up discussion to Dr. Peter Toivonens comment was as follows: (1) the book should focus on industry and therefore, this should have a more applied stand point, (2) the book could have an extension point of view, (3) suggested topics to be included in the book were: raw material quality, shelf life expectations, packaging in the practical way, best manufacturing practices, and good agricultural practices, (4) international collaboration was proposed and unanimously desired, (5) close collaboration with industry for topics to be included was agreed, (6) electronic or hard copy format was discussed without a final agreement, (7) economic support for member travel from industry was suggested, (8) Drs. Peter Toivonen, Jeff Brecht, Marita Cantwell, and Eva Almenar agreed to move the idea forward and target publication data was set for May 2013.

8. Station reports Details of these reports are available in the annual reports posted at http://postharvest.ucdavis.edu/research/

9. New business

Funding limitations to attend S-294 meetings Current funding limitations being a problem for scientist to attend S-294 meetings were also discussed.

S-294 website Dr. Marita Cantwell proposed to maintain the S-294 website linked to the UC Davis one (http://postharvest.ucdavis.edu/research/). Dr. Reuben Moore clarified that S-294 members do not have access to the S-294 website postings but the S-294 members have to the minutes. Dr. Marita Cantwell informed that she will be the contact person in Davis responsible for the S-294 website and that a secretary will feed information there.

USDA Handbook 66 Dr. Mikal Saltveit reported that Handbook 66 has been revised and is ready to be published. Mike also informed us that Hanbook 66 could be posted on either USDA website or UC Davis website, and that there will be a mechanism to get feedback and accessibility to chapter revision.

ISHS working group in fresh-cut produce in support of the ISHS meeting Development of an ISHS working group in fresh-cut produce in support of the ISHS meeting that will be held in Davis in 2015 (cosponsoring and review of papers) (Dr. Marita Cantwells motion, Mikal Saltveit moved, and Dr. Peter Toivonen seconded),

Announcement of a conference focused on MAP Announcement of a conference focused on MAP that will be held in Italy next year (Dr. Giancarlo Colelli).

Announcement of open postdoc positions Announcement of open postdoc positions (Drs. Giancarlo Colelli and Eva Almenar).

We thanked to UnitedFresh Produce Association for providing food and beverage service and a room for the meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 5:00 pm

Accomplishments

Accomplishments: Objective 1. Evaluate methods of sampling and measuring flavor and nutrition of fresh-cut products to facilitate comparison to traditional shelf life factors. " Instrumental and sensory evaluation on a number of different mango cultivars, both US grown and imported, is being conducted to assist the mango industry with harvest timing for optimal fresh-cut quality (Barrett UCD CA). " The use of impedance spectroscopy for following shelf life of fresh-cut mangoes, melons and potatoes has been evaluated (Barrett UCD CA). " Continuation of experienced consumer or trained descriptive panels and chemical analysis (volatiles, sugars, acids) to evaluate tangerine, strawberry, and tomato germplasms from University of Florida. 10-years of tomato data are being analyzed to establish a model for tomato quality (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso and Bai USDA/ARS USCSPL FL). " A two-year texture profile of fresh blueberries was completed with UF blueberry breeder; data will be used to understand inheritance of the firmness trait in blueberries (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso and Bai USDA/ARS USCSPL FL). " A new experiment was designed to understand the inheritability of the aroma volatile methylanthranilate (MA) in strawberries. MA imparts fruity flavor to strawberries and is only produced in European lines (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso and Bai USDA/ARS USCSPL FL). " A sensory study with interactions of limonin and nomilin, two bitter compounds in oranges harvested from trees having Huanglongbing (citrus greening) disease has been completed, and their effect on orange and orange juice flavor have been studied (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso and Bai USDA/ARS USCSPL FL). " Loss of soluble phenolics due to chemical decomposition during digestion has been demonstrated in studies looking at in vitro digestion of apple varieties (Toivonen, Bach, and Delaquis AAFC Summerland). Objective 2. Develop new strategies to improve and better maintain inherent fresh-cut product quality and nutrition. " The effects of immersing whole Serrano peppers in PRO-SAN (an EPA-approved vegetable wash) were investigated. Peppers were immersed (for 2.0 or 4.0 minutes) in water (control), chlorine (CL; 150 ppm; adjusted to pH 6.4), PRO-SAN, PRO-SAN-LC, PRO-SAN-soft, and PRO-SAN-PF at concentrations (0.1 to 1.0%) stated by the manufacturer. After treatment peppers were stored for 7 days at room temperature. PRO-SAN and its derivatives did not adversely affect the quality parameters of peppers evaluated during 7 days of storage (Mendonca, Boylston and Wilson ISU IA). " The efficacy of various solutions of Pro-San" (Microcide, Inc®, Detroit, MI) was tested on romaine lettuce shelf life. Pro-San" LC and Pro-San" LC Soft were tested at two dilutions, 0.78% and 0.19%, at various time points and compared to a dry control and 150 ppm bleach solution, which is the currently used industry standard. Results indicated there were no quality effects from any treatment group over the seven days. The 0.78% Pro-San" and Pro-San" Soft solutions did not cause a sensory quality change of the romaine lettuce when rinsed off before consumption, according to the instrumental measurements of color and the overall difference test completed by the sensory panel (Mendonca, Boylston and Wilson ISU IA). " A study was conducted to determine respiration rate and gas permeance of pears influenced by cultivar and storage temperature. After satisfying the chill requirement, Starkrimson, Bartlett, Bosc, Comice, and dAnjou exhibited respiration rates from 6.9 to 1.1 µmol kg-1 h-1 at 30 °F, and 35.8 to 8.6 µmol kg-1 h-1 at 68 °F, respectively. After satisfying the chill requirement plus 7 d at 68 °F, different cultivars had internal O2 and CO2 from 17.1 and 3.8% to 19.2 and 1.3%, respectively. Susceptibility to CO2/O2 injury was assessed by treating each cultivar with a Carnuaba-based wax at solids of 20, 15, 10, 5 and 0% after harvest. It is concluded that pears need cultivar specific wax coating application protocol and MAP bags to maximize the benefits and minimize the negative effects of wax coating and MAP (Yan Wang OSU OR). " Ripening behavior and quality of modified atmosphere packed Doyenne du Comice Pears during cold storage and transit was investigated. Control fruit packed in commercial perforated plastic liners started to show senescent core breakdown and lost the ripening capacity at 20 °C after 4 mo. of cold storage. LifeSapn® L257 MAP (15.8% O2 + 3.7% CO2) inhibited ethylene production, ascorbic acid degradation and malondialdehyde accumulation, and extended storage life up to 6 mo. with maintenance of fruit flesh firmness (FF) and skin color without commercially unacceptable level of physiological disorders (Yan Wang and David Sugar OSU OR). " Different conditions for water-jet cutting of various vegetables (celery, broccoli, romaine lettuce, iceberg lettuce, cabbage, among others) have been evaluated (Cantwell UCD CA). " Impact of temperature, modified atmospheres, 1-MCP and other treatments on marketable and nutritional quality of kale, as intact and salad-cut leaves, has been documented (Cantwell UCD CA). " The impact of damage and ripening conditions on the performance of tomatoes sliced at the red color stage is being determined. The general goal of this study is the identification of handling, varieties, and other parameters that would permit slicing at more advanced stage of color is being studied (Cantwell UCD CA with Buccheri Italy). " A new project that will identify the nutrient content of fresh-cut and frozen fruits and vegetables has started (Barrett UCD CA). " Field (preharvest) studies with fresh blueberry using food sanitizers or nutritional treatments to increase fruit quality at harvest were repeated a second year (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso and Bai USDA/ARS USCSPL FL). " Study to determine optimum harvest time for new mandarin cultivars using sensory evaluation and correlating with volatile data was repeated a second year (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso and Bai USDA/ARS USCSPL FL). " New clamshells that reduce water loss of small fruits without increasing decay, thereby extending shelf life were tested with strawberries and blueberries (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso and Bai USDA/ARS USCSPL FL). " Optimum maturity of strawberries and blueberries and factors of eating quality were evaluated a second year as part of a funded SCIR grant (Brecht and Mitcham PIs) (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso and Bai USDA/ARS USCSPL FL). " Investigation of optimal growth conditions for lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and bacteriocins production and determination of the correlations of pH, optical density (OD), bacteriocin activity and viability of LAB (Fan AAFC Kentville Canada). " Identification of bacteriocins produced by LAB strains isolated from various food sources (Fan and Song AAFC Kentville Canada). " Evaluation of microbial quality and shelf life of fresh-cut turnips and baby carrots (Fan AAFC Kentville Canada). " Evaluation of microbial quality and water quality of hydroponic leafy greens (Forney and Fan AAFC Kentville Canada). " Development of packaging and postharvest handling of novel hydroponic leafy green products (Forney AAFC Kentville Canada). " Enhancement of apple aroma through aroma volatile precursor treatments (Forney and Song AAFC Kentville Canada). " Determination of factors that impact the flavor chemistry (volatiles, sugars, acids) of blueberry and apple juice (Forney AAFC Kentville Canada). " Assessment of hydrogen peroxide as enhancer of shelf-life, nutrient quality and microbiologic quality of fresh-cut spinach (Bezanson and Hodges AAFC Kentville Canada). " A project to identify the optimal ripeness stage for processing mangoes into fresh-cut slices found that sensory quality during fresh-cut handling is best predicted by fruit firmness rather than color development or compositional measurements (Brecht, Huber, Sargent, Danyluk, Goodrich, Schneider, Simonne, Sims, Bartz UF FL). " Preliminary work established that pink stage tomatoes tolerate 4% but not 6% CO2 at 12.5C, and tolerate 6% CO2 at both 15 and 18C. Analysis of aroma volatiles in order to establish the chilling threshold in terms of aroma inhibition is underway (Brecht, Huber, Sargent, Danyluk, Goodrich, Schneider, Simonne, Sims, Bartz UF FL with ARS-Ft. Pierce). " It has been demonstrated the feasibility of hydrocooling strawberries, which allows the possibility of sanitization with resulting quality equal to or better than with forced-air cooling (Brecht, Huber, Sargent, Danyluk, Goodrich, Schneider, Simonne, Sims, Bartz UF FL). " Mature green tomatoes given a brief heated water treatment (2.5 min at 54C or 5 min at 52 C) prior to ethylene treatment and ripening were shown to develop or maintain better sensory quality, particularly when subsequently exposed to chilling temperatures of 5 or 12C, but tomatoes treated later in development (breaker/turning) did not respond as well (Brecht, Huber, Sargent, Danyluk, Goodrich, Schneider, Simonne, Sims, Bartz UF FL with ARS-Ft. Pierce). " Antimicrobial films made from wheat gluten containing naturally occurring cinnamaldehyde and natamycin have been developed and their effectiveness against main postharvest diseases has been demonstrated (Almenar MSU with Hernandez-Muñoz et al. IATA-CSIC Spain). " The effect of rigid containers on the shelf life of shell-on chestnuts at retail temperatures has been determined (Almenar MSU). " A multi-disciplinary, multi-institutional, multi-functional special emphasis project focused on enhancing the microbial safety and quality of ready-to-eat, fresh-cut produce via integrated research and outreach/training targeted at the processing, packaging, and retail distribution segments of the produce chain was presented to the S-294 members and (Almenar MSU). " (i) screening of available genotypes; (ii) reviewing the impact of most important pre-cutting handling practices; (iii) selecting feasible post-cutting anti-browning procedures; (iv) investigating possible benefits and/or possible damages on product quality, establishing both the optimal gas composition and the deleterious threshold concentrations which promote or accelerate degradation phenomena; (v) designing optimal modified-atmosphere packaging conditions are reported as steps of the research activity done to standardize the final quality of fresh-cut artichokes (Colelli Italy). " The effect of different agents, including calcium ascorbate, calcium chloride and ascorbic acid, on shelf-life of fresh-cut pears Packhams Triumph variety immediately after harvest and after 6 months of controlled atmosphere storage has been investigated (Pilizota Croatia). " The effect of L. cubeba oil, at different concentrations (50, 100 and 250 ppm) on shelf-life of fresh-cut pears Packhams Triumph variety has been investigated (Pilizota Croatia). Objective 3. Improve understanding of physiological mechanisms that affect fresh-cut product quality. " Collected first year data about the organic production systems on the yield, fruit quality and microbial safety of blackberries in order to improve yield, fruit quality, and food safety in fresh and processed markets (Zhao, Y., Strik, B. and Daeschel, M. OSU OR). " Internal browning disorder and fruit quality of Bartlett pears in modified atmosphere packaging during storage and transit have been studied. Bartlett pears harvested at commercial maturity were packed in LifeSpan® MAP, an experimental MAP and commercial perforated plastic bags (control) and stored in air at -1.1 °C. After 1 and 3 months of storage, samples of LifeSpan MAP and control fruit were transferred to rooms at temperatures of 2, 4.5, 7.5, and 10 °C for 3 weeks to simulate transit temperatures and the time required to reach distant markets.. LifeSpan MAP designed for pears appears to be suitable for Bartlett fruit stored at -1.1 °C for up to 4 months or storage for 3 months and a transportation duration of up to 3 weeks at 0-4.5 °C during the early season and at 0-2 °C during the late packing season. These conditions yielded fruit of high eating quality and without IB or over-ripening upon arrival at distant markets (Yan Wang and David Sugar OSU OR). " The transduction of a mechanically induced wound (e.g., cutting in preparation for fresh-cut) into a physiological response that produces increased phenolic metabolism, accumulation of phenolic compounds, and subsequent tissue browning has been studied (Saltveit UCD CA). " Physiological dysfunctions resulting from exposure to non-freezing, chilling temperatures greatly limits the storage life of chilling sensitive commodities (e.g., tomatoes, squash) appear to be less in fresh-cut commodities than in their previously whole progenitor (Saltveit UCD CA). " Gene expression in orange fruit infected by Huanglongbing. Predict orange fruit and juice quality by detecting population of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus in juices extracted from Huanglongbing infected fruit (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso and Bai USDA/ARS USCSPL FL). " Influence of chilling and heating stresses on gene express and enzyme activities of LOX pathway and ascorbate-glutamine pathway (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso and Bai USDA/ARS USCSPL FL). " Determination of heat treatments (boiling water and steam) on microbial survival and biochemical changes of fiddleheads stored in cold water at 0.5°C (Lihua Fan and John DeLong AAFC Kentville Canada). " Investigation of fruit maturity on the response of apples to heat stress (Lihua Fan, Charles Forney and Jun Song AAFC Kentville Canada). " Identification and characterization of volatile compounds responsible for fruit flavor using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy-olfactory detection (GC-MS-OD) of apples and highbush blueberries (Charles Forney AAFC Kentville Canada). " Determination of the fatty acid composition of fiddleheads and the impact of postharvest treatments and storage (Charles Forney and John DeLong AAFC Kentville Canada). " A brief heated water treatment (2.5 min at 54C or 5 min at 52 C) was applied to mature green (prior to ethylene treatment) and breaker/turning tomatoes; the fruit were then ripened at 20C and/or stored at 5 or 12C; production of antioxidants, including carotenoids and phenolics, was stimulated, and antioxidant capacity (ORAS and FRAP) increased (Brecht, Huber, Sargent, Danyluk, Goodrich, Schneider, Simonne, Sims, Bartz UF FL with ARS-Ft. Pierce). " The effects of fresh-cut processing of postclimacteric papaya were evident in the marked loss of polyuronides, and xylose and galactose, suggesting a significant change in xyloglucans. Fresh-cut processing also caused a higher loss of total polyuronides and the neutral sugar galactose while increasing the recovery of chelator-soluble polyuronides (Brecht, Huber, Sargent, Danyluk, Goodrich, Schneider, Simonne, Sims, Bartz UF FL). " Fresh-cut apple tissue shows high sorption capacity for gaseous 1-MCP and 1-MCP sorption to fresh-cut apple is significantly reduced in tissue following short periods of tissue aging or application of the hydroxyl radical quencher hypotaurine (Brecht, Huber, Sargent, Danyluk, Goodrich, Schneider, Simonne, Sims, Bartz UF FL). " Post-controlled atmosphere air storage has been found to reduce browning in fresh-cut apple cultivars (Toivonen, Bach, and Delaquis AAFC Summerland Canada). Objective 4. Determine critical factors in controlled inoculation studies with human pathogens and surrogates that influence the outcome of quantitative microbial risk assessments. " Discovery of three rapid detection technologies (pre-analytical extraction, foam/vacuum extraction and hollow fiber detection, and chemical restriction fragment length polymorphism detection) for foodborne pathogens in many matrices including produce (Byron Brehm-Stecher ISU IA). " Symposium Originator and Co-Convenor: From Farm to Fork to Physician: Detection of Human Pathogens in the Environment, in Foods and in Clinical Specimens. International Association for Food Protection Annual Meeting, Milwaukee, WI (Shaw and Wilson ISU IA). " Assessment/modification of novel protocol for the recovery, enrichment and confirmation of carriage of verotoxigenic E. coli other than serotype 0157:H7 by intact field-grown Romaine lettuce and growth soils (Greg Bezanson and Pascal Delaquis AAFC Kentville Canada). " Work on pasteurized and unpasteurized almonds to address the effects of pasteurization treatments targeting Salmonella on quality parameters is being conducted (Barrett UCD CA). " Studies were undertaken to quantify the risks related to the consumer handling of fresh-cut produce. Temperature dependent growth models for Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., and Escherichia coli O157:H7 on fresh-cut celery and melons (cantaloupe, watermelon and honeydew) were constructed. The transfer of pathogens from hands and common kitchen surfaces to and from fresh cut celery, carrots, melon, and leafy greens, and during the simulated washing of cut leafy greens in the home was modeled (Brecht, Huber, Sargent, Danyluk, Goodrich, Schneider, Simonne, Sims, Bartz UF FL). " Risk factors during the production, harvest, and postharvest handling of fresh items were evaluated, including: transfer of Salmonella to tomatoes during harvesting, packing, and shipping; establishing tomato dump and flume tank operating standards for chlorine dioxide; and risk related to alternative harvesting and handling of small fruits (Brecht, Huber, Sargent, Danyluk, Goodrich, Schneider, Simonne, Sims, Bartz UF FL). " Methods of green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene labeling for Listeria, Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 have been developed. They determined that E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella and Listeria strains can be effectively labeled with the GFP plasmid, which can be stable in some isolates for many generations without adversely affecting growth rates (Zhang, Doyle and Ma UGA GA). Objective 5. Evaluate and control unintentional and intentional microbial contamination of intact and fresh-cut produce. " The effects of immersing whole Serrano peppers in PRO-SAN (an EPA-approved vegetable wash) and its derivatives, on viability of Salmonella Saintpaul and quality characteristics of the peppers were investigated. PRO-SAN-based vegetable washes exhibited good potential for destroying S. Saintpaul on Serrano peppers without negatively altering quality attributes for up to 7 days of storage (Mendonca, Boylston and Wilson ISU IA). " The efficacy of various solutions of Pro-San" (Microcide, Inc®, Detroit, MI) was tested on romaine lettuce leaves against Salmonella enterica in a biofilm. Pro-San" LC and Pro-San" LC Soft were tested at two dilutions, 0.78% and 0.19%, at various time points and compared to a dry control and 150 ppm bleach solution, which is the currently used industry standard. Results indicated that the dry control, distilled water control, and 150 ppm bleach solution were not significantly different from each other, but were less effective than the Pro-San" solutions when the treatments were tested at room temperature. At refrigerated temperature, the same trend among treatments existed but only the 0.78% solutions were statistically more effective than the dry control and distilled water control, and only the 0.78% Pro-San" was more effective than the bleach solution (Mendonca, Boylston and Wilson ISU IA). " An integrated assessment of agronomic management practices, environment, and supply-chain risk factors on quality and safety of fresh spinach has been performed (Suslow UCD CA). " Plans were developed to assess the effectiveness of low temperature thermal treatments (LT3) on the microbiology of Listeria innocua on fresh-cut cantaloupe (Bezanson, Fan and Forney AAFC Kentville Canada). " Assessment of contaminated irrigation water and liquid dairy manure as reservoirs of enteric pathogens for field grown spinach and lettuce (Bezanson AAFC Kentville and Delaquis AAFC Summerland Canada). " Elucidation of dynamics of E. coli O157: H7 persistence on and migration from stored, fresh-cut spinach and lettuce (Bezanson AAFC Kentville Canada). " Determination of influence of environmental stress on the survival and infectivity of STEC on leafy vegetables (Bezanson and Bach AAFC Kentville Canada). " Experiments using small batches of Salmonella surface inoculated strawberries were conducted. At an inoculation level of 6.54 log cfu/strawberry, forced-air cooling resulted in a slight increase (6.66 logs units), while hydrocooling in 100 ppm sodium hypochlorite (7 min) resulted in 2.4 logs decrease in pathogen counts. A higher sanitizer concentration (200 ppm, 7 min) decreased Salmonella concentration to 3.07 log cfu/strawberry (Brecht, Huber, Sargent, Danyluk, Goodrich, Schneider, Simonne, Sims, Bartz UF FL). " Utilizing an overhead spray brush roller sanitation system, the efficacy of water, PAA, ClO2 and NaOCl on Salmonella inoculated tomatoes has been examined. After only 5 s, PAA reached a 2.8 log CFU/ml reduction, conversely, NaOCl, ClO2, and water each had a 1.9 log CFU/ml reduction. All sanitizers reached a 3-log unit reduction at 15 s, including water. PAA consistently achieved about a 1-log unit higher reduction than the other sanitizers for 5, 15, and 30 s treatment (Brecht, Huber, Sargent, Danyluk, Goodrich, Schneider, Simonne, Sims, Bartz UF FL). " An overview of on-farm intervention strategies for reducing pathogens during production of food products has been prepared (Doyle and Erickson UGA GA). " Field trials of compost heaps and determined that covered heaps maintained temperatures 7-15EC higher than those covered with fresh were conducted straw or left uncovered. These increased temperatures resulted in rapid E. coli reduction, thus validating recommendations by the EPA for covering fresh compost (Doyle, Erickson et al. UGA GA). " A chapter on the sources and methods of contamination of pathogen contamination in fresh and minimally processed produce was prepared. She detailed research on mechanisms employed by enteric pathogens to survive plant resistance as well as methods plants use to resist these invaders (Erickson UGA GA). " The Annual Review of Food Science Technology featured an overview of the internalization of foodborne pathogens by fresh produce (Erickson UGA GA). " The efficacy of slightly acidic electrolyzed water in reducing E. coli O157:H7 on whole lettuce leaves and tomatoes was investigated (Hung UGA GA). " The effectiveness of ozone, electrolyzed oxidizing water and UV light in killing E. coli O157:H7 on the calyx and skin of blueberries was studied (Hung and Kim UGA GA). " The treatment of tomatoes with levulinic acid and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to reduce E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella Typhimurium, and Listeria monocytogenes was examined (Doyle, Zhao and Zhao UGA GA). " The effects of inoculum level, temperature and relative humidity on the survival and colonization of E. coli O1157:H7 on spinach leaves were determined (Beuchat et al UGA GA). " Development and optimization a RT-qPCR method for the detection of viable but non-culturable (VBNC) Escherichia coli O157:H7 cells from lettuce (Toivonen, Bach, and Delaquis AAFC Summerland Canada). " Evaluation of the effects of endogenous and exogenous hydrogen peroxide on the persistence of pathogens on lettuce (Toivonen, Bach, and Delaquis AAFC Summerland Canada). " Evaluation of the effects of stress on the survival and infectivity of Verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) in ready-to-eat (RTE) foods (Toivonen, Bach, and Delaquis AAFC Summerland Canada).

Publications

Books: " Edible Coatings and Films to Improve Food Quality, Baldwin, E.A., Hagenmaier, R. and Bai, J. (eds.) Edible Coatings and Films to Improve Food Quality 2nd Edition, CRC Press, Taylor and Francis, Boca Raton. 448 pp. 2012 Book chapters: " Cheng, G. and Baldwin, E.A., Regulatory aspects of coatings, 383-415. Baldwin, E.A., Hagenmaier, R. and Bai, J. (eds.) Edible Coatings and Films to Improve Food Quality 2nd Edition, CRC Press, Taylor and Francis, Boca Raton. 448 pp. 2012 (Book Chapter) " Bai, J. and Plotto, A. Coatings for fresh fruits and vegetables, 185-242. Baldwin, E.A., Hagenmaier, R. and Bai, J. (eds.) Edible Coatings and Films to Improve Food Quality 2nd Edition, CRC Press, Taylor and Francis, Boca Raton. 448 pp. 2012 " Dea, S., Ghidelli, C., Perez-Gago, M.B. and Plotto, A. Coatings for minimally processed fruits and vegetables, 243-289. Baldwin, E.A., Hagenmaier, R. and Bai, J. (eds.) Edible Coatings and Films to Improve Food Quality 2nd Edition, CRC Press, Taylor and Francis, Boca Raton. 448 pp. 2012 " Forney, C.F. and E.S. Yaganza. 2011. Fresh-cut produce packaging and the use of biaxial stretched films, p. 143-164. In: M.T. DeMeuse (ed.) Biaxial Stretching of Film: Principles and Applications. Woodhead Publishing Ltd., Cambridge, U.K. " Forney, C.F. and W. Kalt. 2011. Blueberries and cranberries p. 51-73. In: L. Terry (ed.) Health Promoting Properties of Fruits and Vegetables. CABI, Wallingford, UK. " Baldwin, E.A. and Bai, J.: Physiology of fresh-cut Fruits and Vegetables, pp. 87-113. In O. Bartin-Belloso, O. and Soliva-Fortuny, R. (eds) Advances in Fresh-Cut Fruits and Vegetables Processing, CRC Press/Taylor Francis Group, Boca Raton. 410 pp. 2011. " Narciso, J., Parish, M. and Danyluk, M. 2012. Food safety of fruit, nut and berry products. in An Introduction to Food Safety. O.A. Oyarzrbal, ed. Springer, NY. 109-125. " Erickson, Marilyn C. 2012. Microbial Contamination chapter in Decontamination of Fresh and Minimally Processed Produce, VM Gomez-Lopez, ed. Wiley-Blackwell, Ames, IA, pp. 3-42. " Gonzalez-Aguilar, G. A., Kader, A.A., Brecht, J.K. and Toivonen, P.M.A. 2011. Fresh-cut tropical and subtropical fruit products, pages 381- 418. In: E. M. Yahia (ed), Postharvest biology and technology of tropical and subtropical fruits. Volume 1: Fundamental Issues. Woodhead Publishing Limited, Cambridge, UK. Peer-reviewed journals: " Mendonca, A., A. Daraba, D. Manu, and F. Woods. 2011. Inactivation of Salmonella enterica On Whole Tomatoes and Serrano Peppers Immersed In Pro-San, a Biodegradable Vegetable Sanitizer. Journal of Environmental Protection and Ecology, ISSN 1311-5065, Book II, pp.769 - 780 " Bezanson, G., Delaquis, Bach, S., McKellar, R., Topp, E., Gill, A., Blais, B., Gilmour, M. 2012. Comparative examination of E. coli O157:H7 survival on Romiane lettuce and in soil at two independent experimental sites. J. Food Protect. 75:480-487. " Cliff. M., J. Moran Trujillo, K. Stanich, P. Toivonen, and C. Forney. 2011. Determination and prediction of odor thresholds for odor active volatiles in a neutral apple juice matrix. J. Food Qual. 34(3):177-186. " DeLong, J.M., D.M. Hodges, R.K. Prange, C.F. Forney, P.M.A. Toivonen, M.C. Bishop, M. L. Elliot, and M.A. Jordan. 2011. The unique fatty acid and antioxidant composition of ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) fiddleheads. Can. J. Plant Sci. 91:919-930. " Fan, L., D. Sharpe, E. Yang, C. Doucette, J. Song, L. Truelstrup Hansen, Y. Jiang and S. Fillmore. 2011. Antimicrobial effects of bacteriocins producing lactic acid bacteria isolated from various food sources. HortScience 46(9): S162-S163. " Fan, L., J. Song, C. Forney and M. Jordan. 2011. Fruit maturity affects the response of apples to heat stress. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 62: 35-42. " Forney, C.F. M.A. Jordan, L. Fan, C. Doucette, and R. Grant. 2011. Influence of packaging on loss of aroma and quality of diced red onions. Acta Hort. (in press). " Forney, C.F., R. Grant, L. Fan, C. Doucette, and M. A. Jordan. 2012 Market life of diced red onion subjected to modified atmosphere packaging and antimicrobial dips. Acta Hort (in press) " Forney, C.F., W. Kalt, M.A. Jordan, M.A. Vinqvist-Tymchuk, and S. Fillmore. 2011. Compositional changes in blueberry and cranberry fruit during ripening. Acta Hort. (in press). " Song, J., C.F. Forney, D. Moreau, M. Jordan, S. Fillmore, and K. Munro. 2011. Effect of fruit maturity and fresh cut on the respiration and volatile production of apple fruit. Acta Hort. (in press). " Yang, E., L. Fan, Y. Jiang, C. Doucette and S. Fillmore. 2011. Antimicrobial effect of natural preservatives a commercial fermentation product on fresh- cut onions. Journal of Food Protection. 74(3): 470-474. " Yang, E., L. Fan, Y. Jiang, C. Doucette and S. Fillmore. 2011. Antimicrobial activity of bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria isolated from cheeses and yogurts. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Express (AMAB-D-11-01885, accepted). " Anthon, G.E. and D.M. Barrett. May 2012. Pectin methylesterase activity and other factors affecting pH and titratable acidity in processing tomatoes. Food Chemistry 132(2): 915-920. " Anthon, G.E., M. LeStrange and D.M. Barrett. May 2011. Changes in pH, acids, sugars and other quality parameters during extended vine holding of ripe processing tomatoes. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 91(7):1175-1181. " Asavasanti, S., W. Ristenpart, P. Stroeve, and D.M. Barrett. Jan./Feb. 2011. Permeabilization of Plant Tissues by Monopolar Pulsed Electric Fields: Effect of Frequency. Journal of Food Science 76(1):E98-E111. " Barrett, D.M., and B. Lloyd. Jan. 2012. Advanced Preservation Methods and Nutrient Retention in Fruits and Vegetables. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. 92(1): 7-22. " Cantwell, M. (ed. compiler). 2011. Fresh-cut Products: Maintaining Quality and Safety. Univ. California Postharvest Horticulture Series No. 10. UC Postharvest Research and Information Center (http://postharvest.ucdavis.edu/files/93535.pdf ). Hard copy and pen drive. " Gutiérrez-Rodríguez, E., H.J. Lieth, J.A. Jernstedt, J.M. Labavith, T.V. Suslow and M.I. Cantwell. 2011. Texture, composition and anatomy of spinach leaves in relation to nitrogen fertilization. J. Science Food Agriculture, in press. " Kumar, P., D.M. Barrett, M. Delwiche, and P. Stroeve. August 2011. Pulsed Electric Field Pretreatment of Switchgrass and Woodchips Species for Biofuels Production. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research 50(19): 10996-11001. " Bai, J., Baldwin, E.A. and Plotto, A. 2011. Stability of headspace volatiles in a 'Fallglo' tangerine juice matrix system at room temperature. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 124:207-212. " Bai, J., Plotto, A., Spott, R. 2011. Ethanol vapor and saprophytic yeast treatments reduce decay and maintain quality of intact and fresh-cut sweet cherries. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 62:204-212. " Bai, J., R. Graves, and Y. Wang. 2011. Development of chromatography system for simultaneous measurement of gas components in storage atmosphere of horticultural crops. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 124: 235-240. " Baldwin, E.A., Bai, J., Plotto, A., Cameron, R., Luzio, G., Narciso, J., Manthey, J.A., Widmer, W.W. and Ford, B.L. 2012. Effect of extraction method on quality of orange juice: hand-squeezed, commercial-fresh squeezed and processed. J. Sci. Food Agric. DOI 10.1002/jsfa.5587 " Chambers, A., Whitaker, V., Gibbs, B., Plotto, A. and Folta, K. 2012. Detection of the linalool-producing NES1 variant across diverse strawberry (Fragaria spp.) accessions. Plant Breeding. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0523.2012.01959.x " Du, X., Plotto, A., Baldwin, E., and Rouseff, R. 2011. Evaluation of volatiles from two subtropical strawberry cultivars using GCOlfactometry, GC-MS, odor activity values, and sensory analysis. J. Agric. Food Chem. 59:12569-12577. " Du, X., Plotto, A., Song, M., Olmstead, J., Rouseff, R. 2011. Volatile composition of four southern highbush blueberry cultivars and effect of growing location and harvest date. J. Agric. Food Chem. 59:8347-8357. " House, L.A., Gao, Z., Spreen, T.H., Gmitter, F.G., Jr., Valim, M.F., Plotto, A., Baldwin, E. A. 2011. Consumer preference for mandarins: Implications of a sensory analysis. Agribusiness: An International Journal. 27:450-464. " Miyazaki, T., Plotto, A., Baldwin, E.A., Reyes-De-Corcuera, J.I., Gmitter, F.G., Jr. 2012. Aroma characterization of tangerine hybrids by gas-chromatography-olfactometry and sensory evaluation. J. Sci. Food Agric. 92:727-735. " Plotto, A., Baldwin, E., McCollum, G.T. and Gmitter, G. 2011. Sensory evaluation of tangerine hybrids at multiple harvests. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 124:260-263. " Sitther, V., Harris, D.L., Dhekney, S.A., Bai, J., Baldwin, E.A. and Yakav, A.K. 2011. Total phenol content of guava fruit and development of an in Vitro regenertion protocol amenable to genetic improvement. Int., J. Food Safery, Nutrition and Public Health. 4(3/4):225-236. " Whitaker, V.M., Chandler, C.K., Santos, B.M., Peres. N., do Nascimento Nunes, M.C., Plotto, A. and Sims, C.A. Winterstar" (FL 05-107) strawberry. 2012. HortScience. 47:296-298. " Zhang, D., Yu, B., Bai, J., Shu, Q., Su, J., Zheng, X., Kong, D., Teng, Y. 2012. Effects of high temperatures on UV-B/visible irradiation induced postharvest anthocyanin accumulation in `Yunhongli No. 1- (Pyrus pyrifolia Nakai) pears. Scientia Horticulturae. 134:53-59. " Bisha,B., A. Perez-Mendez, M.D. Danyluk, and L.D. Goodridge. 2011. Evaluation of modified Moore swabs and continuous flow centrifugation for concentration of Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli O157:H7 from large volumes of water. J. Food Prot. 74: 1934-1937. " Cevallos-Cevallos, J.M., M.D. Danyluk, J. I. Reyes-De-Corcuera. 2011. GC-MS based metabolomics for rapid detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium, Salmonella Muenchen and Salmonlla Hartford in beef and chicken. J. Food Sci. 76: M238-M246. " Chang, A.S. and K.R. Schneider. 2012. Evaluation of overhead spray-applied sanitizers for the reduction of Salmonella on tomato surfaces. J. Food Sci. 77: M65-M69. " Danyluk, M.D. and D.W. Schaffner. 2011. Quantitative microbial assessment for E. coli O157:H7 in leafy greens from farm to consumption using published data. J. Food Prot. 74: 700-708. " Danyluk, M.D., L.M. Friedrich, C. Bousquet, R.M. Goodrich-Schneider, M.E. Parish, and R. Rouseff. 2011. Prevalence, amounts, spoilage, and mitigation of Alicyclobacillus spp. in tropical and subtropical fruit concentrates. Food Microbiol. 28: 472-477. " Dea, S., J.K. Brecht, M.C.N. Nunes, and E.A. Baldwin. 2011. Optimal ripeness stage for processing mangoes into fresh-cut slices. HortTechnology (in press) " Deltsidis, A.I., E.D. Pliakoni, and J.K. Brecht. 2011. Establishing CO2 tolerance of pink tomatoes in MAP at elevated handling temperatures. Proc. Fla. State. Hort. Soc. 124: 241-245. " Ergun, M., Y. Karakurt, and D.J. Huber. 2011. Cell wall modification in 1-methylcyclopropene-treated post-climacteric fresh-cut and intact papaya fruit. Plant Growth Regul. 65: 485-494. " Fatica, M.K. and K.R. Schneider. 2011. Salmonella and produce: Survival in the plant environment and implications in food safety. Virulence 2: 573-579. " Jacomino, A.P., S.A. Sargent, A.D. Berry, and J.K. Brecht. 2011. Potential for grading, sanitizing and hydrocooling fresh strawberries. Proc. Fla. State. Hort. Soc. 124: 221-226. " Lee, J.S., D.J. Huber, C.B. Watkins, and B. Hurr. 2012. Influence of wounding and aging on 1-MCP sorption and metabolism in fresh-cut tissue and cell-free homogenates from apple fruit. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 67: 52-58. " Loayza, F.E., A. Plotto, E.A. Baldwin, and J.K. Brecht. 2010. Evaluation of the impact of hot water treatment on the sensory quality of fresh tomatoes. Acta Hort. (in press) " Perez-Cacho, P.R., M.D. Danyluk, and R. Rouseff. 2011. GC-MS quantification and sensory thresholds of guaiacol in orange juice and the relationship between guaiacol and Alicyclobacillus. Food Chem. 129: 45-50 " Strawn, L.K., K.R. Schneider, and M.D. Danyluk. 2011. Microbial safety of tropical fruits. Crit. Rev. Food Sci. Nutr. 51: 132-145. " Tsouvaltzis, P., A.I. Deltsidis, and J.K. Brecht. 2011. A delay between hot water treatment and processing of potato tubers reduces browning development on fresh-cut slices. HortScience 46: 1282-1286. " Choi, S, J Bang, H Kim, LR Beuchat, and JH Ryu. 2011. Survival and colonization of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on spinach leaves as affected by inoculum level and carrier, temperature and relative humidity. Journal of Applied Microbiology, 111: 14651472. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2672.2011.05175.x. " Doyle, Michael P., and Marilyn C. Erickson. 2012. Opportunities for mitigating pathogen contamination during on-farm food production. International Journal of Food Microbiology, Vol. 152, Issue 3, 16 January 2012, Pages 54-74, ISSN 0168-1605, 10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2011.02.037 " Shepherd, Marion W., Jr., Jinkyung Kim, Zipping Jiang, Michael P. Doyle, and Marilyn C. Erickson. 2011. Evaluation of Physical Coverings Used to Control Escherichia coli O157:H7 at the Compost Heap Surface. Applied and Environmental Microbiology. July 2011, p 5044-5049, ISSN 0099-2240/11/$12.00 doi: 10.1128/AEM.02940-10. " Erickson, Marilyn C. 2012. Internalization of Fresh Produce by Food borne Pathogens. Annual Review of Food Science and Technology, Vol 3, 283-310, April 2012. " Kim, C and Hung, YC. 2012. Inactivation of E. coli O157:H7 on Blueberries by Electrolyzed Water, Ultraviolet Light, and Ozone. Journal of Food Science, 77: M206M211. doi:10.1111/j.1750-3841.2011.02595.x " Ma L, G Zhang and MP Doyle. 2011. Green Fluorescent Protein Labeling of Listeria, Salmonella, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 for Safety-Related Studies. PLoS ONE 6(4): e18083. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0018083 " Pangloli, P and Hung, YC. 2011. Efficacy of Slightly Acidic Electrolyzed Water in Killing or Reducing Escherichia coli O157:H7 on Iceberg Lettuce and Tomatoes under Simulated Food Service Operation Conditions. Journal of Food Science, 76: M361M366. doi: 10.1111/j.1750-3841.2011.02219.x " Joo, M.; Merkel, C.; Auras, R.; Almenar, E. 2012. Development and characterization of antimicrobial poly(lactic acid) containing trans-2-hexenal trapped into cyclodextrins. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 153: 297-305 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfoodmicro.2011.11.015). " Joo, M.; Auras, R.; Almenar, E. 2011. Preparation and characterization of blends made of poly(lactic acid) and ²-cyclodrextrins: improvement of the blend properties by suing a masterbatch. Carbohydrate Polymers, 86(2): 1022-1030 (http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2011.05.058). " Almenar, E. 2011. Cherries in microperforated bio-based containers. Good Fruit Grower. April, 1st, 2011 (http://www.goodfruit.com/Good-Fruit-Grower/Web-2011/Sustainable-cherry-packaging/) " Bach, S.J., Lu, C., Delaquis, P. and Toivonen, P.M.A. 2011. Cutting Romaine lettuce while submerged in sanitizer improves efficacy of sodium hypochlorite. The Grower, 61(5): 20. " Dinu, L.-D. and Bach, S. 2011. Induction of viable but non culturable Escherichia coli O157:H7 in the phyllosphere of lettuce: a food safety risk factor. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 77:8295-8302 " Toivonen, P.M.A. and Hodges, D.M. 2011. Abiotic stress in harvested fruits and vegetables, pages 39-58. In: Abiotic Stress in Plants - Mechanisms and Adaptations. Intech Open Access Publishers, Rijeka, Croatia. " Toivonen, P.M.A., Lu, C., Delaquis, P. and Bach, S. 2011. Slicing under chlorinated water improves the disinfection of fresh-cut Romaine lettuce. J. Food Protect. 74: 2142-2147. " Tardelli, F., Guidi, L., Massai, R., and Toivonen, P.M.A. 2011. Effects of 1-methylcyclopropene and post-controlled atmosphere air storage treatments on fresh-cut Ambrosia" apple slices. J. Sci. Food Agr. (accepted). " Bezanson, G, Delaquis, P, Bach, S, McKellar, R, Topp, E, Gill, A, Blais, B and Gilmour, M. 2011. A comparative examination of Escherichia coli O157:H7 survival on Romaine lettuce and in soil at two independent experimental sites. J. Food Protect. 75:480-487. " McKellar, R and Delaquis, P. 2011. Development of a dynamic growth-death model for Escherichia coli O157:H7 in minimally processed leafy green vegetables. Internat. J. Food Microbiol. 51:7-14. " McKellar, RC, LeBlanc, DI, Lu, J and Delaquis, P. 2012. Simulation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 behaviour in fresh-cut lettuce under dynamic temperature conditions during distribution from processing to retail. Foodborne Path. Dis. 9:239-244. " Hashemi Beni, L, Villeneuve, S, LeBlanc, DI, Côté, K, Fazil, A, Otten, A, McKellar, R and Delaquis, P. 2012. Spatio-temporal assessment of food safety risks in Canadian food distribution systems using GIS. Spatial and Spatio-temporal Epidemiology. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.sste.2012.02.009. " Piercey, M, Budge, SM, Mazzanti, G, Delaquis, P, Paulson, AT and and Truelstrup Hansen, L. 2012. Antimicrobial activity of cyclodextrin entrapped allyl isothiocyanate in a model system and packaged fresh-cut onions. Food Microbiol. 30: 213-218 Oral presentations, posters and abstracts: " Brehm-Stecher, Byron. 2011. Rapid Detection of Pathogens in Complex Food Matrices. IFT Session Abstract, New Orleans, LA and Sample Prep 2011, San Diego, CA and Society for Laboratory Automatic, Palm Spring CA " Kim, H.J. and B. Brehm-Stecher. June 16th-17th, 2011. Foam/Vacuum Extraction and Hollow Fiber Concentration for Detection of Foodborne Pathogens. NSF Conference on Novel Sampling and Sensors for Improving Food Safety, Georgia Tech, Atlanta, GA " Brehm-Stcher, Byron. June 30th-July 1st, 2011. Chemical Restriction Length Fragment Polymorphism (CRLFP) for Detection and Characterization of Bacterial Pathogens. Advances in Biotedetecion & Biosensors, European Lab Automation Meeting, Hamburg, Germany Abstract " Brehm-Stecher, B., M. Tortorello, and L. Jaykus. 2011. Symposium Originator and Co-Convenor: From Farm to Fork to Physician: Detection of Human Pathogens in the Environment, in Foods and in Clinical Specimens. International Association for Food Protection Annual Meeting, Milwaukee, WI " Fan, L. 2011. Antimicrobial activities and applications of bacteriocins producing lactic acid bacteria. The 9th International Conference of Food Science and Technology. Invited speaker. (Abstract). " Almenar, E.; Humes, A.; Lee, R.; Sobon, S.; Johnson, D.; Morse, R.; Sidiqq, M.; Haret, J; .Ryser, E.; Harte, B. 2011. A new marketing approach for minimally processed onions. UNITED FRESH 2011. May, 3, 2011. New Orleans, LA, USA. " Fan, L., E. Yang, C. Doucette, J. Song, Y. Jiang, S. Fillmore and B. Walker. 2011. Antimicrobial effect of commercial fermentation product and edible coating on fresh-cut squashes. HortScience 46(9): S341. (Abstract) " Fan, L., E. Yang, C. Doucette, Y. Jiang and S. Fillmore. 2011. Antimicrobial effect of nature seal and commercial fermented product on fresh-cut squashes. Poster presentation. United Fresh-2011 (Abstract). " Forney, C.F., L. Fan, J. Song and M.A. Jordan. 2011. Heat stress and fruit maturity affects the volatile composition of apples during storage. HortScience 46(9): S271. (Abstract) " Bayogan, E. and M. Cantwell. 2011. Postharvest Quality and Chilling Tolerance of Bell Pepper Varieties. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. Annual Conf., Kona, Hawaii, 25-28 Sept 2011. Abstract #235 and poster. HortScience 46(9): S332. " Cantwell, M. and G. Hong. 2011. Composition and postharvest performance of broccoli varieties. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. Annual Conf., Kona, Hawaii, 25-28 Sept 2011. Abstract #236 and poster. HortScience 46(9): S332. " Tiwari G., Slaughter D.C., Cantwell M. 2011. Prediction of maturity in green tomatoes using visible and near infrared spectroscopy. IFT Annual Meeting & Food Expo, June 11 - 14, 2011, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Abstract and oral presentation. " Loayza, F.E., Plotto, A., Baldwin, E., Bai, J., Dea, S., and Brecht, J.K., 2010. Evaluation of the impact of hot water treatment on the sensory quality of fresh tomatoes in cold storage. ASHS Annu. Mtg., Palm Desert, CA. Abstract. " Lyons, Shawn M, Mark A Harrison, and S Edward Law. 2011. Electrostatic application of antimicrobial sprays to sanitize food handling and processing surfaces for enhanced food safety. Journal of Physics, Conference Series Vol. 301, No. 1. IOPScience. " Zhao, Tong, Ping Zhao and Michael P. Doyle. 2011. Inactivation of Foodborne Pathogens on Tomatoes by Levulinic Acid Plus Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate. Poster presented at 12th ASEAN Food Conference, 16-18 June 2011, BITEC Bagna, Bangkok, Thailand. " Nuevas tendencias en empaques para productos perecederos. II International Conference on Postharvest Quality Managment of Horticultural Produtcs of Interst for Tropic Regions (II Conferencia Internacional en Manejo Poscosecha y Calidad de productos Hortícolas de Interés en el Trópico). November 3, 2011. Bogotá, Colombia (Guest speaker). " Balaguer, M.P.; Almenar, E.; Gavara, R.; Hernández-Muñoz, P. 2011. Antifungal activity of biopolymers made from wheat gluten containing naturally occurring cinnamaldehyde and natamycin. HortScience 46 (9): S 335. " Rai, D.R.; Almenar, E.; Min J.J. 2012. Estimation of controlled release of Trans 2E Hexanal under varying relative humidity conditions for food packaging application. 21st Indian Convention of Food Scientists and Technologists. January, 20-21, 2012. Pune, Maharashtra, India. " Toivonen, P.M.A., Lu, C., Delaquis, P. and Bach, S. 2011. Timing of sanitizer application reduces microbial counts on fresh-cut Romaine lettuce. 2nd International Conference on Quality Management of Fresh-Cut Produce from July 17-21, 2011, Torino, Italy.

Impact Statements

Efforts by S-294 scientists to assist fruit growers and processors have enhanced product quality and microbial safety.
Novel post-harvest technologies for extending shelf-life and enhancing nutritional and microbial quality of whole and fresh-cut produce of interest to the produce industry are being developed by S-294 scientists.
Knowledge generated from studies is being used by S-294 scientists in outreach activities and in the classroom.
Provide research based recommendations to several companies within Iowa about the research-based findings with Pro-San products (ISU IA).
Discovery of three rapid detection technologies (Pre-analytical extraction, foam/vacuum extraction and hollow fiber detection, and chemical restriction fragment length polymorphism detection) that can be utilized with many types of foods (ISU IA).
Extension and Outreach programming on food safety strategies both on farm (GAP training) and within the production setting (ISU IA).
The Pacific Northwest pear industry is interested in the possible use of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) for maintaining quality similar to Controlled Atmosphere storage but without the extensive investment in infrastructure and instrumentation (OSU OR).
Growth curves of four bacteriocinogenic LAB strains isolated from dairy products were investigated under different conditions using a Bioscreen C. Optimum growth conditions for LAB strains and bacteriocins production were determined (AAFC Kentville Canada).
The correlations of pH, OD value, bacteriocin activity (AU) and viability of LAB were found. The research findings provided useful information on application of LAB and bacteriocins efficiently to improve food safety and quality (AAFC Kentville Canada).
Selected LAB bacteriocins were identified using LC/MC technique (AAFC Kentville Canada).
Heat treatment with boiling water or steam was able to significantly reduce microbial loads, however, insufficient steam treatments may cause browning of fiddlehead tissues (AAFC Kentville Canada).
Fiddlehead tissue had an unusual fatty acid composition including ³-linolenic, dihomo-³-linolenic, arachidonic and eicosapentanoeic acids and had an n6/n3 fatty acid ratio of 3.3 to 2.1 (AAFC Kentville Canada).
Provided scientific advice to local fresh-cut fruit and vegetables industry on ensuring safety and quality of fresh-cut turnips, baby carrots and hydroponic leafy greens (AAFC Kentville Canada).
A high quality fresh commercial blueberry juice was developed in collaboration with a local produce company (AAFC Kentville Canada).
Ethanol production and chlorophyll fluorescence were good indicators of heat injured apples. Harvest maturity impacted the tolerance of Jonagold and Cortland apples to heat treatment and postharvest fruit quality during storage (AAFC Kentville Canada).
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to both reduce and control E. coli O157:H7 and native-epiphytic bacteria on detached spinach leaves while retaining leaf quality and storage life. Efficencies vary with leaf history (chamber or field grown, packaged retail) and length of contact time between pathogen and leaf tissue (AAFC Kentville Canada)
Novel protocol has enabled the efficient recovery of E. coli serotypes O157, O103, O111, O145, O26 and O44 from deliberately contaminated field-grown Romaine lettuce and soils in which plants were grown (AAFC Kentville with Summerland Canada).
E. coli serotypes O157, O145, O103, O111, O26 and O44 inoculated onto the leafy portions of field-grown Romaine lettuce as an aqueous suspension display a rapid declines in numbers of culturable cells. A model that describes (and predicts) this behaviour is under construction (AAFC Kentville with Summerland Canada)..
Occurrence and frequencies of the four major phylogenetic groups of generic E. coli populating liquid dairy manure vary during its storage and subsequent application to mature lettuce plants and soil, suggesting that relative proportions and variation in their incidence could be of value in determining fecal source and time passed since environmental contamination event (AAFC Kentville with Summerland Canada)..
E. coli O157:H7 that persists in a culturable form for upwards to 18 days on stored baby spinach is capable of moving to, colonizing and surviving on new leaves for up to 30 days (AAFC Kentville Canada).
Heat and starvation stress appear to alter the expression of certain phenotypic traits (including motility, curli formation and toxin formation) in verotoxigenic E. coli, without adversely affecting its persistence on detached spinach leaves (AAFC Kentville Canada).
Organization of the annual 3 day workshop on Fresh-Cut Products: Maintaining Quality and Safety at UC Davis, Sept 13-15, 2011 (UCD CA).
Collaborators on SCIR grant funded with UF and UCDavis (Brecht and Mitcham) (USDA/ARS USCSPL FL).
BARD to establish optimum storage and harvest condition of mandarin cultivars USDA/ARS USCSPL FL).
Patent pending for new clamshells (USDA/ARS USCSPL FL).
Information about optimal ripeness stage for processing mangoes into fresh-cut slices and best management practices for fresh-cut mango processing have been disseminated to the industry through the National Mango Board (UF FL).
On-farm interventions and compost heap management can help to reduce pre-harvest contamination of fresh produce (UGA GA).
Produce washing techniques with various technologies can achieve desirable reduction of surface pathogens on lettuce leaves, spinach leaves, blueberries and tomatoes (UGA GA).
High relative humidity and temperature levels allow E. coli to colonize rapidly. Maintaining lower RH and cooler temperatures can limit the growth of pathogens (UGA GA).
In vitro digestion should be used in quantifying functional value for fresh fruits and vegetables since concentrations of many bioactive compounds such as total phenolics can be significantly reduced in the digestion process (AAFC Summerland Canada).
Post-controlled atmosphere air storage improves fresh-cut apple quality by reducing the phenolics content in the slices, thereby reducing browning potential (AAFC Summerland Canada).
The VBNC state of human pathogens on leafy greens may contribute to foodborne illness as organisms are not detected by conventional microbiological media. Improved methodology will allow for the detection of VBNC cells (AAFC Summerland Canada).
Increased fundamental knowledge pertaining to the effect of hydrogen peroxide (endogenous and exogenous) on human pathogens in leafy greens (AAFC Summerland Canada).
Survival of VTEC to stresses encountered at each stage of production, processing and retail distribution has not been characterized. An understanding of this is essential for the development of new approaches for the control of VTEC in RTE foods (AAFC Summerland Canada).
Models were developed to predict the behavior of E. coli O157:H7 on field lettuce destined for processing, in packaged fresh-cut lettuce and in Canadian distribution systems, and to map the risk associated with contaminated lettuce in a distribution chain (AAFC Summerland Canada).
Antimicrobial films made from wheat gluten containing naturally occurring cinnamaldehyde and natamycin have been developed and their effectiveness against main postharvest diseases has been demonstrated (MSU).
Chestnut growers and processors have been assisted to enhance chestnut quality and safety during retail (MSU).
The S-294 members presented 20 posters at the United FreshTech trade show. These posters generated interest from industry and led to follow-up interactions with researchers.

Date of Annual Report: 07/31/2013

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 05/14/2013 - 05/16/2013
Period the Report Covers: 06/01/2012 - 05/01/2013

Participants

Eva Almenar - Michigan State University -ealmenar@msu.edu;
Bassam Annous - Pennsylvania (ERRC) - bassam.annous@ars.usda.gov;
Susan Bach - Canada (AAFC Summerland)- Susan.Bach@agr.gc.ca;
Jinhe Bai - USDA ARS -Jinhe.Bai@ars.usda.gov;
E. Baldwin -USDA ARS Florida -Liz.Baldwin@ARS.GOV;
D. Barrett -University of California, Davis -dmbarrett@ucdavis.edu;
Jerry Bartz - University of Florida - softbart@ufl.edu;
Randy Beaudry -Michigan State University -beaudry@msu.edu;
John Beaulieu - USDA ARS SSRC - John.Beaulieu@ars.usda.gov;
Terri Boylston -Iowa State University - tboylsto@iastate.edu;
Jeff Brecht -University of Florida - jkbrecht@ufl.edu;
B. Brehm-Stecher - Iowa State University -Byron@iastate.edu;
M. Cantwell -University of California, Davis - micantwell@ucdavis.edu;
A. Castillo -Texas AgriLife Research -a-castillo@tamu.edu;
L. Cisneros-Zevallos - Texas AgriLife Research -lcisnero@tamu.edu;
G. Colelli - University of Foggia - g.colelli@unifg.it;
E. D. Coneva -Auburn University, Alabama - edc0001@auburn.edu;
Lihua Fan - Canada (AAFC Kentville)-Lihua.Fan@agr.gc.ca;
Xuetong Fan -Pennsylvania (ERRC) - Xuetong.Fan@ars.usda.gov;
Hao Feng - University of Illinois -haofeng@illinois.edu;
Charles Forney - Canada (AAFC Kentville)- Charles.Forney@agr.gc.ca;
Maria Gil -CSIC - migil@cebas.csic.es;
Donald Huber - University of Florida - djhuber@ufl.edu;
William Hurst - University of Georgia - bhurst@uga.edu;
Joseph Kemble -Auburn University, Alabama - kembljm@auburn.edu;
Taejo Kim - Mississippi State University - tkim@foodscience.msstate.edu;
Mosbah Kushad - University of Illinois - kushad@illinois.edu;
C.Y. Lee - Cornell University, New York - cyll@cornell.edu;
Yaguang Luo - USDA ARS Maryland - luoy@ba.ars.usda.gov;
A.F. Mendonca - Iowa State University - amendon@iastate.edu;
S. Mukhopadhyay - Pennsylvania (ERRC)- Sudarsan.mukhopadhyay@ars.usda.gov;
R. Nannapaneni - Mississippi State University - nannapaneni@fsnhp.msstate.edu;
Jan Narciso - USDA ARS - Jan.Narciso@ars.usda.gov;
Thomas Orton - Rutgers University, New Jersey - orton@aesop.rutgers.edu;
Anne Plotto -USDA ARS Florida - anne.plotto@ars.usda.gov;
W. Prinyawiwatkul - Louisiana State University - prinya@lsu.edu;
Mikal Saltveit -University of California, Davis - mesaltveit@ucdavis.edu;
Steven Sargent - University of Florida - sasa@ufl.edu;
Keith Schneider - University of Florida - keith29@ufl.edu;
Angela Shaw - Iowa State University - angelaml@iastate.edu;
Charles Sims - University of Florida - csims@ufl.edu;
Trevor Suslow - University of California, Davis -tvsuslow@ucdavis.edu;
Peter Toivonen - Canada (AAFC Summerland)- Peter.Toivonen@agr.gc.ca;
Qin Wang - University of Maryland - wangqin@umd.edu
L.A. Wilson - Iowa State University - lawilson@iastate.edu
Floyd Woods - Auburn University, Alabama - woodsfm@acesag.auburn.edu
Yanyun Zhao - Oregon State University - yanyun.zhao@oregonstate.edu;
Youfu Zhao -University of Illinois - shao888@illinois.edu

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes of Annual Meeting:
Tuesday May 14, 2013
8am noon
San Diego Convention Centre
Room 5B, Upper Level

Past chair: Jeffrey Brecht

Chair: Charles Forney

Vice Chair: Eva Almenar

Secretary: Susan Bach

List of attendees:

Eva Almenar - Michigan State University - ealmenar@msu.edu;
Susan Bach - AAFC Summerland - Susan.Bach@agr.gc.ca;
Jeff Brecht - University of Florida - jkbrecht@ufl.edu;
Lihua Fan - AAFC Kentville - Lihua.Fan@agr.gc.ca;
Charles Forney - AAFC Kentville -Charles.Forney@agr.gc.ca;
Reuben Moore - MSU-MAFES - reubenm@mafes.msstate.edu;
Mikal Saltveit -UC Davis - mesaltveit@ucdavis.edu;
Angela Shaw - ISU - angelaml@iastate.edu

1. Welcome and Introduction (Chair: Charles Forney)

o The meeting was called to order at 819am with a welcome by Chair, Charles Forney and a roundtable of introductions.

2. Approval of 2013 Meeting Agenda

o Additions to the agenda under 11. New Business:

§ pursue funding as a group

§ follow up on the Book Chapter

3. Approval of 2012 Meeting Minutes

o 2012 Minutes were approved unanimously

4. Report from the Administrative Adviser, Rueben Moore

o Dr. Moore complemented the group on the NIMS participant list of over 40 members in the S294 project group.

5. Remarks from Ram Rao (linkage between Land-Grant universities and NIFA)

o Dr. Rao was absent

6. Multistate Award Application

o The Multistate Award Application was not successful. However, with the specific criteria identified, an application will be submitted again this year.

7. Election of new secretary

o Dr. Angela Shaw from Iowa State University was nominated and unanimously elected as secretary for 2013-2014.

8. Discuss topic for Science Symposium

o The science symposium organized by S-294 members, which has been traditionally well attended, was broadly discussed. The interest by United Fresh is in food safety related topics and cutting edge research. This years speaker was Robert Buchanan from the Centre for Food Safety and Security Systems at the University of Maryland speaking on Food Safety Metrics for Tomatoes and Leafy Greens. Funded projects across the country will be considered for science symposium topics. Potential future speakers include: Luis Cisneros-Zevallos, Byron Brehm Stecker (Salmonella detection). Topics will be considered and discussed earlier than in previous years.

9. COFFEE BREAK

10. Station Reports

o Six station reports were presented at the meeting and eight were forwarded by email. Details of these reports are available in the annual reports posted at http://postharvest.ucdavis.edu/research.

o University of Florida Dr. Jeff Brecht reported. Drs Brecht, Huber, Sargent, Danyluk, Goodrich, Simonne, Sims and Bartz investigated the role of ethylene, tissue senescence and chilling injury on the loss of quality during the handling of fresh-cut products. Nutritional quality, sensory evaluation and aroma volatile measurements were performed in collaboration with FSHN and ARS-FL. Survival, proliferation and control of microorganisms on raw material and fresh-cut products were investigated jointly in FSHN and PLP. Information about optimal ripeness stage for processing mangoes into fresh-cut slices and best management practices for fresh-cut mango processing has been disseminated to the industry through the National Mango Board. In a study using fresh-cut apples, a better understanding of the responsiveness of fresh-cut products to 1-MCP was obtained (i.e., enzymatic or free radical reactions contribute to increased tissue sorption). Physical injury of full ripe strawberries was found not to impose any additional food safety risks in terms of contamination with Salmonella spp. and E. coli O157:H7. Information is being developed for modeling the flavor shelf life of vine ripe tomatoes, strawberries and blueberries in relation to temperature, relative humidity, exogenous ethylene and in MAP in a joint Specialty Crops Research Initiative project with UCD (Brecht). A Specialty Crops Block Grant is underway to demonstrate strawberry harvest, handling and hydro cooling in a commercial environment (Sargent; with Dole/Sunnyridge). A Specialty Crops Research Initiative project with Colorado State University includes efforts to develop a method for the concentration of Salmonella spp. and E. coli O157:H7 from large volumes of water (Danyluk).

o Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Summerland Dr. Susan Bach reported. Drs Bach and Delaquis investigated the persistence of E. coli O157:H7 and non-O157 verotoxin-producing E. coli (VTEC) in various matrices (lettuce, soil) and growth conditions (field versus environmental chambers) along with the identification of risk points along the distribution chain.

In an investigation of the fate of E. coli O157:H7 and non-O157 VTEC on field lettuce and in soil, in two geographically distinct sites it was found that non-O157 VTEC serotypes were capable of similar or longer survival than E. coli O157:H7. Innate differences in the fitness of individual strains in the production environment were demonstrated. Post-inoculation survival of E. coli O157:H7 was much greater on lettuce plants in a controlled environment chamber than on plants grown in an experimental field plot. Abiotic factors in the agricultural environment contribute significantly to the survival of pathogens on lettuce. Models were developed to predict the behavior of E. coli O157:H7 on field lettuce destined for processing, in packaged fresh-cut lettuce and in Canadian distribution systems, and to map the risk associated with contaminated lettuce in a distribution chain. Drs Bach, Delaquis and Toivonen investigated the application of hypoxic pre-cutting treatments on enhancing wounding-associated hydrogen peroxide production in Romaine lettuce and the survival of E. coli O157:H7. While hypoxic treatment was found to enhance hydrogen peroxide production, this effect was not consistent and there were a number of factors that influenced the hydrogen peroxide response and thus the effect on E. coli O157:H7 survival.

o Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Kentville Drs Lihua Fan and Charles Forney reported. Research investigated questions related to the quality, flavor (Drs Fan, Son, Forney, LeBlanc) and safety (Drs Bezanson, Hodges) of whole and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. Studies focused on the maintenance of desirable flavors, inhibition of microbial spoilage and understanding sources of contamination with human pathogens. New strategies were investigated to improve and better maintain inherent fresh-cut product quality and nutrition. Heat- resistant fungi (Byssochlamys striata) from blueberries and blueberry products were characterized providing useful information on preventing losses due to spoilage caused by heat-resistant microorganisms. Bacteriocin production by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) under different growth conditions was investigated, proteins were extracted and protein profiles determined using LC/MS. Microorganisms indigenous to cantaloupe were determined and product quality was evaluated pre- and post LT3 processing. Visual quality changes of cantaloupes resulted from storage duration and temperature; heat treatment and inoculation with Listeria innocua on cantaloupes had no effect on fruit fitness. The impact of moist heat treatment on storage and retail quality of whole cantaloupe melons was evaluated. The retention of desirable, visual, physiological and spoilage-resistance properties were optimal at 4° C. Enhancement of apple aroma was evaluated through aroma volatile precursor treatments. Cutting temporarily increased some flavor compounds. Ethanol and ethyl acetate were enhanced by cutting, which may cause off-flavor. Hydrogen peroxide was evaluated in the preservation of nutrient quality, enhancement of shelf-life and safety of fresh-cut spinach. Brief submersion in dilute hydrogen peroxide preserved the quality and firmness of detached spinach during 15 d storage at 4 C. Leaf associated ascorbic acid was negatively affected, but carotenoid and phenolic levels were maintained. Production and processing history influenced the efficiency of hydrogen peroxide in reducing initial loads of introduced E. coli O157:H7 and controlling subsequent outgrowth of survivor cells on detached spinach leaves. The behavior and survival of non-O157 VTEC was evaluated on field-grown Romaine lettuce. Non-O157 VTEC (relative to O157) displayed equal or better survival on intact Romaine lettuce plants. Serotype O103 was the most persistent.

o Michigan State University Dr. Eva Almenar reported. Drs Almenar and Beaudry explored packaging alternatives for fresh-cut products that can meet consumer, market and industry needs. Development and validation of optimal packaging systems for the safety of fresh-cut produce is currently underway including an evaluation of different sanitizers and in-package gas compositions in the development of antimicrobial packaging. A new descriptive sensory analysis method has been developed in order to better assess the texture of rod/stick-shaped fresh-cut and whole produce. Panelists were trained to press celery sticks onto an ink pad, transfer to an anchored piece of paper and proceed to bend with constant pressure until the celery sticks snapped. The angle created was compared to a nine-point reference scale (1-very crisp, 9 very flexible). This novel method can assess the quality of packaged celery sticks better than current quantitative descriptive analysis texture sensory methods. The method is being correlated with an analytical texture method like three point bending. The effect of packaging material and initial in-packaging gas composition on the quality and safety of chlorine-sanitized celery sticks was evaluated. Two materials differing in permeability (a bio-based polyester and a petroleum-based polyolefin) and four in-package gas compositions were evaluated. Changes in headspace composition, weight loss, surface and cut end color, texture, ethanol content, appearance and Listeria monocytogenes growth were assessed on the celery stick during 21 days. Results revealed that the selection of an adequate initial in-package gas composition and packaging material can significantly affect the quality and safety of celery sticks throughout the marketable period.

o University of California, Davis Dr. Mikal Saltveit reported on his activities. Postharvest researchers in the Mann Laboratory continue to investigate the practical and basic aspects of postharvest quality and safety of fresh-cut fruits and vegetables. New strategies were developed to improve and better maintain inherent fresh-cut product quality and nutrition. Heat shock treatments of asparagus spears were evaluated to increase chilling tolerance. While the chilling tolerance was increased by specific heat-shock treatments, the optimal temperature and duration of exposure varied among segments to such an extent that no one treatment increased the chilling tolerance of the whole spear without either being ineffective or damaging some portion of the spear. The identification of metabolic changes that precede the development of chilling injury may assist in developing storage technologies or breeding strategies that will increase chilling tolerance. Inhibition of wound-induced phenolic compounds in fresh-cut lettuce, in an attempt to reduce browning, was found to inadvertently make the tissue more susceptible to microbial growth. Research showed that small cyclic changes in pressure/vacuum during the controlled or modified atmosphere storage of bulky fruits and vegetables could help maintain fresh-cut product quality by facilitating gas movement across the dermal barrier which would allow holding at much lower oxygen levels.

o Iowa State University Dr. Angela Shaw reported. Drs Shaw, Mendonca, Boylston, Wilson and Brehm-Stecker focused on survival challenge studies with strawberries, leafy greens and melons along with intervention strategies that can be applied to small and very small produce growers. Their food safety extension program focused on education of local produce growers. Critical factors were determined in controlled inoculation studies with human pathogens and surrogates that influence the outcome of microbial risk assessments. The effect of chemical and irradiation treatments to destroy Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica on the outer rind surface of cantaloupe was evaluated. Results indicated that the sequential application of 5%HP + 1%SLA (with or without 1%CA) and low-dose irradiation (0.5 Gy) had potential for eliminating pathogenic bacteria on whole cantaloupe melons. Additional research is required to evaluate the impact of these interventions on quality characteristics of melons. An evaluation of the survival of E. coli O157:H7 on strawberries at various points of growth showed that the organism was able to survive in soil, on the leaves and on fruits from implant to harvest. Greatest survivability on the strawberry fruit occurred when water contamination occurred within the final month of growing. Studies also showed that E. coli O157:H7 has the ability to be transferred from workers contaminated hands to strawberries during normal picking. A survivability study with non-O157 STEC on strawberries and Romaine lettuce was conducted. Five strains of non-O157 E. coli (O26, O103, O111, O121 and O145) were evaluated for their ability to survive during post-harvest storage. It was discovered that there were significant differences in survival among strains over the 6 day shelf life of the study. Guidance was provided to growers through extension programming on the safety of fresh fruits and vegetables.

11. New Business

o Research grant: Pursue funding as a group seeking funding opportunities as a group was suggested by J. Brecht who volunteered to watch out for requests for proposals to see when requests come out. It may be difficult to target both microbiology and physiology issues in one proposal.

o Conference support grant: Improve attendance at S294 Meetings Current funding limitations are a problem for scientists to attend S-294 meetings. R. Moore will contact directors of stations and encourage participation. J. Brecht suggested submitting NIFA grants for and to include funding to attend meetings (S-294 members and their students). Perhaps request matching financial support from UFPA (meeting room, food, letter of support,..) . Also, the S294 Meeting time will be comminicated earlier in the year so participants are aware of the date and may include it in their travel plans.

o Follow up on Book Chapter A discussion took place in regards to the book chapter initially proposed by P. Toivonen at the 2012 S294 Meeting. The FST Council had intentions to complete a book which is in the final stages of completion. The proposed book title was Science and Technology of Fresh-cut produce. An update on the status was to be obtained at the FST council Meeting and followed up with subsequent emails.

12. Adjourn

Meeting adjourned at 11:51 am.

Our thanks to UFPA for providing food and beverage service and a room for the meeting. Thank you UFPA!

Accomplishments

Objective 1: Evaluate methods of sampling and measuring flavor and nutrition of fresh-cut products to facilitate comparison to traditional shelf life factors. Continuation of trained descriptive panels and chemical analysis (volatiles, sugars, acids) to evaluate tangerine, strawberry, and tomato germplasms from University of Florida. 10-years of tomato data are being analyzed to establish a model for tomato quality (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso, Bai USDA/ARS FL). Continuation of flavor research in strawberries: inheritability of the aroma volatile methylanthranilate (MA). MA imparts fruity flavor to strawberries and is only produced in European lines (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso, Bai USDA/ARS FL). Initiated study to evaluate flavor of Citrus x Poncirus hybrids that might impart partial resistance to citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing) due to Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso, Bai USDA/ARS FL). Evaluation of GC-MS sampling technology for volatile flavor analysis of fresh and processed fruits and vegetables, especially SPME stability and quantification (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso, Bai USDA/ARS FL). Preparation of food-grade emulsions and micro-emulsions under microwave conditions, especially for morpholine free coatings for use on whole and fresh-cut fruit (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso, Bai USDA/ARS FL). Development of a Novel Sensory Method to Evaluate the Texture of Rod/Stick-Shaped Fresh-Cut and Whole Produce. A new descriptive sensory analysis method was developed in order to better assess the flexibility of rod/stick shaped fresh-cut and whole produce. This novel method can assess the quality of packaged celery sticks better than current quantitative descriptive analysis texture sensory methods. The method is being correlated with an analytical texture method like three point bending (Almenar MSU). Objective 2: Develop new strategies to improve and better maintain inherent fresh-cut product quality and nutrition. Effect of Tectrol and MAP packaging on eating quality (sensory evaluation) was evaluated in collaboration with Brecht (UF) for blueberry and strawberries as part of a funded SCIR grant (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso, Bai USDA/ARS FL). ClO2 experiments were conducted in clamshell packages for blueberries, grapes in collaboration with industrial partner in a CRADA and collaboration with ARS California (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso, Bai USDA/ARS FL). Humidity efficient clamshells with time release anti-microbial agents were evaluated to decrease microbial growth and maintain flavor and nutritional quality of intact and cut fruits and vegetables (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso, Bai USDA/ARS FL). The use of peroxyacetic acid fog to sanitize whole fruit to prolong the shelf life of fresh-cuts by reducing the contamination on cut fruit surfaces was assessed (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso, Bai USDA/ARS FL) A project to identify the optimal ripeness stage for processing mangoes into fresh-cut slices found that sensory quality during fresh-cut handling is best predicted by fruit firmness rather than color development or compositional measurements (Brecht, Huber, Sargent, Danyluk, Schneider, Simonne, Goodrich, Sims, Bartz UFL). Aroma volatile analysis suggests that there is no chilling threshold breakpoint below 20°C for vine-ripe tomatoes in terms of aroma inhibition (Brecht, Huber, Sargent, Danyluk, Schneider, Simonne, Goodrich, Sims, Bartz UFL). Brief heated water treatment (2.5 min at 54°C or 5 min at 52°C) prior to ethylene treatment and ripening of MG tomatoes at 20C gave better sensory quality, particularly when the fruit were exposed to chilling temperature before ripening, but tomatoes treated later in development (breaker/turning) did not respond as well (Brecht, Huber, Sargent, Danyluk, Schneider, Simonne, Goodrich, Sims, Bartz UFL). A project to identify the optimal ripeness stage for processing mangoes into fresh-cut slices found that sensory quality during fresh-cut handling is best predicted by fruit firmness rather than color development or compositional measurements (Brecht, Huber, Sargent, Danyluk, Schneider, Simonne, Goodrich, Sims, Bartz UFL). Aroma volatile analysis suggests that there is no chilling threshold breakpoint below 20°C for vine-ripe tomatoes in terms of aroma inhibition (Brecht, Huber, Sargent, Danyluk, Schneider, Simonne, Goodrich, Sims, Bartz UFL). Brief heated water treatment (2.5 min at 54°C or 5 min at 52°C) prior to ethylene treatment and ripening of MG tomatoes at 20C gave better sensory quality, particularly when the fruit were exposed to chilling temperature before ripening, but tomatoes treated later in development (breaker/turning) did not respond as well (Brecht, Huber, Sargent, Danyluk, Schneider, Simonne, Goodrich, Sims, Bartz UFL). Characterization of heat- resistant fungi from blueberries and blueberry products. Conducted challenge tests to determine heat treatment conditions (Fan AAFC Kentville). Investigation of bacteriocins production of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) under different growth condition and LAB protein profiles (Fan and Song AAFC Kentville). Determination of microorganisms indigenous to cantaloupe and evaluation of product quality (i.e. visual quality, acidity acids, pH, total soluble solids, flesh color and firmness) pre-and post LT3 processing (Fan AAFC Kentville). Development of packaging and postharvest handling of novel hydroponic leafy green products (Forney AAFC Kentville). Enhancement of apple aroma through aroma volatile precursor treatments (Forney and Song AAFC Kentville). Determination of factors that impact the flavor chemistry (volatiles, sugars, acids) of blueberry and apple juice (Forney AAFC Kentville). Screening of raspberry breeding lines for fruit quality and storage-life (Forney AAFC Kentville) Assessment of hydrogen peroxide as preserver of nutrient quality and enhancer of shelf life in fresh-cut spinach (Bezanson AAFC Kentville Evaluation of the impact of moist heat treatment on storage and retail quality properties of whole cantaloupe melons (Bezanson, Fan, Forney and LeBlanc AAFC Kentville). The effect of packaging material and initial in-package gas composition on the quality and safety of chlorine-sanitized celery sticks was evaluated. Two materials differing in permeability [a bio-based polyester (BB) and a petroleum-based polyolefin (PB)] and four in-package gas compositions [air (A-BB or A-PB), 95% O2 + 5% N2 (O2-BB), 99% N2 + 1% O2 (N2-BB), and 6 % O2 + 12 % CO2 (CO2-BB)] were evaluated. This study shows that the selection of an adequate initial in-package gas composition and packaging material can significantly affect the quality and safety of celery sticks throughout the marketable period (Almenar MSU). The effect of various heat-shock treatments (i.e., combinations of temperature and duration) to increase the chilling tolerance of harvested asparagus spears was evaluated. While the chilling tolerance of all spear segments was increased by specific heat-shock treatments, the optimal temperature and duration of exposure varied among the segments to such an extent that no one treatment increased the chilling tolerance of the whole spear without either being ineffective or damaging some portion of the spear (Saltveit UC Davis). Inhibition of wound-induced phenolic compounds in fresh-cut lettuce, in an attempt to reduce browning, was found to inadvertently make the tissue more susceptible to microbial growth (Saltveit UC Davis). Research showed that small cyclic changes in pressure/vacuum during the controlled or modified atmosphere storage of bulky fruits and vegetables could help maintain fresh-cut product quality by facilitating gas movement across the dermal barrier which would allow holding at much lower oxygen levels (Saltveit UC Davis). Variations in head firmness and other quality characteristics in broccoli cultivars in relation to water relations were studied (Cantwell UC Davis). Storage conditions for cucumber and chili peppers in relation to temperature and variety were studied (Cantwell UC Davis). Continue evaluations of water-jet cutting technology on Romaine lettuce and celery. (Cantwell UC Davis). Investigation of the effects of MAP on extending storage life and maintaining fruit quality of Bartlett pears at simulated transit conditions. MAP could increase the storage life of Bartlett pears with high eating quality by up to 2 months and ensure arrival quality after long-distance export by maintaining cold chain and MA chain (Wang OSU). The effect of Tectrol and MAP packaging on eating quality (sensory evaluation) was evaluated in collaboration with Brecht (UF) for blueberry and strawberries as part of a funded SCIR Grant (Brecht and Mitcham PIs) (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso, Bai USDA ARS US Horticultural Laboratory USHRL). ClO2 experiments in clamshell packaging for blueberries, grapes in collaboration with industrial partner in a CRADA and collaboration with ARS California (Smilanick) (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso, Bai USDA ARS US Horticultural Laboratory USHRL). Humidity efficient clamshells with time release anti-microbial agents to decrease microbial growth and maintain flavor and nutritional quality of intact and cut fruits and vegetables was evaluated (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso, Bai USDA ARS US Horticultural Laboratory USHRL). Using peroxyacetic acid fog to sanitize whole fruit to prolong shelf life of fresh cut fruit by reducing the contamination on cut fruit surfaces was evaluated (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso, Bai USDA ARS US Horticultural Laboratory USHRL). Objective 3: Improve understanding of physiological mechanisms that affect fresh-cut product quality. The response of Romaine lettuce to cutting at 5 or 15°C was determined. The CO2 evolution, O2 consumption and ethylene production were greater at 15°C immediately after cutting and remained higher than at 5°C. The respiratory quotient (RQ) was <1.0 during the first 8-12 h after cutting at both temperatures, then rose and remained steady at about 1 at 5°C, but reached 1.7 at 15°C. The relative changes in CO2 production and O2 consumption suggest that non-respiratory oxidative reactions play a significant role in the post-cutting wound response of fresh-cut lettuce (Brecht, Huber, Sargent, Danyluk, Schneider, Simonne, Goodrich, Sims, Bartz UFL). A brief heated water treatment (2.5 min at 54°C or 5 min at 52°C) was applied to MG (prior to ethylene treatment) and breaker/turning tomatoes; the fruit were then ripened at 20°C and/or stored at 5 or 12°C; production of antioxidants, including carotenoids and phenolics, was stimulated, and antioxidant capacity (ORAS and FRAP) increased, indicating up-regulation of the antioxidant system (with ARS-Ft. Pierce) (Brecht, Huber, Sargent, Danyluk, Schneider, Simonne, Goodrich, Sims, Bartz UFL). Chlorophyll fluorescence, phenolic metabolism, proteins and free amino acids were measured as potential indicators of the physiological age of broccoli and Romaine lettuce. Although amounts changed during the progression of senescence, differences among samples made this approach infeasible (Brecht, Huber, Sargent, Danyluk, Schneider, Simonne, Goodrich, Sims, Bartz UFL). Fresh-cut apple tissue shows high sorption capacity for gaseous 1-MCP and 1-MCP sorption to fresh-cut apple is significantly reduced in tissue following short periods of tissue aging or application of the hydroxyl radical quencher hypotaurine (Brecht, Huber, Sargent, Danyluk, Schneider, Simonne, Goodrich, Sims, Bartz UFL). Identification and characterization of volatile compounds responsible for fruit flavor using gas chromatography-mass-spectroscopy-olfactory detection (GC-MS-OD) of apples and highbush blueberries (Fan and Forney, AAFC Kentville) Determination of the effects of cutting on apple volatile metabolism (Forney and Son, AAFC Kentville) Impact of moist heat treatment on ripening physiology of whole cantaloupe melons (Forney, Bezanson, Fan, LeBlanc AAFC Kentville). Many fresh-cut fruits and vegetables are susceptible to chilling injury, a physiological response elicited by holding susceptible tissue at non-freezing temperatures below 10 °C. Chilling injury can reduce quality, and since the recommended storage temperature is often lower than 10 °C, may present problems for many fresh-cut fruits and vegetables, especially in mixed trays. We are using the techniques of metabolic profiling to identify pathways that are altered by chilling and may contribute to the development of chilling injury symptoms (Saltveit UC Davis). The impact of nitrogen nutrition on composition and textural properties was studied on spinach leaves produced in hydroponic and field production. This has relevance to performance of raw material in fresh-cut washing, drying and packaging operations (Cantwell UC Davis). The effect of nitrogen fertilization on yield and quality of bell peppers (Cantwell UC Davis) Use of 1-MCP to moderate ripening of tomatoes was studied in relation to whether color stage indicated sufficient physiological uniformity to ensure useful and consistent delay in ripening but with final good color development (Cantwell UC Davis). Conducting storage tests on radicchio as fresh and fresh-cut product; in progress (Cantwell UC Davis) Effects of different commercial fertilizers, harvest times and storage on the anti-oxidant properties of two varieties of organically grown blackberries (Cavender, Liu, Zhao OSU) Effect of organic production systems on the physiochemical properties of blackberry fruits during post-harvest storage (Liu, Cavender, Jung, Feng, Zhao OSU) Continuation of gene expression studies in orange juice from fruit infected by Huanglongbing to detect pathogen DNA in fresh and processed juice (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso, Bai USDA ARS US Horticultural Laboratory USHRL). Understanding mechanism of chemically-induced stomata closing (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso, Bai USDA ARS US Horticultural Laboratory USHRL). Studying chilling and wounding-induced redox reaction in horticultural crops (Baldwin, Plotto, Narciso, Bai USDA ARS US Horticultural Laboratory USHRL). Objective 4: Determine critical factors in controlled inoculation studies with human pathogens and surrogates that influence the outcome of quantitative microbial risk assessments. Studies continued to evaluate risk factors during the production, harvest, and postharvest handling of fresh items. Transfer of Salmonella to or from tomatoes in cartons was greatest with wet inoculum, regardless of carton type or storage temperature. A greater percentage of Salmonella transferred from tomatoes to cartons than from cartons to tomatoes, regardless of carton type or storage temperature. Salmonella cross-contamination risks may increase under some conditions when cartons are dirty or reused (Brecht, Huber, Sargent, Danyluk, Schneider, Simonne, Goodrich, Sims, Bartz UFL). Investigation of the fate of E. coli O157:H7 and non-O157 VTEC on field lettuce and in soil in two geographically distinct sites (Bach, Bezanson, Delaquis, AAFC Kenvtille, AAFC Summerland). Comparison of E. coli O157:H7 survival on lettuce plants grown in the field and controlled environment chambers (Bach, Delaquis AAFC Summerland). Studies on the behavior of E. coli O157:H7 in fresh-cut lettuce in the Canadian distribution system (Delaquis AAFC Summerland). Quantification of the impact of stress on the colonization and behavior of VTEC on spinach and Romaine lettuce (Bach, Delaquis, Bezanson, AAFC Summerland, AAFC Kentville). Determination of the effects of chemical and irradiation treatments to destroy Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica on the outer rind of cantaloupe (Shaw, Mendonca, Boylston, Wilson, Byron-Stecher ISU). Evaluation of the survival of E. coli O157:H7 on strawberries throughout the growing season (Shaw, Mendonca, Boylston, Wilson, Byron-Stecher ISU). Evaluation of the survival of non-O157 VTEC on strawberries and Romaine lettuce (Shaw, Mendonca, Boylston, Wilson, Byron-Stecher ISU). Objective 5: Evaluate and control unintentional and intentional microbial contamination of intact and fresh-cut produce. Utilizing an overhead spray brush roller sanitation system, we examined the efficacy of water, PAA, ClO2 and NaOCl on Salmonella inoculated tomatoes. After only 5 s, PAA reached a 2.8 log CFU/ml reduction, conversely, NaOCl, ClO2, and water each had a 1.9 log CFU/ml reduction. All sanitizers reached a 3-log unit reduction at 15 s, including water. PAA consistently achieved about a 1-log unit higher reduction than the other sanitizers for 5, 15, and 30 s treatments. Increasing treatment time to 30 s did not significantly increase reduction by ClO2 or NaOCl, but did for PAA. At 60 s, average log reductions by sanitizers were all significantly higher than water and were not significantly different from each other (Brecht, Huber, Sargent, Danyluk, Schneider, Simonne, Goodrich, Sims, Bartz UFL). Physical injury did not significantly or differently affect the fate of E. coli O157:H7 or Salmonella populations on three-quarter ripe versus full ripe strawberries at either 2C or 15.5C. Populations of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella decreased under all experimental conditions (Brecht, Huber, Sargent, Danyluk, Schneider, Simonne, Goodrich, Sims, Bartz UFL). Application of hypoxic pre-cutting treatments was evaluated for effects on enhancing wound-associated hydrogen peroxide production in Romaine lettuce and survival of E. coli O157:H7 (Bach, Delaquis, Toivonen AAFC Summerland). Evaluation of hydrogen peroxide as an agent for controlling E. coli O157:H7 on fresh-cut spinach (Bezanson AAFC Kentville). The effect of packaging material and initial in-package gas composition on the quality and safety of chlorine-sanitized celery sticks (Gonzalez-Buesa, Page, Kamisnski, Ryser, Beaudry, Almenar, MSU) Development of bio-based antimicrobial films based on polylactic acid/chitosan multilayers for controlled release of antimicrobial (Gartner, Ryser, Almenar, MSU). The influence of hand hygiene was evaluated for its effects on contamination of strawberries with E. coli O157:H7. It was concluded that E. coli O157:H7 has the ability to be transferred from contaminated hands to strawberries during normal picking and that workers have the potential to transfer the bacteria onto their clothing and skin during the harvesting process (Shaw, Mendonca, Boylston, Wilson, Byron-Stecher ISU). A post-juicing method for the reduction of Listeria monocytogenes in wheat grass and wheat grass juice products was evaluated. Preliminary results indicate that the wheat grass and the juice are an excellent media for the growth of spoilage organisms and foodborne pathogens, when present (Shaw, Mendonca, Boylston, Wilson, Byron-Stecher ISU). Studies were conducted to validate inoculation, bacterial recovery methods and to validate the effectiveness of peracetic (PAA) acid as an antimicrobial to reduce pathogens on leafy greens and tomatoes (Deitch, McKee, Woods Auburn University). Studied the effects of water hardness and pH on the efficacy of chlorine-based sanitizers for inactivating E. coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes (Hung, UG). Examination of the efficacy of various washing technologies available to consumers to reduce pathogens on fresh produce (Frank UG). Tested the transfer of human norovirus to stainless steel and small fruits during handling (Cannon UG). Evaluated levulinic acid and sodium dodecyl sulfate as sanitizers for use in processing Georgia-grown cantaloupes (Erickson and Doyle UG). Examined the effectiveness of UV light to reduce Salmonella contamination on tomatoes (Harrison UG). Identification of a new sanitizer composition that can achieve 5 log reductions in the survival count of E. coli on produce surface (Feng, Zhao, Kushad, UL) Test ultrasound and chlorine combined wash in a pilot scale continuously flow to significantly enhance the efficacy of sanitation (Feng, Zhao, Kushad, UL) Draft genome sequences for two strains of Erwinia tracheiphila, the causal agent of bacterial wilt of cucurbits, were obtained with both shotgun and pair-end libraries. A total of 620 million bases were obtained, which represents about 60 fold coverage of the genome at approximately 4.8 mbps. Initial assembly yielded about 42 scaffolds with about 400 contigs (Feng, Zhao, Kushad, UL) . We have determined the number of plasmid in the two strains of E. tracheiphila, generated an OpMap for both genomes based on restriction enzyme digestion, and aligned all the contigs and scaffolds to the map. We have also compared and aligned two genomes to define the difference, and closed 37 and 40 gaps, respectively. (Feng, Zhao, Kushad, UL) Bacterial populations within the insect vectors of E. tracheiphila were also determined. Six major bacterial species belongs to 6 different genera within Enterobacteriaceae, which includes most of current known microbes that are of concern to food safety on fresh produce, such as Serratia. (Feng, Zhao, Kushad, UL). The antimicrobial activity of the essential oils (EOs) from cinnamon bark, oregano, mustard and of their major components cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol, and allyl isothiocyanate (AIT) were evaluated as a gaseous treatment to reduce Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium in vitro and on tomatoes (Fan, Annous, USDA ARS PA). A novel in-package ozonation device (PlasmaLabel) was evaluated for its effectiveness in inactivating three microorganisms, such as Listeria innocua, attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 on tomatoes, and its effect on fruit quality. The PlasmaLabel system produced ozone inside sealed film bags, reaching a concentration of 1,000 ppm within 1 min of activation. The results suggest that the three bacteria responded differently to ozonation, and the PlasmaLabel system may be an alternative to aqueous sanitizers for inactivating foodborne pathogens on tomatoes (Fan, Annous, USDA ARS PA). Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light was investigated for its efficacy in inactivating 4-5 individual strains of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. on apricots, in addition to a four-strain composite of Shiga toxin-negative E. coli O157:H7 and a cocktail of three attenuated strains of Salmonella Typhimurium and S. Typhimurium LT2. Also, the survival of E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella spp. after exposure to 74 and 442 mJ/cm2 of UV-C was evaluated during post-UV storage at 2 and 20°C. Our results suggest that surface-inoculated bacteria survived poorly following UV-C treatment of apricots (Fan, Annous, USDA ARS PA). Field validation of the newly installed hot water surface pasteurization of cantaloupe, based on the technology developed at ERRC, is underway. The treatment utilizes tap water at 160F for 45 seconds. The industry partner had the processing equipment built and installed at their cantaloupe processing facility for evaluation. The preliminary data indicate that the treatment is capable of reducing total plate count by at least 99.9% and total coliforms to non-detectable levels. Collaboration between ERRC and the industry partner is underway to evaluate the effect of this commercial process on microbial quality, shelf-life, and sensory quality of fresh and fresh-cut cantaloupes. Chlorine dioxide gas treatment of mung bean seeds and mung bean sprouts, inoculated with a cocktail of Salmonella Newport, Infantis, and Muechenfor, for 15 min using a unique processing system that was developed at ERRC has resulted in excess of 99.999% reduction in Salmonella populations. The newly developed process suggests the feasibility of using this treatment by the industry to enhance the safety of this commodity (Fan, Annous, USDA ARS PA). Pilot-scale hot water treatment for enhancing safety of whole cantaloupes with exposure time of up to 90 seconds was developed in support of the industry needs. Treatment of whole cantaloupes inoculated with Salmonella Poona in hot water at 92C for up to 90 seconds has resulted in excess of 99.999% reduction in S. Poona populations on cantaloupe surfaces. Shelf life of whole cantaloupes was evaluated for up to 7 days following treatment with no adverse effects on visual qualities. Similar results were obtained for Listeria monocytogenes. These results indicate the feasibility of incorporating this treatment into the existing industrial processing line. Field validation and transfer of this technology to industry is underway (Fan, Annous, USDA ARS PA). Optimization of pilot scale ClO2 gas treatment of green and ripened tomatoes was conducted in a 10 cubic foot chamber. Tomatoes were inoculated to an average of 4.5 log CFU/g with Salmonella Montevideo, and stored at 12.5C for 24 h prior to treatment. ClO2 treatments consisted of 6h fumigations at 0.4 or 0.8 mg/l. Tomatoes were stored at 12.5 or 18C following treatment for up to 14 days. Treatments using 0.8 mg/l ClO2 has resulted in reductions of 4.5 log CFU/g following up to 14 days of storage. The treatment helped increase the shelf life of produce by reducing the spoilage microorganism populations on the surface. Also, this treatment has no adverse effects on the visual qualities other than bleached stem scar. This data suggest the feasibility of this process for enhancing the safety and shelf life of this commodity (Fan, Annous, USDA ARS PA).

Publications

Koutsimanis, G.; Getter, K.; Behe, B.; Harte, J.; Almenar, E. 2012. Influences of packaging attributes on consumer purchase decisions for fresh produce. Appetite, 59: 270-280. Lee, R.S.; Pranata. M.; Ustunol, Z.; Almenar, E. 2013. Influence of glycerol and water activity on the properties of compressed egg white-based bioplastics. Journal of Food Engineering, 118(1): 132-140. Koutsimanis, G.; Harte, J.; Beaudry, R.; Harte, B.; Almenar, E. 2012. Development of a new packaging approach for fresh produce: A case study on fresh cherries under domestic and international supply chain conditions. In: Proceedings of the 18th IAPRI World Packaging Conference. Singh, Ed. DEStech Publications, Inc. Caliendo, Header. MSU study shows packages influence produce purchase. PlasticsToday.com (on line publication (access: July, 2012): http://www.plasticstoday.com/articles/MSU-study-shows-packages-influence-produce-purchases-0712201202). Chang, A.S. and K.R. Schneider. 2012. Evaluation of overhead spray-applied sanitizers for the reduction of Salmonella on tomato surfaces. J. Food Sci. 77: M65-M69. Dea, S., J.K. Brecht, M.C.N. Nunes, and E.A. Baldwin. 2013. Optimal ripeness stage for processing mangoes into fresh-cut slices. HortTechnology 23:12-23. Deltsidis, A., P. Tsouvaltzis, and J. Brecht. 2012. Wound-induced respiration and ethylene production in fresh cut Romaine lettuce. Acta Hort. 934:613-618. Harris, L.J., J. Bender, E. Bihn, T. Blessington, M.D. Danyluk, P, Delaquis, L.D. Goodridge, A. Ibekwe, S. Ilic, K. Kniel, J. Lejeune, D.W. Schaffner, D. Stoeckel, and T.V. Suslow. 2012. Framework for developing research protocols: Evaluating microbial hazards and controls during production that pertain to the quality of agricultural water contacting fresh produce that may be consumed raw. J. Food Protection 75:2251-2273. Lee, J.S., D.J. Huber, C.B. Watkins, and B. Hurr. 2012. Influence of wounding and aging on 1-MCP sorption and metabolism in fresh-cut tissue and cell-free homogenates from apple fruit. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 67: 52-58 Loayza, F.E., A. Plotto, E.A. Baldwin, and J.K. Brecht. 2010. Evaluation of the impact of hot water treatment on the sensory quality of fresh tomatoes. Acta Hort. 934:1305-1311. Nguyen, T. and M. Danyluk. 2012. Fate of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella on full and three-quarter ripe strawberries. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 12 Bergeron Quirion, S, Villeneuve, S, LeBlanc, DI and Delaquis, P. 2012. Thermophysical properties and thermal behavior of leafy vegetables packaged in clamshells. Journal of Food Engineering 113:27-32. McKellar, RC, LeBlanc, DI, Lu, J and Delaquis, P. 2012. Simulation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 behaviour in fresh-cut lettuce under dynamic temperature conditions during distribution from processing to retail. Foodborne Pathogens and Disease 9:239-244. Hashemi Beni, L, Villeneuve, S, LeBlanc, DI, Côté, K, Fazil, A, Otten, A, McKellar, R and Delaquis, P. 2012. Spatio-temporal assessment of food safety risks in Canadian food distribution systems using GIS. Spatial and Spatio-temporal Epidemiology.3:215-223. Bezanson, G, Delaquis, P, Bach, S, McKellar, R, Topp, E, Gill, A, Blais, B and Gilmour, M. 2012. A comparative examination of Escherichia coli O157:H7 survival on Romaine lettuce and in soil at two independent experimental sites. Journal of Food Protection. 75:480-487. Toivonen, P.M.A., C. Lu, S. Bach & P. Delaquis. 2012. Modulation of wound-induced hydrogen peroxide and its influence on the fate of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in cut lettuce tissues. Journal of Food Protection 75: 2208-2212. Bezanson, G., Delaquis, P., Bach, S., McKellar, R., Topp, E., Gill, A., Blais, B., Gilmore, M. 2012. Comparative examination of Escherichia coli O157:H7 survival on Romaine lettuce and in soil at two independent experimental sites. J. Food Prot. 75: 480-487. Bezanson, G., Ells, T., Prange, R. 2013. Effect of composting on microbial contamination and quality of fresh fruits and vegetables: a mini review. Acta Hort. (in press). Delaquis, P., Bezanson, G., McKellar, R., Gajadhar, A. 2012. Fate of protozoan oocysts (Eimeria papillata) on lettuce in field plots. IAFP Annual Meeting, Providence (abstract P3-40). DeLong, J., D.M. Hodges, R.K. Prange, C.F. Forney, L. Fan, C. Bishop, M.L. Elliot, M.A. Jordan and C. Doucette. 2013. The influence of cold water storage on fatty acids, antioxidant content and activity, and microbial load in ostrich fern fiddleheads (Mattueccia struthiopteris). Canadian Journal of Plant Science (in press). Duarte-Sierra, A., R. Corcuff, C. Forney, P. Angers, and J. Arul. 2012. Influence of UV-C on color development and free amino acid profile in broccoli florets during postharvest storage. Acta Hort. 945: 97-103. Duarte-Sierra, A., Hasan, M., Forney, C.F., Michaud, D., and Arul, J., 2012. Effect of stresses on glucosinolates and hydroxy-cinnamic acids profile in broccoli florets during postharvest storage. Abstracts 7th International Postharvest Symposium 2012 (IPS 2012):p. 39 (Abstract). Fan, L. and L. Truelstrup Hansen. 2012. Fermentation and biopreservation of plant based foods with lactic acid bacteria. In: Handbook of plant based fermented food and beverage technology (editors: Hui, Y.H and Ozgul Evranuz, E.). (Cat# K12217). (CRC Press). pp. 35-48. Fan, L., J. DeLong, C. Doucette, T. Hughes and C. Bishop. 2012. Effect of heat treatment on microbial quality of fiddleheads. United Fresh 2012. (Abstract). Fan, L., D. Sharpe, E. Yang, C. Doucette, J. Song, L. Truelstrup Hansen and S. Fillmore. 2012. Antimicrobial effects of bacteriocins producing lactic acid bacteria isolated from plant origin. Progress and Challenges in Bacteriocin Research organized by the Biochemical Society. Conference proceeding. Forney, C.F., 2013. Impact of postharvest technologies on the flavour of fresh produce. Acta Horticulturae (in press). Forney, C.F., G.S. Bezanson, L. Fan, T.C. Ells, and D.I. LeBlanc. 2012. Development of the low temperature thermal treatment process to sanitize fresh-cut cantaloupe. United Fresh 2012. (Abstract Forney, C.F., L. Fan, J. Song, and M.A. Jordan. 2012. Impact of heat treatments on the volatile composition of apples. United Fresh 2012. (Abstract). Forney, C.F., M.A. Jordan, L. Fan, C. Doucette and R. Grant. 2012. Influence of packaging on loss of aroma and quality of diced red onions. Acta Horticulturae (ISHS), 934: 523-530 Forney, C.F., W. Kalt, M.A. Jordan, M.A. Vinqvist-Tymchuk, and S. Fillmore. 2012. Blueberry and cranberry fruit composition during development. J. Berry Res. 2:169-177. Forney, C.F., W. Kalt, M.A. Jordan, M.A. Vinqvist-Tymchuk, and S. Fillmore. 2012. Compositional changes in blueberry and cranberry fruit during ripening. Acta Hort. 926: 331-338. LeBlanc, D., Vignault, C., Boudin, J., Toussaint, V., Charlebois, D., Forney, C., Bourgeois, G., Clement, A., Bezanson, G. 2012. Design and performance of controlled environment mini-chamber for measuring produce quality deterioration. J. Agr. Sci. Tech. B2: 391-399. Ong, M.K., Forney, C.F., and Ali, A., 2012. Physicochemical changes in Frangi papaya (Carica papaya L.) during ambient storage. Abstracts 7th International Postharvest Symposium 2012 (IPS 2012):p.109 (Abstract). Orlowska, M., Koutchma, T., Defelice, C., Kostrzynska, M., Bezanson, G., Tang, J. 2012. Application of the prototype Taylor-Couette UV reactor for the processing of opaque juices. CIFST 50th National Conference, Niagara Falls (abstract). Yang, E., L. Fan, Y. Jiang, C. Doucette and S. Fillmore. 2012. Antimicrobial activity of bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria isolated from cheeses and yogurts. Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Express. 2 (Article No. 48). doi: 10.1186/2191-0855-2-48. Barros, M., M.E. Saltveit 2013 Microbial growth in fresh-cut lettuce increases when wound-induced phenolic accumulation is suppressed. Postharvest Biology and Technology 83: 3439. Luengwilai, K., M.E. Saltveit, D.M. Beckles 2012 Metabolite content of harvested Micro-Tom tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) fruit is altered by chilling and protective heat-shock treatments as shown by GCMS metabolic profiling. Postharvest Biology and Technology 63: 116122. Luengwilai, K., D.M. Beckles, M.E. Saltveit 2012 Chilling-injury of harvested tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) cv. Micro-Tom fruit is reduced by temperature pre-treatments. Postharvest Biology and Technology 63: 123128. Fishburn, Jillian D.; Yanjie Tang, Joseph F. Frank. Efficacy of Various Consumer-Friendly Produce Washing Technologies in Reducing Pathogens on Fresh Produce. Food Protection Trends, vol. 32, no. 8, pp. 456-466, August 2012 Pangloli, Philipus, Yen-Con Hung. Effects of water hardness and pH on efficacy of chlorine-based sanitizers for inactivating Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes. Food Control 32(3013): 626-631. Pangloli, Philipus, Yen-Con Hung. Reducing microbiological safety risk on blueberries through innovative washing technologies. Food Control Vol 32, No. 2, Aug 2013, pages 621-625. Sharps, Christopher P., Grishma Kotwal, and Jennifer L. Cannon. Human Norovirus Transfer to Stainless Steel and Small Fruits during Handling. Journal of Food Protection Vol. 75, No. 8, 2012, pages 14371446. doi:10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-12-052. Wang, Qing; Marilyn Erickson, Ynes R. Ortega, and Jennifer L. Cannon. The Fate of Murine Norovirus and Hepatitis A Virus During Preparation of Fresh Produce by Cutting and Grating. Food Environ Virol, Nov 2012. DOI 10.1007/s12560-012-9099-4. Wang, Qing; Marilyn Erickson, Ynes R. Ortega, and Jennifer L. Cannon. Physical Removal and Transfer of Murine Norovirus and Hepatitis A Virus from Contaminated Produce by Scrubbing and Peeling. Journal of Food Protection, Vol. 76, No. 1, 2013, pages 8592. doi:10.4315/0362-028X.JFP-12-311 Cantwell, M. (ed. compiler). 2012. Fresh-cut Products: Maintaining Quality and Safety. Univ. California Postharvest Horticulture Series No. 10. UC Postharvest Research and Information Center (http://postharvest.ucdavis.edu/files/93535.pdf ). Hard copy and CD. New edition Sept 2012. Gutiérrez-Rodríguez, E., H.J. Lieth, J.A. Jernstedt, J.M. Labavith, T.V. Suslow and M.I. Cantwell. 2013. Texture, composition and anatomy of spinach leaves in relation to nitrogen fertilization. J. Science Food Agriculture 93: 227237. Tudela, J.A., A. Marína, Y. Garridoa, M. Cantwell, M. S. Medina-Martínez, M. I. Gil. 2013. Off-odour development in modified atmosphere packaged baby spinach is an unresolved problem. Postharvest Biol. Tech. 75: 75-85. Cantwell, M.I. and A. Thangaiah. 2012. Acceptable cooling delays for selected warm season vegetables and melons. Acta Hort. 934: 77-84. Fan, X. 2012. Ionizing radiation. In: V. Gómez-López (ed.). Decontamination of Fresh and Minimally Processed Produce. Pp. 379-406. Wiley-Blackwell, Ames, IA. (Book chapter). Fan, X. Sokorai, KJB., Engemann, J., Gurtler, J., Liu, Y. 2012. Inactivation of L. innocua, S. Typhimurium and E. coli O157:H7 on surface and stem scar areas of tomatoes using in-package ozonation. J. Food Protect. 75(9):1611-8. Chen, W., Jin, T.Z., Gurtler, J.B., Geveke, D.J., and Fan, X. 2012. Inactivation of Salmonella on whole cantaloupe by application of an antimicrobial coating containing chitosan and allyl isothiocyanate . Intern. J. Food Microbiol. 155(3):165-170. Fan, X., Sokorai, K.J.B., Niemia, B.A., Mills, R., Zhen, M. 2012. Quality of irradiated head Iceberg lettuce and treatments to minimize irradiation-induced injury. HortScience 47(8):11081112. Li, W., Li, X., Fan. X., Tang Y, Yun J. 2012. Response of antioxidant activity and sensory quality in fresh-cut pear as affected by high O2 active packaging. Food Sci. Technol. Intern. 18: 197-205. Yun, Y., Li, X., Fan, X., Tang, Y., Liu, H., Shao, C. 2012. Effect of gamma irradiation on microbial load, physicochemical and sensory characteristics of soybeans (Glycine max L. Merrill). Radiation Phyiscs and Chemistry. 10:6581-6589. Igual, M., Sampedro, F., Martínez-Navarrete, N., Fan, X. 2012. Combined osmodehydration and high pressure processing on the enzyme stability and antioxidant capacity of a grapefruit jam. J. Food Eng. 114:514-521. Fan, X., Guan, W., Sokorai, K.J.B. 2012. Quality of fresh-cut Iceberg lettuce and spinach irradiated at doses up to 4 kGy. Radiation Phys. Chem. 81: 10711075. Fan X. 2012. Irradiation of fresh and fresh-cut fruits and vegetables: Quality and shelf-life. Pp. 271-294. In: Fan, X. and Sommers, C.H. (eds.): Food Irradiation: Research and Technology, 2nd. Edition. Willy-Blackwell, West Sussex, United Kingdom. 446 pp Fratamico, P.M., V. Juneja, B.A. Annous, V. Rasanayagam, M. Sundar, D. Braithwaite, and S. Fisher. 2012. Application of ozonated dry ice (AligalTM Blue Ice) for packaging and transport in the food industry. J. Food Sci. 77(5):M285-M291. Kamleh, R., Jurdi, M., and Annous, B.A. 2012. Management of microbial food safety in the Arab countries. J. Food Prot. 75: 2082-2090. Olanya, O.M., Annous, B.A., Niemira, B.A., Ukuku, D.O., and Sommers, C.H. 2012. Effects of media on recovery of Escherichia coli 0157:H7 and Pseudomonas fluorescens from spinach. J. Food Safety. 32:492-501. Loayza, F.E. , J.K. Brecht, A. Plotto, E.A. Baldwin and J. Bai. 2012. Evaluation of the Impact of Hot Water Treatment on the Sensory Quality of Fresh Tomatoes. Acta Hort. 934: 1305-1311. Yin, X., Long, L., Huang, X., Jaja, N., Bai, J., Seavert, C. 2012. Transitional Effects of Double-Lateral Drip Irrigation and Straw Mulch on Irrigation Water Consumption, Mineral Nutrition, Yield, and Storability of Sweet Cherry. HortTechnology. 22(4):484-492. Zhou B, Lee H, Feng H. 2012. Food decontamination by power ultrasound. In Food decontamination novel methods and applications, (eds.) Demirci A, Ngadi M, Woodhead Publishing Ltd, Cambridge, UK. Fransisca L, Park H, Feng H. 2012. Escherichia coli O157:H7 population reduction from alfalfa seeds with malic acid and thiamine dilauryl sulfate and quality evaluation of the resulting sprouts. Journal of Food Science, 77: M121-M126. Fransisca L, Feng H. 2012. The effect of surface roughness on inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 by a novel sanitizer on surfaces of alfalfa, broccoli, and radish seeds. Journal of Food Protection, 75: 261-269. Zhou B, Luo Y, Millner P, Feng H. 2012. Sanitation and design of lettuce coring knives for minimizing Escherichia coli O157:H7 contamination. Journal of Food Protection, 75: 563-566. Zhou B, Feng H, Pearlstein AJ. 2012. Continuous-flow ultrasonic washing system for fresh produce surface decontamination, Innovative Food Science and Emerging Technologies, 16: 427-435.

Impact Statements

Efforts by S-294 scientists to assist fruit growers and processors have enhanced product quality and microbial safety.
Novel post-harvest technologies for extending shelf-life and enhancing nutritional and microbial quality of whole and fresh-cut produce of interest to the produce industry are being developed by S-294 scientists.
Knowledge generated from studies is being used by S-294 scientists in outreach activities and in the classroom.
The S-294 members presented posters at the United Fresh Tech trade show. These posters generated interest from industry and led to follow-up interactions with researchers.
Provided extension programming on food safety of fresh fruits and vegetables to farmers markets and 150 registered vegetable growers in Iowa through Good Agricultural Practices USDA funded 3-level sequential training (ISU)
Provided extension train the trainer to 229 extension and community support staff on the safety of fresh fruits and vegetables (ISU).
Information about the optimal ripeness stage for processing mangoes into fresh-cut slices and best management practices for fresh-cut mango processing have been disseminated to the industry through the National Mango Board. (UF)
We now have a better understanding of why responsiveness to 1-MCP is significantly reduced in fresh-cut products (i.e., enzymatic or free radical reactions contribute to increased tissue sorption). (UF)
We now know that harvesting full ripe strawberries, with or without subsequent injury, does not impose any additional food safety risks. (UF)
Increased fundamental knowledge pertaining to the modulation of wound induced hydrogen peroxide in leafy greens and effects on human pathogens. (AAFC Summerland)
Models were developed to predict the behaviour of E. coli O157:H7 on field lettuce destined for processing, in packaged fresh-cut lettuce and in Canadian distribution systems, and to map risk associated with contaminated lettuce in a distribution chain. (AAFC Summerland)
The 30 days old spores of Byssochlamys striata had significantly higher thermal resistance than 15 days old spores. Practical heat inactivation data were generated for different heat time and temperature combinations (AAFC Kentville).
The D-values of B. striata at 80, 85, 90, 93, 95, 96 and 99 °C were found, and the Z-values calculated from the thermal death time curves were also determined. These results provide useful information on preventing losses due to spoilage caused by the heat- resistant microorganisms (AAFC Kentville).
Developed methodology to extract proteins from bacteriocin producing LAB and determined protein profiles using LC/MS (AAFC Kentville).
Heat treatment with LT3 at 84 °C for 4 min significantly inhibited microbial population. Heat treatment inhibited total plate counts by 2-3 log and almost totally controlled yeast and molds and coliforms during 14 day storage at 4, 7 and 10 °C (AAFC Kentville).
Visual quality changes of cantaloupes resulted from storage duration and temperature; heat treatment and inoculation with Listeria innocua on cantaloupes had no significant effect on fruit firmness compared with their controls (AAFC Kentville).
Fruit maturity plays an important role in aroma formation for both intact and fresh-cut apples. Cutting resulted in a significant increase in respiration and temporally increased some flavor compounds. Ethanol and ethyl acetate where enhanced by cutting, which may cause off-flavor (AAFC Kentville).
Brief submersion in dilute hydrogen peroxide preserved the visual quality and firmness of detached spinach during prolonged (15 days) storage at 10°C. Leaf-associated ascorbic acid (oxidized and reduced) was negatively affected, but carotenoid and phenolic levels were maintained (AAFC Kentville).
The retention of desirable visual, physiological, and spoilage-resistance properties by heat-treated cantaloupe was optimal at a low storage temperature of 4°C. Although rind respiration rates were diminished by heat exposure, the quality and firmness of the edible fleshy portions remained intact (AAFC Kentville).
Non-O157 STEC serotypes (relative to serotype O157:H7) display equal or better survival on intact growing Romaine lettuce plants. Decay kinetics for most serotypes were best presented using the Weibull model. The serotype O103 strain appeared to be more persistence. Certain serotypes had poorer survival in Atlantic Coastal soil compared to those in British Columbia, suggesting regional differences (AAFC Kentville, AAFC Summerland).
Starved surrogate STEC inoculated onto intact field-grown lettuce displayed a biphasic decay curve not exhibited by non-stressed cells. Starved pathogenic strains exhibit decreased capacities to form biofilm and shiga toxin. Subsequent to their introduction to detached spinach leaves, stressed cells resume toxin production within 72h incubation (AAFC Kentville, AAFC Summerland).
Production and processing history influence hydrogen peroxide proficiency in reducing initial loads of introduced E. coli O157 and controlling subsequent outgrowth of survivor cells on detached spinach leaves. Best sanitization was achieved with chamber-grown leaves (4.25 log reduction) followed by field-grown and retail packaged leaves (2.03 and 0.75 log decreases, respectively). Optimal outgrowth control occurred with field-grown leaves. Sanitization capacity was influenced by inoculum size and duration of pathogen-leaf association (AAFC Kentville).
Exposure to steam at 84°C for 4 mins achieved upwards to 3.8 log reductions in Listeria innocua populating rinds of intact, whole cantaloupes with no significant outgrowth of survivor cells. In a simulation of environmental cross-contamination, steam-treated melons provided suitable milieus for pathogen growth, allowing an average increase in L. innocua densities of 3.4 logs (AAFC Kentville)
Small cyclic changes in pressure/vacuum during controlled or modified atmosphere storage of bulky fruits and vegetables could help maintain fresh-cut product quality by facilitating gas movement across the dermal barrier which would allow holding at much lower oxygen levels (UC Davis).
A heat-shock treatment increased the chilling tolerance of the upper half of the 18-cm spear of asparagus without damaging other portions (UC Davis).
Treatments that reduce tissue browning in lettuce by interfering with the natural wound-induced accumulation of phenolic compounds may inadvertently make the tissue more susceptible to microbial growth (UC Davis).
Identifying metabolic changes that precede the development of chilling injury may assist in developing storage technologies or breeding strategies that will increase chilling tolerance (UC Davis).
Electrolyzed oxidizing (EO) water treatment exhibited more consistent effectiveness than the ozone, vegetable wash or tap water and was more effective than chlorine for treating lettuce but less effective than chlorine for treating cantaloupes (UG).
The hardness or pH of water used to prepare EO water or bleach solutions decreases the bactericidal activity of sanitizers made from that water (UG).
Human noroviruses transferred at higher rates under wet conditions than dry conditions (UG).
After preparation of a contaminated produce item, knife cross-contamination easily occurred as human noroviruses were detected in all subsequently prepared produce (UG).
Scrubbing and peeling produce can reduce levels of noroviruses on contaminated produce, but the importance of utensil sanitation to prevent cross-contamination is indicated (UG).
Use of UV-C light may be a promising means to reduce Salmonella contamination on fresh tomatoes (UG).

Date of Annual Report: 12/31/2014

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/11/2014 - 06/11/2014
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2013 - 09/01/2014

Participants

Participants Attachment:

Attachment

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

Attachment

Accomplishments

Publications

1. Barros, M. and M.E. Saltveit. 2013. Microbial growth in fresh-cut lettuce increases when wound-induced phenolic accumulation is suppressed. Postharvest Biol. Tech. 34-39. 2. Cantwell, M. (ed. compiler). 2013. Fresh-cut Products: Maintaining Quality and Safety. Univ. California Postharvest Horticulture Series No. 10. (http://postharvest.ucdavis.edu/files/93535.pdf ). Hard copy and pen drive components. New edition Sept 2013. 3. Harris, L. (ed.). 2013. Improving the Safety and Quality of Nuts. Woodhead Publishing Series in Food Science, Technology and Nutrition Number 250 (Elsevier). Note: Harris was a member of the previous S294 project. 4. Lopez-Velasco, G., A. tomas-Callejas, D. Diribsa, P. Wei, and T.V. Suslow. 2013. Growth of Salmonella enterica in foliar pesticide solutions and its survival during field production and postharvest handling of fresh market tomato. J. Applied Microbiol. 114(5): 1547-1558. 5. Poza-Carrion, C., T.V. Suslow and S. Lindow. 2013. Resident Bacteria on Leaves Enhance Survival of Immigrant Cells of Salmonella enterica. Phytopath. 103:341-351. 6. Sbodio, A., S. Maeda, G. Lopez-Velasco, T.V. Suslow. 2013. Modified Moore swab optimization and validation in capturing E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica in large volume field samples of irrigation water. Food Research Intl. 51: 654. 7. Twari, G., D.C. Slaughter, M. Cantwell. 2013. Nondestructive maturity determination in green tomatoes using a handheld visible and near infrared instrument. Postharvest Biol. Tech. 86: 221-229. 8. Tudela, J.A., A. Marín, Y. Garridoa, M. Cantwell, M.S. Medina-Martínez, M. I. Gil. 2013. Off-odour development in modified atmosphere packaged baby spinach is an unresolved problem. Postharvest Biol. Tech. 75: 75-85. 9. Vallone, S., H. Sivertsen, G.E. Anthon, D.M. Barrett, E.J. Mitcham, S. E. Ebeler, and F. Zakharov. 2013. An integrated approach for flavor quality evaluation in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L. reticulates group) during ripening. Food Chemistry 139:171-183. 10. Ali, A., M.K. Ong, and C.F. Forney. 2014. Effect of ozone pre-conditioning on quality and antioxidant capacity of papaya fruit during ambient storage. Food Chem. 142:19-26. 11. DeLong, J.M., D.M. Hodges, R.K. Prange, C.F. Forney, L. Fan, M.C. Bishop, M.L. Elliot, M.A. Jordan and C. Doucette. 2013. The influence of cold water storage on fatty acids, antioxidant content and activity, and microbial load in ostrich fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris) fiddleheads. Canadian Journal of Plant Science, 93(4): 683-697. 12. Fan, L. and J. Song. 2013. Antimicrobial microbes-bacteriocin producing lactic acid bacteria. In: 13. Microbial Pathogens and Strategies for Combating Them: Science, Technology and Education. 14. (editor: A. Méndez-Vilas). Formatex Research Center, ISBN (13). Vol. 2: 899-909. 15. Fan, L., J. Song, T. Hughes, C. Doucette, L. Campbell-Palmer, L. and S. Fillmore. 2013. Effects of electrolyzed water and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on postharvest quality of selected cut flowers. United Fresh 2013 (Abstract). 16. Fan, L., W. Kalt, C. Doucette, T. Hughes, J. Song, S. Chen, H. Zhang and S. Fillmore. 2013. Challenge test on heat- resistant fungus, Byssochlamys striata inoculated in blueberry juice and subjected to heat treatments. IAFP conference (Abstract and conference proceeding). 17. Fan, L., J. Song, L. Li, T. Hughes, L. Campbell-Palmer and X.H. Li. 2013. Postharvest treatments to maintain quality and control diseases of cut flowers. ASHS conference. HortScience 48(9): S342. 18. Fan, L., W. Kalt, C. Doucette, T. Hughes, J. Song, S. Chen, H. Zhang and S. Fillmore. 2013. Characterization of heat- resistant fungus, Byssochlamys striata inoculated in blueberry juice. United Fresh 2013 (Abstract). 19. Forney, C.F. and E.S. Yaganza. 2013. Fresh Produce Packaging – Requirements and Challenges. Packaging Films 4(1):12-14. 20. Gibson, L.D., H.P.V. Rupasinghe, C.F. Forney, and L. Eaton. 2013. Characterization of changes in polyphenols, antioxidant capacity and physico-chemical parameters during lowbush blueberry fruit ripening. Antioxidants 2(4):216-229. 21. Li, L., J. Song, W. Kalt, C. Forney, R. Tsao, D. Pinto, D. Chisholm, L. Campbell, S. Fillmore and X. Li. 2013. Quantitative proteomic investigation employing stable isotope labeling by peptide dimethylation on proteins of strawberry fruit at different ripening stages. J. Proteomics. 94(6):219-239. 22. Ong, M.K., C.F. Forney, P.G. Alderson, and A. Ali. 2013. Postharvest profile of a Solo variety ‘Frangi’ during ripening at ambient temperature. Scientia Horticulturae 160(27):12–19. 23. Ong, M.K., F.K. Kazi, C.F. Forney, and A. Ali. 2013. Effect of gaseous ozone on papaya anthracnose. Food Bioprocess Technol. 6(11):2996-3005. 24. Piorkowski, G., R. Jamieson, G. Bezanson, L. Truelstrup-Hansen. 2013. Evaluation of statistical models for predicting E. coli particle attachment in fluvial systems. Water Res. 47: 6701-6711. 25. Sharpe, D., L. Fan, L. Truelstrup Hansen, C. Doucette, L.M. Waddington, and S. Fillmore. 2013. Antimicrobial activity of bacteriocin-like substances producing lactic acid bacteria isolated from commercial vegetable produce. Journal of Antimicrobials. 128:257-268. 26. Song, J., C.F. Forney, M.A. Jordan. 2014. A Method to Detection of Diphenylamine Contamination of Stored Apple Fruit and Storages Using Headspace Solid Phase Micro-Extraction and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy. Food Chem. 160: 255-259. 27. Song, J., C. Forney, D. Moreau, M. Jordan, and K. MunroPennell. 2013. Apple Flavor: Effect of cutting on flavor quality of fresh-cut apples. UnitedFresh 2013 (Abstract). 28. Yeoh, W.K., Ali, A., and C.F. Forney. 2014. Effects of ozone on major antioxidants and microbial populations of fresh-cut papaya. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 89:56-58. 29. Seaman, M. Sodium Polyphosphate Enhances the Antimicrobial Activities of Whole and Fractionated Peanut Skin Extract against Zygosaccharomyces bailii in a Model Juice System, MS Thesis, Iowa State University, May, 2013. 30. Brehm-Stecher, B.F. Flow Cytometry, In Encyclopedia of Food Microbiology, 2nd edition, Batt, C.A. and M.L. Tortorello (eds.), Elsevier, Oxford, UK (in press) 31. Brehm-Stecher, B.F. and M.L. Tortorello. Microscopic Methods, In Compendium of Methods for the Microbiological Analysis of Foods, 5th edition, Acuff, G.R. et al., (eds.), American Public Health Association, Washington, D.C. (in press) 32. Soo, Hwan Suh, Brehm-Stecher, B. and L.-A. Jaykus. 2013. Advances in Separation and Concentration of Microorganisms From Food Samples, In Advances in Microbial Food Safety, J. Sofos (ed), Woodhead Publishing, Cambridge, UK 33. Brehm-Stecher, B.F. 2013. Advances in Single-Cell Approaches for the Study of Foodborne Pathogens, In Advances in Microbial Food Safety, J. Sofos (ed), Woodhead Publishing, Cambridge, UK. 34. Mendonca, A. F., V. J. Juneja, and A. Daraba. Total Viable Counts: Metabolic Activity Tests, In Encyclopedia of Food Microbiology, 2nd edition, Batt, C.A. and M.L. Tortorello (eds.), Elsevier, Oxford, UK (in press) 35. Mendonca, A. F., and A. Daraba. Non-Thermal Processing: Irradiation, In Encyclopedia of Food Microbiology, 2nd edition, Batt, C.A. and M.L. Tortorello (eds.), Elsevier, Oxford, UK (in press) 36. Shaw, A., C. Strohbehn, J. Meyer, H. Snyder, L. Wilson, B. Brehm-Stecher, and A. Mendonca. 2013. Guide to Using Liquid Sanitizer Washes with Fruits and Vegetables. Iowa State University Extension Publication. PM 1974d. 37. Shaw, A., C. Strohbehn, and J. Mayer.2013.Food Pantry Produce Donations. Iowa State University Extension Publication. PM1944e. 38. Strohbehn C, A Mendonca, L Wilson, P Domoto, M Smith, B Brehm-Stecher, and A Shaw. 2013. On-Farm Food Safety: Cleaning and Sanitizing Guide. Iowa State University Extension Publication. PM 1974. 39. Koutsimanis, G.; Harte, J.; Almenar, E. 2014. Freshness maintenance of cherries ready for consumption using convenient, microperforated bio-based packaging. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture (Accepted). 40. González-Buesa, J., Page, N., Kaminski, C., Ryser, E., Beaudry, R., Almenar, E. 2014. Effect of non-conventional atmospheres and bio-based packaging on the quality and safety of Listeria monocytogenes-inoculated fresh-cut celery (Apium graveolens L.) during storage. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 93: 29-37. 41. Balaguer, M.P.; Fajardo, P.; Gartner, H.; Gomez-Estaca, J.; Gavara, R.; Almenar, E.; Hernandez-Munoz, P. 2014. Functional properties and antifungal activity of films based on gliadins containing cinnamaldehyde and natamicyn. International Journal of Food Microbiology, 173: 62-71. 42. Almenar, E. 2013. Bio-based materials in food packaging. The National Provisioner, 227 (7): 56-57 43. Gartner, H.; Page, N.; Harte, J.; González-Buesa, J.; Almenar, E. Evaluation of packaged celery sticks using quantitative descriptive sensory analysis. International Controlled and Modified Atmosphere Research Conference (CAMA 2013). June, 3-7, 2013.Trani, Italy. 44. Page, N.; Curlew, S.; Afrifah, K.; Wu, C.; Ryser, E.; Beaudry, R.; Almenar, E. Exploring novel packaging technologies on escherichia coli growth in baby spinach. International Controlled and Modified Atmosphere Research Conference (CAMA 2013). June, 3-7, 2013.Trani, Italy. 45. González-Buesa, J., Page, N., Kaminski, C., Ryser, E., Beaudry, R., Almenar, E. Comparison of initial in-package gas composition and material on the safety and quality of fresh-cut celery (Apium graveolens L.). International Controlled and Modified Atmosphere Research Conference (CAMA 2013). June, 3-7, 2013.Trani, Italy. 46. Chelsea N. Kaminski, Natalie Page, Eva Almenar, and Elliot T. Ryser. Effects of packaging atmosphere and size on the growth of listeria monocytogenes on fresh-cut celery sticks during refrigerated storage. Annual Meeting of the International Association of Food Protection (IAFP 2013). July 31, 2013. North Carolina, USA. 47. Page, N.; Curlew, S.; Afrifah, K.; Ryser, E.; Beaudry, R.; Almenar, E. The effect of different packaging technologies on escherichia coli growth in baby spinach. Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting and Food Expo (IFT 2013). July 14-16, 2013. Chicago, Illinois, USA. (Poster competition (Food Microbiology Division: Food Safety & Defense Posters)). 48. Koutsimanis, G.; Gartner, H.; Harte, J.; Almenar, E. Shelf-life extension of fresh sweet cherries using a microperforated biodegradable packaging system. Institute of Food Technologists Annual Meeting and Food Expo (IFT 2013). July 14-16, 2013. Chicago, Illinois, USA. (Fruits and Vegetables Division: Food Processing and Packaging Posters). 49. Mengying Jiang, Validation Study of the Novel Detection Kit for Rapid Detection and Quantification of Listeria spp. in Food Samples. Thesis and Patent Pending, May 2013. Mississippi State University 50. Ershad Sheibani, T.J. Kim*, Dja Shin Wang, Juan L. Silva. 2013. Effects of Hot Water Treatment on Sprouting of Cured Sweet Potato. Journal of Food Processing and preservation.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1745-4549.2012.00799.x/abstract 51. Soni, K. A., A. Oladunjoye, R. Nannapaneni, M.W. Schilling, J.L. Silva, B. Mikel, and R.H. Bailey. 2013. Inhibition and inactivation of Salmonella typhimurium biofilms from polystyrene and stainless steel surfaces by essential oils and phenolic constituent carvacrol. Journal of Food Protection 76:205-212. 52. Shen, Q., K.A. Soni, and R. Nannapaneni. 2014. Influence of temperature on acid-stress adaptation in Listeria monocytogenes. Foodborne Pathogens and Disease 11:43-49. 53. Dinu, L.-D., and Bach, S.J. 2013. Detection of viable non-culturable Escherichia coli O157:H7 from vegetable samples using quantitative PCR with propidium monoazide and immunological assays. Food Control. 31 (2): 268-273. 54. Bach, S.J., Lu, C., Delaquis, P., and Toivonen, D. 2013. Impact of wound induced hydrogen peroxide production on Escherichia coli O157:H7 in fresh-cut lettuce. FEMS 2014 Microbiology Conference, Leipzig, Germany, July 21-24, 2013. 55. Toivonen, P.M.A., Lu, C., Bach, S., and Delaquis, P. 2013. Hypoxic atmospheres can induce subsequent increases in cutting induced hydrogen peroxide production by fresh-cut Romaine lettuce. XI International Controlled and Modified Atmosphere Research Conference, Trani, Italy, June 3-7, 2013. 56. Delaquis, P., Bach, S.J., Bezanson, G., McKellar, R., and Topp, E. 2013. Survival of six Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli serotypes in field lettuce. International Association for Food Protection Annual Meeting, Charlotte, NC, July 31, 2013. 57. Saenz Garza, N.E., Delaquis, P. and Durance, T. 2013. Radiant energy vacuum microwave microencapsulation of hexanal for delayed release and inhibition of Penicillium expansum in a model system and on apple tissue. Food Research International. 52:496-502 58. McKellar, R.C., Rodriquez, F.P., Harris, L., Moyne, A.-L., Blais, B., Topp, E., Bezanson, G., Bach, S., and Delaquis, P. 2014. Evaluation of different approaches for modeling Escherichia coli O157:H7 survival on field lettuce. Int. J. Food Microbiol. In Press. 59. McKellar, R.C., LeBlanc, D.I., Peréz Rodríguez, F, and Delaquis, P. 2014. Comparative simulation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 behaviour in packaged fresh-cut lettuce distributed in a typical Canadian cold chain in the summer and winter. Food Control.35:192-199. 60. Posada-Izquierdo,G.D., Perez-Rodriguez, F., McKellar, R., Carpintero, S., Membrives, F., Garcia-Gimeno, R.M., Delaquis, P. 2013. Modeling survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in lettuce as a function of chlorine concentration. International Association for Food Protection Annual Meeting, Charlotte, NC, July 31, 2013. 61. Brar, Pardeepinder Kaur; Danyluk, Michelle D. 2013. Salmonella Transfer Potential during Hand Harvesting of Tomatoes under Laboratory Conditions. Journal of Food Protection. 76: 1342-1349. 62. Canto Pereira, M. E., Tiernan, D. M., Sargent, S. A., Klee, H. J., & Huber, D. J. 2013. Volatile profiles of ripening West Indian and Guatemalan-West Indian avocado cultivars as affected by aqueous 1-methylcyclopropene. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 80: 37-46. 63. Dea, S., J.K. Brecht, M.C.N. Nunes, and E.A. Baldwin. 2013. Optimal ripeness stage for processing mangoes into freshcut slices. HortTechnology 23:12-23. 64. Deltsidis, A., P. Tsouvaltzis, and J. Brecht. 2012. Wound-induced respiration and ethylene production in fresh cut Romaine lettuce. Acta Hort. 934:613-618. 65. Dong, X., Huber, D.J., Ramírez-Sánchez, M., Rao, J., Zhang, Z., Choi, S.T., Lee, J.H. 2013. Diffusivity of 1-methylcyclopropene in spinach and bok choi leaf tissue, disks of tomato and avocado fruit tissue, and whole tomato fruit. 66. Hurr, B., Huber, D.J., Vallejos, Lee, E., Sargent, S.A., 2013. Ethylene-induced overproduction of reactive oxygen species is responsible for the development of watersoaking in immature cucumber fruit. J. Plant Physiol. 170: 56-62. 67. Jensen, Dane A; Friedrich, Loretta M; Harris, Linda J; Danyluk, Michelle D; Schaffner, Donald W; et al. 2013. Quantifying transfer rates of Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 between fresh-cut produce and common kitchen surfaces. Journal of Food Protection. 76: 1530-1538. 68. Kalva, J.J., C.A. Sims, L.A. Puentes, D.J. Snyder, and L.M. Bartoshuk. 2014. Comparison of the Hedonic General Labeled Magnitude Scale with the Hedonic 9-Point Scale. Journal of Food Science 79(2): S238-245. 69. Li, Di; Friedrich, Loretta M; Danyluk, Michelle D; Harris, Linda J; Schaffner, Donald W. 2013. Development and Validation of a Mathematical Model for Growth of Pathogens in Cut Melons. Journal of Food Protection. 76: 953-958. 70. Marvasi, M., Hochmuth, G.J., Giurcanu, M.C., George, A.S., Noel, J.T., Bartz, J., and Teplitski, M. 2013. Factors That Affect Proliferation of Salmonella in Tomatoes Post-Harvest: The Roles of Seasonal Effects, Irrigation Regime, Crop and Pathogen Genotype. PloS one8.12: e80871. 71. Pereira, M. E. C., Sargent, S. A., Sims, C. A., Huber, D. J., Moretti, C. L., & Crane, J. H. 2013. Aqueous 1-methylcyclopropene extends longevity and does not affect sensory acceptability of Guatemalan-West Indian hybrid avocado. HortTechnology, 23: 468-473. 72. Sargent, S.A., Berry, A.D., Williamson, J.G., & Olmstead, J.W. (2013). Postharvest quality of mechanically and hand harvested southern highbush blueberry fruit for fresh market. HortTechnology, 23: 437-441. 73. Vandamm, Joshua P; Li, Di; Harris, Linda J; Schaffner, Donald W; Danyluk, Michelle D; et al. 2013. Fate of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella on fresh-cut celery. Food Microbiology. 34: 151-157. 74. Lee H, Zhou B, Feng H. 2013. Power ultrasound application to fruit products. In Fruit Preservation: Novel and Conventional Technologies, (eds.) Rosenthal A, Barbosa-Canovas G, Welti-Chanes J, Deliza R. Springer, New York, NY. (accepted) 75. Park H-K, Kushad M, Feng H. 2013. Survival of Escherichia coli O157:H7 87:23 on Arugula, Kale, Lettuce and Mizuna microgreens, and comparison of leaf surface morphology for mature greens and microgreens. 2013 IAFP Annual Meeting, Charlotte, NC. 76. Palma Salgado S, Pearlstein AJ, Luo Y, Feng H. 2013. Cutting head lettuce prior to washing provides advantages in produce sanitization. Institute of Food Technologists annual meeting, Chicago, IL. 77. Park H-K, Feng H. 2013. Effects of thiamine dilauryl sulfate (TDS) and malic acid combined treatment on quality of romaine lettuce under modified atmospheric conditions. Institute of Food Technologists annual meeting, Chicago, IL. 78. Y?ld?z G, Feng H. 2013. Effects of ultrasonic cutting on surface topography and quality of red delicious and golden delicious apples. Institute of Food Technologists annual meeting, Chicago, IL. 79. Bai, J, Baldwin, E., Liao, H., Zhao, W., Kostenyuk, I., Burns, J., Irey, M. Extraction of DNA from orange juice and detection of bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus by real-time PCR. J. Agric. Food Chem. 9339-9346. 2013 80. Bai, J., Baldwin, E., McCollum, G., Manthey, J., Widmer, W., Luzio, G., Cameron, R., Plotto, A., Narciso, J. Influence of harvest time on quality of ‘Valencia’ oranges and juice, 2nd season. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 126: 232-238. 2013. 81. Bai, J., Baldwin, E.A., Stover, E.W., Driggers, R.E., Hearn, J. Volatile profile comparison of USDA sweet-orange-like hybrids and standard sweet oranges. Proc. Fla. State Hort. 126: 216. 2013. 82. Blaker, K.M., Plotto, A., Baldwin, E.A., and Olmstead, J.W. Correlation between sensory and instrumental measurements of standard and crisp-texture southern highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L. interspecific hybrids). J. Sci. Food Agric. Published online. 2014. 83. Chambers, A.H., Pillet, J., Plotto, A., Bai, J., Whitaker, V.M., Folta K.M. Identification of a strawberry flavor gene candidate using an integrated genetic-genomic-analytical chemistry approach. BMC Genomics. 15:217. 2014. 84. Dea, S., Brecht, J.K., Nacimento Nunes, M.C., and Baldwin E.A. Optimal ripeness stage for processing mangoes into fresh-cut slices. HortTechnol. 23:12-23. 2013. 85. Dea, S., Plotto, A., Manthey, J.A., Raithore, S., Irey, M., and Baldwin, E.A. Interaction and thresholds of limonin and nomilin in bitterness perception in orange juice and other matrices. J. Sensory Studies 28: 311-323. 2013. 86. Deterre, S., McCollum, G., Leclair, C., Bai, J., Manthey, J., Savatore, J. Raithore, S., Baldwin, E., and Plotto, A. Secondary metabolite composition in citrus x Poncirus trifoliata hybrids. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 126: 206-215. 2013. 87. Plotto, A., Baldwin, E., Bai, J., Narciso, J., Chandler, C and Whitaker, V. Update on sensory evaluation of University of Florida strawberry selections. Proc. Fla. State Hort. 126: 247-250. 2013. 88. Raithore, S., Bai, J., Irey, M., Plotto, A., Baldwin, E. Effect of chemical compounds on electronic tongue respose to citrus juices. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 126: 239-242. 2013. 89. Sun, X., Bai, J., Ference, C., Wang, Z., Narciso, J., and Zhou, K. The antimicrobial activity of controlled-release chlorine dioxide gas on fresh blueberries. J. Food Protect. In press. 2014. 90. Sun, X., Narciso, J., Wang, Z., Ference, C., Bai, J., and Zhou, K. Effects of chitosan-essential oil coatings on safety and quality of fresh blueberries. J. Food Sci. Published online. 2014. 91. Wang, Z., Narciso, J., Biotteau, A., Plotto, A., Bai, J. Plant physiological response of strawberry fruit to chlorine dioxide gas treatment during postharvest storage. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 126: 192-195. 2013.

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 01/24/2016

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/08/2015 - 06/10/2015
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2014 - 09/30/2015

Participants

Almenar, Eva (ealmenar@msu.edu) – MI;
Bach, Susan (Susan.Bach@agr.gc.ca) – AAFC-BC;
Brecht, Jeff (jkbrecht@ufl.edu) – FL;
Cantwell, Marita (micantwell@ucdavis.edu) – CA;
Saltveit, Mikal (mesaltveit@ucdavis.edu); CA
Shaw, Angela (angelaml@iastate.edu) – IA;

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

S294 2015 Annual Report.docx

Accomplishments

Publications

Impact Statements

Date of Annual Report: 01/19/2018

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 06/20/2016 - 06/22/2016
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2015 - 09/30/2016

Participants

Almenar, Eva (ealmenar@msu.edu) – MI;
Annous, Bassam (bassam.annous@ars.usda.gov) – ARS-PA;
Brown, Wyatt (wbrown@calpoly.edu) – Cal Poly (SLO)-CA;
Fan, Xuetong (xuetong.fan@ars.usda.gov) – ARS-PA;
Kim, Taejo (tkim@msstate.edu) – MS;
Luo, Yaguang (Sunny) (yaguang.luo@ars.usda.gov) – ARS-MD
Nannapareni, Rama (nannapareni@fsnhp.msstate.edu) – MS;
Shaw, Angela (angelaml@iastate.edu) – IA;
Suslow, Trevor (tvsuslow@ucdavis.edu) – CA;
Vorst, Keith (kvorst@iastate.edu) – IA;
Wilson, Chris (ctwilson@msu.edu) – MI;
Woods, Floyd (woodsfm@auburn.edu) – AL;

Participants Attachment:

S-294 2016 Meeting Minutes[1].docx

Brief Summary of Minutes

Minutes Attachment:

SAC-7 Annual Meeting Info.docx