From1993 to 1997, in 66 outbreaks with 2 deaths, fruits and vegetables werethe vehiclesof transmission . Because foodborne infections are sporadic and many go unreported, the exact numbers of casesrelated toproduce is unknown. Due tochanges inthe foodsupply and foodconsumption patterns in the United States, deaths caused by foodborne diseasesare evenmore difficult to estimate . These foodborne outbreakscause gastroenteritis and in severe cases, hospitalization is required. Fruit and vegetable contamination problemscan occur in the growing environment. Duringgrowththefruitorvegetable can
becomecontaminated from sources suchas soil, water, animals, birds, andinsects. Followingproduction, the
processes of harvesting, washing, cutting,slicing, packaging, and shipping cancreate additional conditions where
contamination can occur.Because ofhighwater activity