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

(Multistate Research Project)

Status: Active

Project Menu

SAES-422 Reports

Annual/Termination Reports:

[03/01/2023] [02/01/2023]

Date of Annual Report: 03/01/2023

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/27/2022 - 10/29/2022
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2021 - 09/30/2022

Participants

In person attendees:
Almenar, Eva (ealmenar@msu.edu) – MI
Brecht, Jeffrey (jkbrecht@ufl.edu) – FL
Lui, Tie (tieliu@ufl.edu) - FL
Bai, Jinhe (Jinhe.bai@usda.gov) (USDA FL)
Olmedo, Gabriela (Gabriela.Olmedo@usda.gov) (USDA FL)
Plotto, Anne (anne.plotto@usda.gov) (USDA FL)
Wall, Gretchen (gwall@freshproduce.com), international Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)
McEntire, Jennifer, (jmcentire@freshproduce.com), international Fresh Produce Association (IFPA)

Online attendees:
Senseman, Scott (scott.senseman@okstate.edu), Project administrator, OK
Nannapaneni, Rama (nannapaneni@fsnhp.mstate.edu) - MS
Brehm-Stecher, Byron (byron@iastate.edu) - IA
Sargent, Steve (sasa@ufl.edu) - FL
Jorge Fonseca (Jorge.fonseca@usda.gov) (USDA MD)

Non-attending participants also submitted a report:
Fan, Xuetong (Xuetong.Fan@ars.usda.gov) – USDA PA

Brief Summary of Minutes

Introduction:

Introductions

Previous meeting minutes had not been distributed. Need to do so.

Jeff Brecht (JKB) explains that we are in a new 5-year project as of October 1, 2022. The new project followed the previous, with the same four objectives. What is new: expanded from fresh-cut to whole products that can be processed to create fresh-cut vegetables and fruits.

Welcome from Administrative Advisor:

Scott Senseman (SS), Project Administrator, invites everyone to go to the NIMS project web site. Need to get the meeting information early in order to get early authorization.

JKB informed that in January 2022, IFPA merged with PMA. IFPA used to meet in the Spring, PMA in the Fall. Funding for travelling has been an issue in the past. Need to make sure not to spend everything before the next meeting since the next IFPA meeting will be in the fall as well, and funds will be distributed earlier in the year. It was noted that all members need to create in the new NIFA research project system a version of the S294 project that is specific for their institution – Hatch funds can only go to your institution and to you, the researchers, if there is such a project. Your project can use whatever parts of the S294 MultiState Project Statement (at www.nimss.org) are appropriate for the research you plan to do over the next 5 years.

SS says that every institution handles the distribution of Hatch funds differently, some might use it as salaries. Participants should let their administration know if they have problems getting the money they need to attend the S294 Annual Meeting and to conduct research.

Eva Almenar (EA) suggests that the information about funding should be posted on the NIMSS web site, to attract new members. She says our experimental stations receive multi-state funds and in the past, these funds have been used to cover salaries partially and travel expenses to attend the annual meeting, and/or to support research projects (e.g., purchase of a texturometer). Each experimental station handles the funds differently. New members are encouraged to contact their experimental stations to learn more about this available funding.

Elections

Currently, JKB is the Chair, Floyd Woods was the vice chair, Angela Shaw was the secretary. They are 2-year commitments. Floyd took an early medical retirement at Auburn, so he is no longer participating in S294. Angela moved from U. Illinois to Texas Tech and is no longer working with fresh-cuts, so she is also no longer participating in S294.

Anne Plotto (AP) nominated Jorge Fonseca as Chair. He accepted.

JKB nominated Tie Liu as Vice Chair. He accepted.

EA nominated AP as secretary. She accepted to be the secretary for one year.

JKB about recruiting participants: the S294 mailing list has 34 names, only 12 are registered on the NIMSS web site.

Improving S-294 engagement with IFPA

Gretchen Wall:

She is the first official hired by IFPA and is the Director Food Safety and Quality. She previously worked 11 years at Cornell University in extension service. She is now the new director of Food Safety and Quality. The UFPA’s Food Safety & Technology Council (FSTC) continues with IFPA, with about 40 industry reps.

Produce Quality Sub-Committee: There are 20 members right now, the group description and goals and priorities are still under discussion. Jeff Brecht, Angelos Deltsidis (UGA), and Trevor Suslow (retired UC, Davis, former S294 member) are members of that sub-committee.

IFPA provides micro-volunteer opportunities, to get in touch with members. Gretchen Wall is the contact person if anyone from S-294 is interested. The IFPA Fresh Produce Research Center will connect academia with industry. For more information, please see the IFPA web site. https://www.freshproduce.com/who-we-are/fresh-produce-research-center/

JKB noted that there is another Food Safety MultiState Project, which explains why some of our food safety area members left S-294 to join that other group. Other former S294 members have been lost to retirements (Marita Cantwell, Trevor Suslow, Michael Saltveit, Diane Barrett), and Linda Harris from UC Davis moved from research to administration). JKB mentions that we should have a S-294 representative on the Food Safety & Technology Council of IFPA, which has 40 members.

Station reports:

ARS-Florida (Bai & Plotto)

Winter melon fruit and jicama roots are being explored as low-sugar/low calory juice

LED lights for microgreens and tomatoes, in greenhouse

Citrus, strawberry quality from breeding programs

Fresh-cut mangoes (joint project with UF – see below under the Florida report).

ARS-Beltsville (Fonseca)

This Unit has 7 scientists. Tian Bao Yang has a patent pending on two compounds to accelerate ripening of non-climacteric fruit on the plant (cherry, strawberry…). He is also working to improve nutrition content in microgreens.

Yaguang (Sunny) Luo has a patent on a vertical system to wash and sanitize leafy greens, the “tumble zone”. She is still working on the design of the nozzle. She has a collaboration with ARS in California to select cultivars for fresh-cut lettuce.

Bin Zhao has a collaboration with Texas A&M for non-particle coating. The question is whether it can work on the surface of fresh cut tissue.

The Beltsville Unit investigates e-commerce for consumer preferences. Relationship between online and real-time products using eye-tracking.

Mycotoxins in fruit: blue mold in blueberry and apples.

University of Florida:

Tie Liu, Jeff Brecht and Eleni Pliakoni (KSU): Project to identify marker genes that identify stages of senescence in broccoli, with the goal to design a fast assay. These kinds of genes are called SAGs (Senescence-Associated Genes)

Sargent and colleagues compared forced air/hydrocooling/slushed ice for cooling broccoli. Found that they are all equivalent as long as RH is maintained. Also worked with lettuce breeder and a PhD student (Catherine Belisle) to reduce pink rib.

Brecht and Plotto (ARS-Ft. Pierce) headed a project to extend the shelf life of riper (than currently used commercially) fresh cut mango. A handbook, Fresh-cut Mango Best Management Practices, is being prepared for release in 2023.

Michigan State University, School of Packaging (Almenar)

Investigated orange peel waste to be used as a “filler” in rigid and film packaging

Blown film extrusion development

Mississippi State Univ. (Rama Nannapaneni)

Rama had a power point presentation.

Iowa State U. (Byron Brehm-Stecher)

Nothing to report for this past year. Byron mentioned a few names of researchers in the food safety and microbiology area that could join S-294 – see list at bottom of minutes.

Research Proposals, Conference Proposals to USDA, Wrap-Up Session:

EA is reiterating the need to interact with industry members. Suggests to have the S-294 meetings in the am, and meet & greet with industry in the pm. There was a brief “meet & greet” with the IFPA Quality Group on October 28^th at 1:00 pm.

The goal of this group (S294) is to work on projects together, as there are funding opportunities.

Idea to create a Center for Produce Safety, virtual.

Also, importance to have an advisory board who can react to researchers’ ideas.

IFPA receives a lot of requests for information from industry. They are “match makers” between academia and industry. Jennifer is the contact person.

Jorge suggests that we resend the bios of each S-294 member to IFPA.

The FSTC addresses issues that are more regulatory than research.

Need to put together a conference proposal to USDA. The money is there, need to use it.

Discussion about symposium, communication with industry. The new IFPA is trying to be more engaging.

Food Safety/Food Micro People Suggested During 10/27/22 S-294 Meeting

Byron Brehm-Stecher, Iowa State (rapid detection of pathogens, antimicrobial development, natural antimicrobials) https://fshn.hs.iastate.edu/directory/brehm-stecher-byron-f

Aubrey Mendonca, Iowa State (novel processing/microbial inactivation methods, natural antimicrobials) https://fshn.hs.iastate.edu/directory/mendonca-aubrey-f

Ramakrishna Nannapaneni, Mississippi State https://www.fsnhp.msstate.edu/associate.php?id=75

Camila Rodrigues (Auburn) https://agriculture.auburn.edu/about/directory/faculty/camila-rodrigues/

Sunny Luo https://www.ars.usda.gov/people-locations/person/?person-id=47613

Armitra Jackson (Alabama A&M) https://www.aamu.edu/academics/colleges/agricultural-life-natural-sciences/departments/food-animal-sciences/food-microbiology.html

Luxin Wang (UC Davis) https://foodscience.ucdavis.edu/people/luxin-wang#/

Chang Chen (starting at Cornell, June 2023)

Minutes Attachment:

S-294 2022 Meeting Minutes.docx

Accomplishments

Objective 1. Evaluate methods of sampling and measuring flavor and nutrition of fresh-cut products to facilitate comparison to traditional shelf life factors: Determine Saffron purity using deep learning optimization: This novel approach is an efficient alternative to separating pure from non-pure products that can subsequently benefit the saffron industry from producers to consumers and could serve as a basis for use with other spices. (USDA MD) Objective 2. Develop new strategies to improve and better maintain inherent fresh-cut product quality and nutrition: Orange peel waste from juicing as raw materials for plastic composites intended for use in food packaging. Eight different LLDPE/OP sheets from combinations of different OP characteristics are examined. Results show that OP particle sizes of 75-177 µm without zest at 0.4-g loading improve thermal stability, color, dispersion, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and elongation at break as well as reduce air bubble formation and OP agglomerate sizes in LLDPE/OP composites. Results show a promise in utilization of OP fillers to produce a composite comparable to neat LLDPE and composites with UV-blocking properties. (MI) Use of orange juice processing waste to produce films using blown film extrusion for food packaging. Blown film extrusion can produce continuous bio composite films made of OP waste. Blown film extrusion conditions to replace 11.5% of plastic with OP were determined.  Bio composite WV barrier and thermal properties are the same as those of neat films. The blown bio composite LLDPE/OPP films can be used for food packaging applications. (MI) Antimicrobial activity of orange juice processing waste in powder form and its suitability to produce antimicrobial packaging. Antimicrobial activity of orange juicing waste in powder form (OPP) was demonstrated. Antimicrobial films using OPP instead of extracted essential oil were developed.  Reduction of waste by replacing about half of the plastic in the film with OPP.  The film showed less antimicrobial activity than OPP due to limonene & citral loss. Film mechanical & barrier properties were similar to those of common plastics. (MI) Overcoming limitations for processing riper mango fruit for fresh-cut mango. Developed recommendations for minimum firmness for processing different mango cultivars (Tommy Atkins, Keitt, Kent), with and without additives and MAP. (UF/USDA FL) Retrofitting refrigerated retail display cases to improve temperature management and maintain quality of fresh-cut leafy greens. We showed that the lower temperatures in enclosed refrigerated retail display cases maintain higher quality of leafy greens. An approximately 3 degree C temperature difference before versus after display case retrofitting resulted in improved quality maintenance of baby spinach, spring mix and Romaine lettuce; we also demonstrated lower microbiological populations on chopped Romaine lettuce. (UF/USDA MD) East Coast Broccoli Project - cultivar and precooling method evaluations. Quality evaluation of commercial broccoli cultivars and breeding selections for potential winter production in north Florida (part of East Coast Broccoli Project) was done. There were inherent differences between cultivars, but cooling with slush ice or hydrocooling did not result in differences in quality changes during storage; plastic film overwrap was effective in reducing water loss during storage. Samples from broccoli storage regimes were analyzed for nutritional content at Univ. of Tennessee in Dr. Carl Sams' laboratory. (UF FL) Accelerated shelf-life testing at higher than optimum temperatures was used to predict quality loss in Romaine-type lettuce. (UF FL) Developing effective pre- and postharvest methods to control Diplodia stem-end sot (Lasiodiplodia theobromae) and reduce mandatory segregation of fresh Florida grapefruit exports arriving in Japan. Several fungicidal materials were tested pre-harvest on mature grapefruit trees to prevent post-harvest decay due to Diplodia stem-end rot (SER) caused by Lasiodiplodia spp. Two fungicides significantly reduced fruit decay, while an essential oil (thyme oil) had no effect. Post-harvest applications of gaseous chlorine dioxide (ClO2) effectively reduced Diplodia SER on inoculated fruit; however, phytotoxicity was observed as peel injury when ClO2 doses exceeded 1 g per kilo of fruit. In the end, treatments of gaseous fast release CO2 in an enclosed chamber at a rate of 1 g per kilo of fruit and duration of 8 hours effectively controlled Diplodia SER in grapefruit. (UF/USDA FL) Develop low calorie juice using winter melon and jicama roots. Winter melon and jicama roots are productive and have the advantage of storing up to 4 months without deterioration of the fruit/root. Processing methods to optimize flavor and nutritional content were established. (USDA FL) Improving microgreen and tomato yield and quality by regulating LED light combinations. Blue and red lights are extensively used in controlled environment agriculture as light sources or supplementary lights. We have been focusing on additional lights to improve vegetable quality and enhance the tolerance of tomatoes to postharvest chilling injury. Our results indicate that green light can increase the yield of microgreens and enhance the volatile intensity in addition to blue and red light treatments. We will confirm if adding far-red light in the blue/red lighting growth chamber can enhance tolerance of tomatoes to postharvest chilling injury. (USDA FL) Cold plasma treatment promotes seed germination and enhances isoflavone content in soybean sprouts. Cold plasma treatment increased the germination rate, fresh weight, and stem and root length of soybean sprouts. The cold plasma treatment also enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase, and the total antioxidant capacity in sprouts and increased isoflavone content. (USDA MD) Reducing postharvest loss and improving fresh produce marketability and nutritive values through technological innovations and process optimization. Identified browning resistant lettuce cultivars to minimize post-harvest food loss and waste. Utilized well-constructed digital images for browning and sensory research during storage. (USDA MD) Assessment of a novel in-flight washing device: microbial reduction and food quality of chopped iceberg lettuce during storage. Use of the IFW can improve postharvest food safety and quality of fresh-cut lettuce, compared to conventional flume washing. (USDA MD) Objective 3. Improve understanding of physiological mechanisms that affect fresh-cut product quality: Transcriptome analysis of tissue browning of fresh cut lettuce. Lettuce tissue browning is mainly controlled by phenolics biosynthesis and growth hormone signaling. (USDA MD) Identification of browning-resistance lettuce cultivars for fresh-cut processing. Identified and characterized, for the first time, the association between stem and leaf browning of lettuce, enabling the development of a novel approach to predict browning in leaf ribs (difficult to measure) based on stems (easier to measure). The new method largely simplifies the lettuce cultivar screening procedure. (USDA MD) Objective 4. Determine critical factors in controlled inoculation studies with human pathogens and surrogates that influence the outcome of quantitative microbial risk assessments: Determine the effect of temperature abuse timing on shelf life of RTE baby spinach through microbial growth models and its correlation with sensory quality. Assessed effect of temperature abuse timing on microbial growth on RTE baby spinach. Indigenous microbial populations were correlated with sensory attributes of baby spinach. Mathematical models were developed and validated to predict microbial growth. (USDA MD) Cold plasma activated hydrogen peroxide aerosols inactivate Salmonella Typhimurium & Listeria innocula on smooth surfaces and stem scars of tomatoes: modeling effects of hydrogen peroxide concentration, treatment time & dwell time. Listeria was more sensitive to cold plasma-activated H2O2 aerosol than Salmonella on tomatoes; At ≥5.7% H2O2, both bacteria on the surface of tomatoes were reduced by 5 logs. (USDA PA) Reduction of Salmonella enterica Typhimurium populations and quality of grape tomatoes treated with dry and humidified gaseous ozone. Compared with dry ozone, humidified ozone had two benefits: (1) increased efficacy against Salmonella, and (2) reduced damage to fruit quality. (USDA PA) Biocide tolerant Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium surviving in first and second generation QAC. We have isolated distinct morphotypes of L. monocytogenes surviving after frequent exposure to first generation QAC, benzalkonium chloride (BAC), that exhibited a low-level tolerance to BAC versus parent strain. (MS) Objective 5. Development and validation of novel diagnostic methods to determine presence of human pathogens and chemical hazards associated with fresh and fresh-cut products: Biocide tolerant Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella Typhimurium surviving in first and second generation QAC.  We are optimizing the steps for the isolation and confirmation of persistent cells and subpopulations of L. monocytogenes that tolerate commonly used disinfectants which may survive longer in some food processing environments. (MS)

Publications

Presentations <ol> <li>Almenar, E. Active food packaging: fundamentals and emerging concepts. Trends in Food Packaging: an international webinar. March 5, 2021. Organized by the Indian National Diary Research Institute. Oral.</li> <li>Almenar, E. Consequencias de la interaccion entre envase y alimento. Webinar. June 23, 2021. Organized by el Centro Roberto Garza Sada Arte, Arquitectura, y Diseño with University of Monterrey (UDEM), Mexico. Oral.</li> <li>Almenar, E. Plastics for food packaging 101. 41st Annual Refrigerated Foods Association Conference & Exhibition. February 21, 2022. Amelia island, FL, USA. Oral.</li> <li>Ashby, R., Olanya, M., Fan, X., Ozdener, M. Sophorolipids as antimicrobial agents. American Chemical Society Spring meeting. American Chemical Society Spring meeting. March 20-24, 2022. San Diego, CA. Oral.</li> <li>Brecht, J.K. 2022. Fresh–cut Quality Issues. Fresh–Cut Products: Maintaining Quality and Safety Workshop. Univ. of Calif., Davis, CA</li> <li>Brecht, J.K. 2022. Impact of Storage, Transportation, Distribution Temperature on Fresh-cut Quality & Nutrition. Fresh–Cut Products: Maintaining Quality and Safety Workshop. Univ. of Calif., Davis, CA</li> <li>Brecht, J.K. 2022. Modified Atmospheres: Benefits and Risks to Fresh–cut Produce. Fresh–Cut Products: Maintaining Quality and Safety Workshop. Univ. of Calif., Davis, CA</li> <li>Duguma, H.T., Fehlberg, J., Macke, P., Cho, S., Almenar, E. Orange peel powder as a filler for plastic films for food packaging applications: a case study in bread. 2022 IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo. 6/29/2022 and 7/11/22. Oral competition: online; Poster: Chicago, IL. Oral competition and poster.</li> <li>Fan, X. Antioxidants and antimicrobials to maintain freshness and minimize Listeria contamination of fresh-cut apples. American Chemical Society Spring meeting. March 20-24, 2022. San Diego, CA. Oral.</li> <li>Fan, X. Ryu, V., Ngo, H., Ashby, R.D. Bio-based antimicrobials derived from fatty acids. The Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition International Symposium and Annual Meeting. Oct. 19-21, 2022. Jeju Island, South Korea. Oral.</li> <li>Fan, X., Vinyard, B.T., Song, Y. Modeling effects of hydrogen peroxide concentration, treatment time and dwell time on the efficacy of cold plasma-activated hydrogen peroxide aerosol against Salmonella Typhimurium and Listeria innocua on tomatoes. International Association For Food Protection Annual Meeting. July 31 – August 3, 2022. Pttsburg, PA. Poster.</li> <li>Fennel, K.; Fehlberg, J; Singh, S.; Cho, S.; Almenar, E. Consumer behaviour towards packaging made of agricultural waste for food. 2022 IFT FIRST Annual Event and Expo. 6/29/2022 and 7/11/22. Oral competioton: online; Poster: Chicago, IL. Oral competition and poster.</li> <li>Kode D., Nannapaneni R. Strain variation in formation of QAC-adapted subpopulations of Listeria monocytogenes. 2022 IFT Annual Meeting. July 10-13, 2022. Chicago, IL. Poster.</li> <li>Luo, Y. Government-industry partnership in developing solutions to pathogen cross-contamination during packing house operation of tomatoes and papayas. 7th CIAD (Mexico) and ARS Workshop. Feb 2021. Online. Oral.</li> <li>Luo, Y. Moving the Mountain Together: The Industry, Academia, and Government Partnership is Essential for the Development of Best Practices. IAFP 2-21. July 2021. Phoenix, AZ. Oral.</li> <li>Mendes Candido de Oliveira, G., Luo, Y., and Nou, X. Ultrasonic Formulation of Bergamot Oil and Linalool Nanoemulsions and Their Bactericidal Activity. International Association for Food Protection Annual Meeting. July 19, 2021. Phoenix, AZ. Poster.</li> <li>Meng Ma, Tianbao Yang, Qijiansong. Cold Plasma Treatment Promotes Seed Germination and Enhances Isoflavone Content in Soybean Sprouts. ASHS 2021. August 5-9, 2021. Online. Poster</li> <li>Ngo, H., Fan, X. New ethyl phenolic branched chain fatty acid arginate products with antimicrobial and surfactant properties. American Chemical Society Spring meeting. March 20-24, 2022. San Diego, CA. Oral.</li> <li>Schade, S., and Nannapaneni, R. Survival, persistence, and isolation of different colony morphotypes of Listeria monocytogenes after exposure to high and low concentrations of second generation quaternary ammonium compound (SterBAC QUAT) in water. 86th Annual Mississippi Academy of Sciences Meeting. March 31 – April 1, 2022. Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center, Biloxi. Poster.</li> <li>Tatem, I., Duguma, H.T., Almenar, E. Comparison of the shelf life of tomatoes with clamshell and polylactic acid/orange peel powder packages. MSU SROP (Summer Research Opportunities Program). 7/25/2022. Online. Oral competition and poster competition.</li> <li>Tucker, E., Schade, S., and Nannapaneni, R. Survival, persistence, and isolation of different colony morphotypes of Listeria monocytogenes after exposure to high and low concentrations of first generation quaternary ammonium compound (BAC) in water. 86th Annual Mississippi Academy of Sciences Meeting. March 31 – April 1, 2022. Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center, Biloxi. Poster.</li> <li>Umutesi, G., and Nannapaneni, R. Differences in survival and persistence of eight Salmonella strains after exposure to low and high concentrations of first-generation quaternary ammonium compound (BAC) in water. 86th Annual Mississippi Academy of Sciences Meeting. March 31 – April 1, 2022. Mississippi Coast Coliseum & Convention Center, Biloxi. Poster.</li> <li>Umutesi, G., and Nannapaneni, R. Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028 survival and persistence after exposure to low to high concentrations of quaternary ammonium compound (QAC) in water. 2022 IFT Annual Meeting. July 10-13, 2022. Chicago, IL. Poster.</li> <li>Xudong Zhu, Zi, Teng, Bin Zhou, Tianbao Yang, Yaguang Luo, Frances Trouth. Comparative transcriptome analysis of lettuce cultivars with high and low tissue browning. ASHS 2020. August 9-13, 2020. Online. Poster.</li> </ol>   Publications <ol> <li>Ahlawat, Y., S. Li, P.R. Timilsena, E.D. Pliakoni, J.K. Brecht, and T. Liu. 2022. Identification of senescence-associated genes in broccoli (Brassica oleracea) following harvest. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 183:11729. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2021.111729">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2021.111729</a></li> <li>Almenar, E. 2020. Innovations in packaging technologies for produce. In: Controlled and Modified Atmospheres for Fresh and Fresh-Cut Produce. Eds. M.I. Gil and R.M. Beaudry. Elsevier, Philadelphia, PA (USA). 211-264. <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128045992000120">https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780128045992000120</a></li> <li>Almenar, E. 2021. Recent advances in fresh-cut produce packaging. Acta Horticulturae. 1319:13-26. <a href="https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2021.1319.2">https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2021.1319.2</a></li> <li>Awalgaonkar, G.; Beaudry, R.; Almenar, E. 2020. Ethylene-removing packaging: basis for development and latest advances. Comprehensive Reviews in Food Science and Food Safety. 19(6): 3980-4007. <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.12636">http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1541-4337.12636</a></li> <li>Bai, J., Jordán, M.J., and Li, J. 2022. Metabolism of fruit volatile organic compounds. Frontiers in Plant Science. 13:873515. 2022. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.873515">https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.873515</a></li> <li>Baldwin, E.A. and J.K. Brecht. 2020. Advances in the use of barrier coatings and additives in the preservation of fresh horticultural produce. In: C. Watkins (ed.). Advances in Postharvest Management of Horticultural Produce. Burleigh Dodds, Cambridge, U.K. 91_115.</li> <li>Bansal, M., Dhowlaghar, N., Nannapaneni, R., Kode, D., Chang, S., Sharma, C., McDaniel, C., Kiess, A. 2021. Decreased biofilm formation by planktonic cells of Listeria monocytogenes in the presence of sodium hypochlorite. Food Microbiology. 96. 103714. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fm.2020.103714">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fm.2020.103714</a></li> <li>Belisle, C.E., S.A. Sargent, J.K. Brecht, G.V. Sandoya, and C.A. Sims. 2021. Accelerated shelf-life testing to predict quality loss in Romaine-type lettuce. HortTechnology. <a href="https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH04812-21">https://doi.org/10.21273/HORTTECH04812-21</a></li> <li>Bolten, Samantha, Ganyu Gu, Yaguang Luo, Sam Van Haute, Bin Zhou, Pat Millner, Shirley A. Micallef, and Xiangwu Nou. 2020. Salmonella inactivation and cross-contamination on cherry and grape tomatoes under simulated wash conditions. Food Microbiology. 87:103359. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fm.2019.103359">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fm.2019.103359</a></li> <li>Brenes, Ana Lorena Monge, Wyatt Brown, Scott Steinmaus, Jeffrey K. Brecht, Yurui Xie, Ellen R. Bornhorst, Yaguang Luo, Bin Zhou, Angela Shaw, and Keith Vorst. 2020. Temperature profiling of open-and closed-doored produce cases in retail grocery stores. Food Control. 113:107158. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107158">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2020.107158</a></li> <li>Brewers, S., Plotto, A., Bai, J., Crane, J., Chambers, A. 2021. Evaluation of 21 papaya (Carica papaya ) accessions in southern Florida for fruit quality, aroma, plant height, and yield components. Scientia Horticulturae, 288: 110387. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2021.110387">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2021.110387</a></li> <li>Chang, L., S.A. Sargent, J. Kim and J.K. Brecht. 2022. Delaying ripening using 1-MCP reveals chilling injury symptom development at the putative chilling threshold temperature for mature green banana. Frontiers in Plant Science. 13. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.966789">https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2022.966789</a></li> <li>Christopoulos, M., Gkatzos, D., Kafkaletou, M., Bai, J., Fanourakis, D., Tsaniklidis, G., Tsantili, E. 2022. Edible coatings from Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes alongside chitosan on quality and antioxidants in cherries during storage. Foods. 11:699. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11050699">https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11050699</a></li> <li>Cruz, M., Neves, C., De Carvalho, D., Colombo, R., Bai, J., Yada, I., Leite Jr., R., Tazima, Z. 2021. Five rootstocks for ‘Emperor’ mandarin under subtropical climate in Southern Brazil. Frontiers in Plant Science. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2021.777871">https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2021.777871</a></li> <li>de Frias, J. Atilio, Yaguang Luo, Bin Zhou, Boce Zhang, David T. Ingram, Keith Vorst, Jeffrey K. Brecht, and John Stommel. 2020. Effect of door opening frequency and duration of an enclosed refrigerated display case on product temperatures and energy consumption. Food Control. 111:107044. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2019.107044">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodcont.2019.107044</a></li> <li>Du, X., Sissons, J., Shanks, M., Plotto, A. 2021. Aroma and Flavor Profile of Raw and Roasted Agaricus bisporus Mushrooms Using a Panel Trained with Aroma Chemicals . LWT – Food Science and Technology. 138:110596. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2020.110596">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lwt.2020.110596</a></li> <li>Fan, X. 2021. 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Exploring environmental and storage factors affecting sensory, physical and chemical attributes of six southern highbush blueberry cultivars. Scientia Horticulturae. 289:110468. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2021.110468">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2021.110468</a></li> <li>Spricigo, P., Freitas, T., Purgatto, E., Mitsuyuki, M., Ferreira, M., Corrêa, D., Bai, J., Brecht, J. 2021. Visually imperceptible mechanical damage of harvested tomatoes changes ethylene production, color, enzyme activity, and volatile compounds profile. Postharvest Biology and Technology. 176:111503. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2021.111503">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2021.111503</a></li> <li>Spruit, D.; Almenar, E. 2021. First market study in e-commerce food packaging: resources, performance, and trends. 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Comparison of three cooling methods (hydrocooling, forced-air cooling and slush icing) and plastic overwrap on broccoli quality during simulated commercial handling. Agriculture. 12:1272. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12081272">https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12081272</a></li> <li>Ueda, Y., Zhao, W., Ihara, H., Imahori, Y., Tsantili, E., Sumithra, W.K., Chambers, A., and Bai, J. 2022. Functional characteristics of aldehyde dehydrogenase and its involvement in aromatic volatile biosynthesis in postharvest banana ripening. Foods. 11:347. 2022. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11030347">https://doi.org/10.3390/foods11030347</a></li> <li>Van Haute, Sam, Bin Zhou, Yaguang Luo, Imca Sampers, Martijn Vanhaverbeke, and Patricia Millner. 2019. The use of redox potential to estimate free chlorine in fresh produce washing operations: Possibilities and limitations. 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Impact Statements

We determined the performance and trends of E-commerce food packaging. (MI)

Date of Annual Report: 02/01/2023

Report Information

Annual Meeting Dates: 10/19/2023 - 10/19/2023
Period the Report Covers: 10/01/2023 - 09/30/2024

Participants

In person attendees:
Jeffrey Brecht - FL
Angelos Deltsidis adeltsidis@uga.edu – GA
Orestis Giannopoulos. - GA
Eva Almenar ealmenar@msu.edu - MI
Amin Joodaky joodakya@msu.edu - MI
Irwin Donis-Gonzales irdonisgon@ucdavis.edu - CA
Qingyang Wang - OR
Emily Moyer, IFPA
Max Teplistki, IFPA
Drew McDonald, Taylor Farm
Mehea Park, Visiting Scientist at USDA Beltsville, MD poemmich@korea.kr

Online attendees:
Scott Senseman , Project administrator, OK
Jorge Fonseca - MD
Yaguang Luo - MD
Tianbao Yang - MD
Regina O’Brien Regina.Obrien@usda.gov - MD
Xuetong Fan - PA
Anne Plotto - FL
Jinhe Bai - ARS - FL
Gabriela Olmedo - FL
Amanda Deering - IN
Byron Brehm-Stecher - IA
Karin Albornoz kpalbor@clemson.edu - NC
Keith Schneider - FL
Marlee Trandel mat0141@auburn.edu - AL
Toktam Taghavi - VA
Vijay Joshi vijay.joshi@tamu.edu - TX
Alessandro Banterle, Univ. of Milan, Italy

Non-attending participants also submitted a report:
Nannapaneni, Rama (nannapaneni@fsnhp.msstate.edu) - MS

Participants Attachment:

S-204 annual report 2023_submitted 02.01.2024.pdf

Brief Summary of Minutes

Meeting minutes:

Introduction:

Brief introduction by Jorge Fonseca. Approval of the 2022 minutes.

Welcome from Administrative Advisor, Scott Senseman:

Scott Senseman congratulated the group for getting the new project accepted. This group is very productive in terms of accomplishments and publications. The current project is in its second year and will terminate in September 2027 (5-year projects). He encourages everyone to keep moving on research in Food Safety, Nutrition and Food Waste.

We have 60 days from the meeting date to submit the annual report for the group. Participants in this project S294 are encouraged to go to the NIMSS web site (www.nimss.org) to register. Make sure to fill the Appendix E so the participant list can be updated. Do not hesitate to contact the administrator, Scott Senseman, if you have problems getting registered.

Note: An e-mail was sent by Jorge Fonseca on September 12^th about the S294 project, with an attachment describing step-by-steps how to register.

Support to research, NIFA funding opportunities, Jodi Williams

Presentation by Jodi Williams, NIFA, National Program Leader of the Food Safety Division.

Williams went through the various programs funded by NIFA under the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI). She pointed out those that haven’t had many proposals recently, such as “Education and Workforce Development”. She recommended that under the AFRI programs, the “Sustainable Agricultural System (SAS”) program needs to be prepared well in advance to put together a team.

Programs under AFRI:

Food Safety and Defense funds: basic and applied research to reduce contaminants in food. Contaminants include heavy metals. Contact Jodi Williams for this program.

Novel Foods and Innovative Manufacturing Technologies to develop “risk-based approaches to ensure the quality and safety of novel foods” (contact Hongda Chen)

Mitigating Antimicrobial Resistance Across the Food Chain (contact Jodi Williams)

Nanotechnology for Agricultural Food Systems (contact Hongda Chen)

Other non AFRI programs:

Food Safety Outreach

Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR): 10 topic areas, including food science, process and engineering

Equipment Grant Program: this program is limited to Universities and does not need to be tied to any research proposal.

The Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI) is also a non-AFRI program ($80M). There are two phases in the application process, pre-application reviewed by industry members for relevance, and full application. “SCRI requires transdisciplinary, systems approach that integrates research and extension.”

Dr. Williams’ power point will be distributed to all S294 members.

Consumer Behavior Towards Fresh-cut Produce in Europe, Alessandro Banterle

Dr. Banterle joined by zoom from the University of Milano, Italy, to present the state of fresh-cut consumption in Europe. The key points to take away were: convenience for meal preparation is still the main driver for purchasing fresh-cut produce, as well as the perception of health and consumption of fruits and vegetables in the Mediterranean diet.

The main challenge to industry is to maintain trust from the consumers, to provide a consistent product and a consistent message.

International Fresh Produce Association (IFPA) ongoing work / technology research needs, Max Teplitski

Max Teplitski, CSO IFPA, talked about industry challenges.

70% of food in the USA is lost or wasted. Please see his latest article in Current Opinion in Biotechnology https://doi.org/10.1016/j.copbio.2023.102971

There is an anticipated ban on all plastic packaging in Europe, already started in the UK. IFPA is trying to work with regulators; however, there is no data to show the regulators the obvious fact that packaging prevents contaminations. Most published data show that packaging increases shelf life (quality aspects), but nothing about keeping the food safe. Dr. Teplitski is appealing to S294 members to find such data if they exist. Some companies already are developing packaging from other-than plastics.

Another question some industry members are considering: is it possible to reduce the carbon footprint using the reverse supply chain? If yes, at what stage in the supply chain should a package be returned?

IFPA is a 501.C3 Trade Association, they have lobbyists on staff.

Max Teplitski suggested that S294 members look at non-traditional opportunities for funding. The USDA Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs (TASC) provides assistance for specialty crops; it is not funded by the Farm Bill, but funded by ICCC, to address technical barriers to trade. He encourages S294 members to contact IFPA when they have an idea for a proposal.

IFPA also has a robust educational and outreach program. They organize weekly virtual townhalls attended by 200 people, podcasts, short courses, etc. They collaborate with universities to organize and finance short courses. Contact Doug Bohr or Megan Nash, Chief Education Officers.

Public-Private collaboration, Drew McDonald, Taylor Farms

Drew McDonald listed 3 types of relationships between industry and academia:

Endorsement: When the scientist asks for a letter of support from industry when writing a proposal. This is minimum collaboration.

Active engagement: when the scientist makes an effort to understand the seasonality of the crop and time their research and communications accordingly.

Active participation: when the farm or packing operation is part of the project, when they provide data. They can also provide a risk analysis with the new project.

McDonald emphasized that it is important to build long term relationships for future applications. Need to identify hazards so that research should focus more on prevention. He focused his talk on the fact that PIs need to understand the production operation in order to provide meaningful data.

Food safety research needs and opportunities for engagement with global IFPA members, Emily Moyer, IFPA

Emily Moyer has been with IFPA for about 5 years. She is the VP of Regulatory Compliance and Global Food Safety Standards. She was here today because Gretchen Wall, Director of Food Safety and Quality, was unable to attend. Also, Deon Mahoney is the Head of Food Safety for Australia and New Zealand.

The Food Safety Team’s goals are to advocate for science-based standards and policies.

There are 150 members on the Food Safety & Technology Council, and 4,400 members in the Food Safety group.

How do they engage in and support produce research: they can be reviewers, be on advisory committees, or collaborators in research projects.

The Food Safety Team facilitates connections between IFPA and academic researchers. They participate in the Center for Produce Safety Board of Directors and on technical committees.

Research needed:

Evolution of risks

Climate/weather events – what are the risks on produce commodities

Plant pathogens/pest damage; produce susceptibility to pathogen contamination

Chemical hazards: heavy metals, PFAS

New and emerging pathogens, REP strains (reoccurring, emerging and persistent enteric bacterial strains)

Intersection of safety and quality

Quality and safety indicators embedded in packaging

Iced produce

Hydrocoolers

How to optimize defect tolerance to reduce economic loss and food waste

New technologies and growing methods

Impact of new sustainable packaging and modified atmosphere packaging

Controlled environment agriculture

IFPA engages with consumer associations such as Consumer Reports by making sure that what they publish is correct.

IFPA is not so much engaged in nutrition science as in nutrition policy.

History of S294, Jeffrey Brecht, University of Florida

“S” was because the group originated from University of Georgia, in the Southern region. Funding is mostly provided to bring researchers together, not to fund research. The motivation for produce research came from a letter from Albertsons to its suppliers in 1998 saying “you will only sell produce to us if you have a food safety plan and submit to third-party audits of your plan”. S294 was established in 1999 and scientists met for the first time in 2000. The main goal was that it involved “cooperative, joined planned research” that has “national or regional priorities”. S294 scientists, which includes universities (Land Grant), USDA-ARS, other public and private sector and international scientists have historically met jointly with International Fresh-cut Processing Association (IFPA), United Fresh Produce Association (UFPA, a merger of IFPA and United Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Association) and now the new IFPA (a merger of United Fresh and the Produce Marketing Association).

Brecht went through the 5 objectives and the list of participating universities, available on the NIMSS web site. Members are organized into two fields of expertise: microbiology/food safety, and postharvest physiology/biochemistry/quality. Examples of accomplishments include a project to enhance the microbial safety of fresh and fresh-cut melon, a joint project between UC, UF, UGA, and ARS-PA.

Station reports:

Online attendees:

USDA Florida

Marlee Trandel (new member) - effect of LED lights on volatiles and nutritional components of selected microgreens

Gabriela Olmedo – Thymol essential oil vapors to control Penicillum digitatum and Lasiodiplodia theobromae (stem-end-rot) on grapefruit

Jinhe Bai - Active packaging to improve blueberry shelf life: clamshells with lower vent to reduce fruit dehydration and weight loss, and slow-release thymol vapors to reduce decay.

USDA Maryland

Yaguang Luo (Sunny) – use of LED to enhance salad nutrition with edible flowers. Light could stimulate flower production (e.g., snapdragon, marigold, mustard). Nutritional content of such salad mixes could be as high as in microgreens. Combined UV light with PAA treatment of water to reduce microbial contaminations of leafy greens.

Tianbao Yang – delaying browning of fresh cut lettuce

Bin Zhou – tested ultrasonic cutting system to efficiently harvest microgreens. Identify and optimize paper sensors responsive to VOCs to measure produce quality. Develop novel fresh-cut produce washing and disinfection technology.

Regina O’Brien – Using advanced imaging system, eye tracking and other consumer biometrics in sensory studies.

Clemson University: Karin Albornoz (new member) – Current research studying the relationship between internal ethylene levels at harvest and the postharvest performance of fresh-cut Brassica leafy greens

Purdue University: Amanda Deering (new member), extension & research appointment – studying microbial contamination, internalization and transport of human pathogens in the plant.

Virginia State University: Toktam Taghavi. Emphasis on reducing food waste. Project to optimize anthocyanin extraction from strawberries. Explore bacterial communities on strawberry fruit that could inhibit Botrytis cinerea growth. Quality of ginger and turmeric as affected by temperature and packaging.

Texas A&M University: Vijay Joshi (new member). Strategies to mitigate Salmonella in onion bulbs.

Iowa State University: Byron Brehm-Stecher presented for the Iowa State University group. Research areas include sample preparation methods to capture foodborne pathogens, rapid detection and identification techniques, natural antimicrobial systems, novel processing methods, sensory and quality analysis of fruits and vegetables. Example: Magnetic Ionic Liquids for sample preparation to aggregate and capture microbial pathogens.

In person attendees:

Michigan State School of Packaging

Eva Almenar: fresh produce packaging and food waste. Development of new packaging materials made from agricultural waste for produce packaging. Training of first generation Latino growers to improve product quality and safety using packaging among others.

Amin Joodaky: effect of transportation shock and vibration on apple shelf life (e.g. bruising)

University of Georgia

Angelos Deltsidis: use of gaseous ozone. Tried on many fruit types. In general, lower O₃ resulted in better fruit quality, except for onion. There is a killing zone for O₃ that is detrimental to fruit quality.

Studied pitting incidence on cucumber; degreening of Satsuma mandarins; and cooling efficiency trials.

University of Florida

Jeff Brecht presented the UF team: Tie Liu and Steve Sargent (Horticulture) and Keith Schneider and Charlie Sims (Food Science). Demonstrating the role of stress ethylene in banana chilling injury (CI) symptom development (JKB); Using hyperspectral imaging to detect internal CI in avocado (TL); Postharvest application of melatonin to lettuce retards pink rib (SAS); Lead Regional Coordination Center and the Southern Region Center for produce (KS).

Introducing new member: Qingyang Wang (Oregon State University)

10. Planning on addressing the needs

Drew McDonald repeated the need to address Hazard Risks. We should conduct hypothesis risk-driven science.

Need to provide a collective summary of critical elements.

Unfinished business

Planning the 2024 meeting in Atlanta – contact IFPA early, in February, to be more active participants.

Elect new secretary who will start in October 2024. Anne Plotto contacted Toktam Taghavi, who accepted. Will need to be voted at the next annual meeting.

Elect a vice chair to replace Anne Plotto: Jeff Brecht contacted Angelos Deltsidis, who accepted. Will need to be voted at the next annual meeting.

Other members may be nominated by the next annual meeting.

Eva Almenar and Byron Brehm-Stecher will organize several meting focused on produce safety and quality before our next meeting in Atlanta.

Accomplishments

Objective 1. Evaluate methods of sampling and measuring flavor and nutrition of fresh-cut products to facilitate comparison to traditional shelf life factors: Optimization of Extraction Solvents to Measure Strawberries Anthocyanin Yield, Color, and Profile. A total of nine organic and water-based solvents (methanol and chloroform: methanol, acetone, ethanol, water) and their combinations were compared to extract anthocyanins from freshly-pureed strawberries. Solvents changed anthocyanin yield, color parameters, and profile. The color parameters of a* values lower than 30, L* values higher than 85, hue angle more than 40, and chroma less than 30 indicated some color degradation in strawberry anthocyanins. Therefore, the best solvents for anthocyanin assessment were methanol and methanol: water. The second-best solvent was the pH differential buffers. Other solvents such as ethanol, chloroform: methanol, water, and water-based solvents extracted considerable amounts of anthocyanins; however, they showed some degree of color degradation, evidenced by the color parameters. Acetone did not yield a stable extract which degraded over 48 h of storage at 4 °C. The extraction solvent determined the main anthocyanin of the anthocyanins profile. Pelargonidin was the major anthocyanin in chloroform: methanol solvent, while delphinidin was dominant in all other solvents. (VSU)   Objective 2. Develop new strategies to improve and better maintain inherent fresh-cut product quality and nutrition: Using modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) +/- ethylene scrubbing to maintain the quality of advanced ripeness fruits. To address the issue of transport and temporary storage of ripe fruit, we have been investigating the application of appropriately designed MAP +/- ethylene scrubbing, either at higher than normal temperatures (tomato) or lower, normally chilling, temperatures (mango). (UF) Efficacy of essential oils for maintaining postharvest quality and reducing decay of blueberry and peach fruits. Thyme oil and oregano oil are being evaluated for postharvest control of gray mold on blueberry and brown rot on peaches. Both effective and phytotoxic concentrations have been determined. The essential oils are more effective if applied at higher temperature, prior to cold storage, and do not have persistent aromas that could affect consumer satisfaction. (UF) Evaluation of elite lettuce breeding lines in St. Johns County: Year 2 – Field performance, postharvest quality and shelf life. Using the Accelerated Shelf Life Test protocol, differences in postharvest quality and shelf life were determined for 10 lettuce cultivars and advanced breeding lines grown in open field or protected culture. (UF) Efficacy of HarvestHoldTM technology for extending postharvest quality and shelf life of selected fresh vegetables. Plastic sheets were placed in shipping cartons to release 1-MCP during shipping and handling. Shelf life was extended up to 2 days, depending on the crop. (UF) Developing Effective Pre- and Postharvest Methods to Control Diplodia Stem-end Rot (Lasiodiplodia theobromae) and Reduce Mandatory Segregation of Fresh Florida Grapefruit Exports Arriving in Japan. Several fungicidal materials were tested pre-harvest on mature grapefruit trees to prevent post-harvest decay due to Diplodia stem-end rot (SER) caused by Lasiodiplodia spp. Two fungicides significantly reduced fruit decay, while an essential oil (thyme oil) had no effect. Post-harvest applications of gaseous chlorine dioxide (ClO2) effectively reduced Diplodia SER on inoculated fruit; however, phytotoxicity was observed as peel injury when ClO2 doses exceeded 1 g per kilo of fruit. In the end, treatments of gaseous fast release CO2 in an enclosed chamber at a rate of 1 g per kilo of fruit and duration of 8 hours effectively controlled Diplodia SER in grapefruit. (UF & ARS FL) Develop low calorie juice using winter melon and jicama roots. Winter melon and jicama roots are productive and have the advantage of storing up to 4 months without deterioration of the fruit/root. Processing methods to optimize flavor and nutritional content were established. (ARS FL) Improving microgreen and tomato yield and quality by regulating LED light combinations. Blue and red lights are extensively used in controlled environment agriculture as light sources or supplementary lights. We have been focusing on additional lights to improve vegetable quality and enhance the tolerance of tomatoes to postharvest chilling injury. Our results indicate that green light can increase the yield of microgreens and enhance the volatile intensity in addition to blue and red light treatments. We will confirm if adding far-red light in the blue/red lighting growth chamber can enhance tolerance of tomatoes to postharvest chilling injury. (ARS FL) Quality and shelf life of ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) as affected by temperature and packaging. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) are grown as specialty crops and spices. Experiments were conducted to evaluate storage temperatures on chilling injury. In the first year, tubers stored at 4 °C had less water loss and fungal growth compared to room temperature. Differences in total soluble solids and titratable acidity were not significant between the two temperatures. In the second year, discoloration occurred due to the chilling injury to tubers. Cold storage reduced water loss significantly and paper bags and clamshells reduced fungal decay compared to the plastic ziploc bags. (VSU) Packaging and household food waste intersections: facts and consumer awareness. Fresh whole fruits and vegetables are the top food category wasted in American households. Produce without packaging that spoiled before it was eaten was the largest fresh whole produce waste state. There is a need for packaging that extends produce shelf life to reduce American household food waste. Other conclusions can be found in upcoming publications. (MSU) Turning agricultural waste into packages for food. Publication of literature review to identify gaps of knowledge. Use of different agricultural wastes that result in packaging materials with improved performance for food packaging applications. Obtention of a novel coupling agent from waste to improve properties of these novel materials. (MSU) La Cosecha (The Harvest) 2020: Expanding the Success and Sustainability of Farming for Beginning Latino Farmers. Education and training for first- and next-generation Latino/a farmers in Michigan. Development and delivery of a workshop consisting of 4 sessions for blueberry growers. The workshop  was developed using the 2022 pre-assessment and post-assessment survey questionnaires. The 2023 pre-and post-assessment survey questionnaires were used to assess growers’ knowledge acquisition and changes in behavior. (MSU) An optimization tool for the ventilation design of cold-chain food packages. The designs for ventilation cutouts in food and produce packaging were examined using mechanics-based models, the finite element method, experimental procedures, and machine learning techniques. Through the algorithms and tools developed, the enhanced ventilated package design meets the necessary ventilation requirements while maintaining superior compression strength. Consequently, this leads to a reduction in both packaging materials and produce waste. (MSU) Apple damage in distribution cycle. Throughout the supply chain, apples experience various forms of damage. This research project is centered on examining the factors involved, with particular attention to the impacts of vibration levels and cushioning properties on apple damage. Currently, the project is in an early phase, and its findings have yet to be shared or published. (MSU) Release Kinetics of 1-MCP from HarvestHold Fresh (HHF).   1-MCP accumulated to effective treatment levels in boxes of broccoli at all temperatures.  The 1-MCP released from HHF readily escapes from treated boxes.  More exposed boxes lose 1-MCP most rapidly. (MSU) Evaluation of Alternative Atmosphere Treatments to Extend Shelf-life of Georgia-grown Blackberries. CA and gaseous ozone application have potential in retaining the shelf-life of Georgia grown blackberries. Further investigation is needed to evaluate the technologies and adapt them for farmer adoption. (UGA) Evaluating the Suitability of Controlled Atmosphere Storage for New Pecan Varieties. Ongoing trial to study the effects of CA and hermetic sealed packages on the quality attributes of Georgia-grown shelled pecans. The study is currently underway with samples being evaluated every 3 months.  (UGA) Online Training Series of Harvest Quality and Postharvest Handling of Small Fruits. Production of a series of short video trainings for agents, growers and other interested parties to improve the understanding of the appropriate handling methods for small fruits grown in the Southeast. (UGA)   Objective 3. Improve understanding of physiological mechanisms that affect fresh-cut product quality: Flavor and taste on demand via dynamic application of LED light. Using basil as a model produce, we demonstrated the capability of modulating flavor of herbs via dynamic application of LED light. (USDA MD). Application of eye tracking to understand attention to labeling in eCommerce: an observational study using apples. Using apples as a model, we demonstrated that consumer attention to quality information on a product webpage follows a general pattern; more attention is given to sensory descriptions when a product is unfamiliar. (USDA MD) Visual quality evaluation of fresh-cut Romaine lettuce during post-processing storage as affected by “Forward Processing” and “Source Processing”. Fresh-cut Romaine lettuce processed via Forward Processing, processed closer to selling location, retained similar browning and decay visual quality scores over storage when images were compared to lettuce processed via Source Processing at the harvesting location. (USDA MD) Further studies to reduce development of pink rib, a stress-related disorder in lettuce. Following the completion of CE Belisle's dissertation in 2022, a series of tests were conducted that validate the efficacy of postharvest application of melatonin to reduce development of lettuce pink rib disorder, which is related to stress, wounding, and over-maturity. (UF) Identifying senescence-associated genes (SAGs) in broccoli and lettuce that have potential to be used as markers of freshness or physiological age. A number of genes have been identified that are expressed at different times during development of senescence. We are working to identify the most reliably expressed genes that are strictly identifying senescence stages as opposed to, for example, stress, ethylene, or CA/MA conditions. (UF) Ethylene involvement in early chilling injury (CI) development of mature-green (MG) banana. We showed that ethylene is involved in early development of banana CI symptoms, including vascular browning and reduced quantum yield of chloroplast photosystem II [Y(II)] in the peel and lower peel and pulp aroma volatiles. 1-MCP-treated chilled fruit develop less vascular discoloration and higher Y(II) in the peel, less peel and pulp electrolyte leakage, and close to normal levels of volatiles in the peel and pulp. (UF) Lipid Oxidation and Volatile Compounds of Almonds as Affected by Gaseous Chlorine Dioxide Treatment to Reduce Salmonella Populations. Gaseous chlorine dioxide at conditions that reduced a 4-log population of Salmonella increased lipid oxidation and the formation of many volatile flavor compounds that originate from lipids. In addition, several chlorine-containing compounds were formed in treated almonds, though most of them decreased to non-detectable levels during storage. The results may help the almond industry in deciding whether to apply the technology or not, in order to improve the safety of almonds.  (ARS PA)   Objective 4. Determine critical factors in controlled inoculation studies with human pathogens and surrogates that influence the outcome of quantitative microbial risk assessments: Efficacy of Inline Application of Postharvest Sanitizers to Reduce Foodborne Pathogens from Cantaloupe Rinds and Extend Shelf-Life. A total of three different sanitizers were used in tandem, chlorine, chlorine dioxide, and peroxyacetic acid, to determine if that had a better efficacy at killing human pathogenic bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium, and E. coli O157:H7, compared to just using one type of sanitizer as is often done in the fresh produce industry.  It was found that the combination of sanitizers had ~1 log better reduction of human pathogenic bacteria compared to using just one type of sanitizer.   We also are doing some shelf-life studies to see if using the combination of sanitizers helps to increase the shelf-life of eastern cantaloupes stored at both refrigeration and room temperatures. (Purdue) Impact of the Growing Location on the Microbial Load of Different Varieties of Cantaloupes. Cantaloupes are perishable and susceptible to microbiological contamination during production, harvest, and distribution. Since cantaloupes are grown on the ground, preharvest safety concerns come from the bacterial load that they can harbor from the soil and the contamination with foodborne pathogens carried by irrigation water, manure-based fertilizers and wild animals. The study examined the microbial concentration of 8 different varieties of cantaloupes that were grown under greenhouse conditions in two different locations in Indiana. Escherichia coli was absent on all the cantaloupes rinds evaluated. Aerobic bacteria and coliforms concentration were found to be between 107 and 108 CFU/ml. For some varieties, location of production influenced the aerobic bacteria, yeast and mold concentration. In contrast, coliform concentration was found to not have a significant difference between varieties regardless of the growing location. Finally, it was found that there is a strong interrelationship among microorganisms (p-value <0.05). (Purdue) Effect of heat-treated poultry pellets and poultry litter compost on the survival of E. coli in Florida and Georgia soils. The presence of organic amendments, i.e., BSAAOs, was shown to enhance the survival of pathogen surrogates in inoculated field trials. This study also demonstrated that these surrogates could transfer to root crops, potentially affecting consumer products. (UF) Effects of water activity, ammonia, and Corynebacterium urealyticum on the survival of Salmonella Typhimurium in poultry litter microcosms. This project demonstrated that the breakdown of compounds such as urea and ammonia had a significant negative impact on pathogen survival; more so than indigenous microflora. (UF) Biocide tolerant Listeria monocytogenes surviving in first and second generation QAC. Small colony variants of L. monocytogenes serotypes 1/2a and 4b were isolated after frequent exposure to first generation QAC, benzalkonium chloride (BAC), that exhibited a low-level tolerance to BAC versus parent strain. (Mississippi State U) Biocide tolerant Salmonella Typhimurium surviving in first and second generation QAC. Rugose morphotypes of Salmonella strains were isolated after frequent exposure to first generation QAC, benzalkonium chloride (BAC), that tolerated higher BAC versus parent strain. (Mississippi State U) Strategic approaches to mitigate Salmonella contamination of bulb onions. Transcriptomic (RNA-Seq) analysis of onion bulbs inoculated with Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype Typhimurium showed significant upregulation of onion FFLS2 : Leucine-rich repeat serine/threonine protein kinase involved in MAP kinase signaling relay involved in innate immunity. The gene is essential in the perception of flagellin22, a potent elicitor of the defense response. (Log2 5.7- fold upregulation), Upregulation of Rhoh: Respiratory burst oxidase- needed for accumulation of ROS intermediates (Log2 20-fold upregulation), upregulation of potential chitinase, - (Log2 3.7 fold upregulation) and upregulation pathogenesis-related protein 4 - (Log2 3.3 fold upregulation). Metabolite analysis using LC-MS of onion bulbs of three varieties (Carta Blanca- white; Red Label- Red, Dulciana- White) inoculated with Salmonella enterica showed significant variations across colors and upregulation of flavonols, specifically the quercetin derivatives. (Texas A&M)      Objective 5. Development and validation of novel diagnostic methods to determine presence of human pathogens and chemical hazards associated with fresh and fresh-cut products: Biocide tolerant Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella strains surviving in first and second generation QAC. This work will lead to methods for isolation and confirmation of persister cells and subpopulations of L. monocytogenes and Salmonella strains that tolerate commonly used disinfectants which may survive longer in some food processing environments. (Mississippi State U) Detection of Culturable Bacteria in Greenhouse Grown Romaine Lettuce Using the Light Scattering Technology (BEAM). Technologies for rapid detection and identification of bacterial communities, especially for pathogens, are crucial for securing a safe food supply. The light-scattering technology (BEAM) incorporates the traditional culture-based approach as a part of the detection procedure and is an easier and faster method for detection and identification of bacteria based on the morphological characteristics of the colonies.  A light scatter pattern library was created based on the most common bacterial genera associated with different varieties of romaine lettuce with each scatter patterns being unique to each bacteria genera. However, scatter patterns obtained from the same bacterial colony was found to change depending on the incubation time due to changes in colony size and morphological characteristics. Therefore, the scatter patterns for the different bacterial genera were evaluated at 12, 21, 32 and 72 hours of incubation for fast, intermediate, medium and slow growth rates to create a library to be able to detect various bacteria using the BEAM technology. (Purdue) Strategic approaches to mitigate Salmonella contamination of bulb onions. Survival of Salmonella in raw onion extracts differs across onion varieties with different colors, although Salmonella could not survive adequately in crude onion juices regardless of variety. The magnitude of the decline in Salmonella populations differs (Log reduction CFU/ml); over six hour storage was Red > Yellow > White. To understand the entry routes and internalization of Salmonella in onion, we used fluorescent strains of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype Typhimurium (ATCC 14028GFP). The Salmonella was internalized and translocated from damaged roots, injured bulbs and leaves and remained active until 3 weeks of inoculations. (Texas A&M)

Publications

Teng, Z., Luo, Y., Pearlstein, D.J., Wheeler, R.M., Johnson, C.M., Wang, Q, and Fonseca. 2022. Microgreens for home, commercial, and space farming – a comprehensive update of the most recent developments. Annual Reviews of Food Science and Technology. 14:5.1-5.24. DOI: 10.1146/annurev-food-060721-024636 Wu, Y., Pham, Q., Wang, Y., Huang, H., Jiang, C., Li, R.W., Yu, L., Luo, Y., Wang, J., Wang, T.Y. 2023. Red cabbage microgreens modulation of gut microbiota is associated with attenuation of diet-induced obesity risk factors in a mouse model. Food & Function. 14: 6654–6664. DOI: 10.1039/d3fo01249b Ahmed Elaraby, Hussein Ali, Bin Zhou, Jorge M. Fonseca. 2023. Digging for Gold: Evaluating the Authenticity of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) via Deep Learning Optimization. Frontiers in Horticulture. 2: 1225683.  <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fhort.2023.1225683">https://doi.org/10.3389/fhort.2023.1225683</a> Zhu, X., Trouth, F., Yang, T. 2023. Preharvest UV-B treatment improves strawberry quality and shelf-life. Horticulture. 9: 211. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9020211">https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae9020211</a>. Ji, W., Li, M., Yang, T., Li, H., Li, W., Wang, J. Ma, M. 2022. Effect of cold plasma on physical–biochemical properties and nutritional components of soybean sprouts. Food Research International. 161:111766. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111766">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2022.111766</a> Gu, G., Zhou, B., Mendes-Oliveira, G., Redding, M., Luo, Y., Millner, P., and Nou, X. 2023. Impact of sanitizer application on Salmonella mitigation and microbiome shift on diced tomato during washing and storage. Postharvest Bio. Technol. 198: 112268. DOI: 10.1016/j.postharvbio.2023.112268 Boyd, A., Luo, Y., Kustas, B., Fukagawa, N., Mattoo, A., Crow, W., Pachepsky, Y., Kim, M., Lillehoj, H., Van Tassell, C., Zhang, H., Blomberg, L.A., Dubey, J. and Lunney, J. 2023. Cross-cutting concepts to transform agricultural research. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. 7:2023. <a href="https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2023.1242665">https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2023.1242665</a> Qu, B., Xiao, Z., Luo, Y., and Luo, Y. 2023. Carboxymethyl cellulose capped zinc oxide nanoparticles dispersed in ionic liquid and its antimicrobial effects against foodborne pathogens. Carbohydrate Polymer Technologies and Applications. 6: 100364. DOI: 10.1016/j.carpta.2023.100364 Peng, H., Luo, Y., Teng, Z., Zhou, B., Pearlstein, D., Wang, D., Turner, E., Nou, X., Wang, T., Tao, Y., Fonseca, J., and Simko, I. 2023. Genome-wide association mapping reveals loci for oxidative discoloration of cut lettuce. Postharv. Bio. Technol. 207: 112577. DOI: 10.1016/j.postharvbio.2023.112577 Li, Y., Zhou, B., Teng, Z., Zhang, M., Yu, L., Luo, Y., Chen, P. and Sun, J. 2023. Improved metabolomic approach for evaluation of phytochemicals in mustard, kale, and broccoli microgreens under different controlled environmental agriculture conditions. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research. 14: 100719. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2023.100719">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jafr.2023.100719</a> Habibi, F., Boakye, D., Chang, Yu., Casorzo, G., Hallman, L., Madison, M., Clavijo-Herrera, J., Sarkhosh, A., Liu, T. 2024. Molecular mechanisms underlying postharvest physiology and metabolism of fruit and vegetables through multi-omics technologies. Scientia Horticulturae. 324:112562 <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2023.112562">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2023.112562</a>   Baker, C.A.G, A. Gutierrez, R. Bell, and K.R. Schneider. 2023. Draft genome sequences of 110 Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli isolates collected from bovine manure samples in the southern United States Microbiol. Resour. Announc. Apr. 18 12(4) e0117722. <a href="https://doi.org./10.1128/mra.01177-22">https://doi.org./10.1128/mra.01177-22</a>   Belisle, C.E., J. Kim, S.A. Sargent, G.V. Sandoya, J.K. Brecht, R. Dai, B. Askey, Z. Lei, and M. Lin. 2023. Melatonin reduces pink rib discoloration in wounded lettuce midribs. Postharvest Biol. Technol. 199 112307. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2023.112307">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2023.112307</a>   Belisle, C.E., G.V. Sandoya, S.A. Sargent and G.F. Kreutz 2023. Lettuce germplasm in humid subtropical environments tolerant to postharvest development of pink rib disorder. J. Amer. Soc. Hort. Sci. 148(4): 179-189. <a href="https://doi.org/10.21273/JASHS05295-23">https://doi.org/10.21273/JASHS05295-23</a>   Chang, L. and J.K. Brecht.  2023. Responses of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP)−treated banana fruit to pre− and post−treatment ethylene exposure.  Sci. Hort.  309 111636 <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2022.111636">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scienta.2022.111636</a>   Ghimire, U., E. Pliakoni, F. Yu, J.K. Brecht, and T. Liu. 2023. Identifying genes regulated during natural, on-plant senescence in broccoli (Brassica oleracea) in contrast to postharvest senescence.  Postharvest Biol. Technol. 206 112535. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2023.112535">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2023.112535</a>   Guo, X., Tseung, C., Zare, A., Liu, T.  2023. Hyperspectral image analysis for the evaluation of chilling injury in avocado fruit during cold storage. Postharvest Biol Technol. 206 112548. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2023.112548">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.postharvbio.2023.112548</a>   Habibi F, Liu T, Muhammad S, Schaffer B, Sarkhosh A. 2023. Physiological, biochemical, and molecular responses of fruit trees to rootzone hypoxia. Environmental Experimental Botany. 206 105179. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envexpbot.2022.105179">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envexpbot.2022.105179</a>   Khalil, U., I.A. Rajwana, K. Razzaq, U. Farooq, B.A. Saleem, and J.K. Brecht. 2023. Quality attributes and biochemical changes in white and colored table grapes as influenced by harvest maturity and ambient postharvest storage. S. African J. Bot. 154 273-281. <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2023.01.044">https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2023.01.044</a>   Pabst, C.R.G, J. De, C.A. Bardsley, B. Bertoldi, and K.R Schneider. 2023. Evaluating the efficacy of peroxyacetic acid in preventing Salmonella cross-contamination on tomatoes in a model flume system. Available at SSRN 4642383.   Yahia, E.M., J. de J. Ornelas-Paz, J.K. Brecht, P. Garcia-Solis, and M.E. Maldonado Celis.  2023. The contribution of mango fruit (Mangifera indica L.) to human nutrition and health. 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Impact Statements

Establishing projects that respond to farmers’ need. Extension events to responds to regional and national needs. (UGA)