Most of the produce-associated outbreaks
and illnesses were associated with greens-based salads,
cantaloupes, tomatoes, lettuce, and sprouts (Olaimat & Holley,
2012). Salmonella is one of the primary pathogens associated with
produce outbreaks and accounts for 17% of the produce outbreaks
during 1998 and 2007 (Center for Science in the Public Interest,
2009). Produce items associated with outbreaks of salmonellosis
include sprouts, greens-based salad, melon, and potatoes (DeWaal
& Bhuiya, 2007).