Foodborne illnesses cause a large number of hospitalizations worldwide
and it is estimated that more than 67% of them are associated with
viral infections due to contamination of fresh produce or processed
foods by virus-containing fecal material (Atreya, 2004; Painter et al.,
2013). Pre-harvest irrigation or failure in hygiene procedures during
harvesting is suggested as possible sources of virus contamination
(Richards, 2001). Enteric viruses such as noroviruses