Water
Another possible source of harmful microorganisms
is water used for irrigation, produce cooling,
washing, dipping, and processing operations. Water
can carry pathogens and contaminated water
can cause illness. After heavy rains,
water-containing E. coli O157:H7 contaminated a
nearby well. More than 1,000 people became ill
from drinking the contaminated well water and
two people died. Not only is potable water important
for safety reasons, but it also increases the
postharvest quality of produce by decreasing
decay.
Handwashing, Health, and Hygiene
Many pathogens can be transferred to fresh fruits
and vegetables by workers who pick, package, or
handle the produce. The failure of people working
with food to wash their hands after using the
toilet has been the cause of many foodborne illness
outbreaks.
Frequent, proper handwashing is an effective
strategy for helping to prevent foodborne illness;
however, few people do it properly. Here’s how:
Wet hands with clean, warm water, apply
soap, and work up a lather.
Rub hands together for at least 20 seconds
(sing the ABC song to yourself – that takes
about 20 seconds).
Clean under the nails and between the fingers.
Rub fingertips of each hand in suds
on palm of opposite hand.
Rinse under clean, running water.
Dry hands with a single-use towel.
To facilitate proper handwashing, clean
restroom facilities should be provided for field and
packinghouse workers. Soap, potable water, and
single-use towels should be supplied so workers
can wash their hands and reduce the risk of contaminating
fresh produce. Restrooms should be
easily accessible and cleaned and sanitized on a
regular basis to encourage their use.
Worker health also influences produce safety.
People who are ill with hepatitis A or who have
symptoms of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can
transmit harmful microorganisms to fruits and vegetables
and should not handle these foods. Open
or infected wounds, blisters, or cuts also can transmit
harmful pathogens to produce. Workers who
have cuts or who have slight illnesses, but are
healthy enough to work, should be assigned to
nonproduce contact jobs or provided with adequate
bandages and gloves to reduce the risks
of contamination.
Worker hygiene and health are very important
for the production of safe, fresh fruits and vegetables.
Educating workers about the risks,
enforcing the use of toilets and handwashing facilities,
paying close attention to the health of
workers.