Progress 07/01/03 to 06/30/05
Outputs
Safety and acceptability of food and water stored in homes for use in emergencies are important considerations for any population immediately following any catastrophic event. The past two years have certainly shown the importance of individuals, families, neighborhoods and communities being able to provide some of their own basic needs for the first day or two following a devastating event. We have shown in ten different stored dry food items, stored for three years, that oxygen absorber packets do reduce the rate of oxidative degradation. However, they do not overcome the detrimental effects of high storage temperatures or extended storage time on darkening and functional changes. When water from a chlorinated municipal water supply was stored for 3 years all samples not treated by boiling or adding chlorine had low levels of microbial counts. Plate counts did not change significantly over time. Water stored in homes in Utah all tested positive for bacteria. None of
the samples had been treated prior to storage. Length of storage did not influence the plate counts. Eleven percent of the stored samples contained E. Coli. at low levels. It is recommended that home storage of foods be below 21Degrees C. Oxygen absorber packets should be used in dry food containers to minimize flavor deterioration due to lipid oxidation. All water stored for emergency use should be treated by chlorination or boiling prior to storage.
Impacts
Samples of water which had been stored in Utah homes for emergency use were tested for microflora and residual chlorine. Bacteria levels in seventy-eight percent of the samples were too numerous to count when one ml of water was plated on standard plate agar. Water samples stored from 2 months to 40 years all showed some microbial counts. All samples had chlorine below detectable levels using the chemical strip test. Facultative organisms are the only ones known to survive in water for long periods. In a stress environment these opportunistic organisms may be pathogenic. Recommendations must be made that all stored water have chlorine added to ensure safety for emergency use.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
It is estimated that about 2/3 of the homes in Utah have some food stored for emergency use. Water is included in most food storage plans. Over 75 containers of stored water were obtained from homes in 16 counties. Water samples had been stored from a few months to 40 years. Eighty percent of the samples, when cultured on Plate Count Agar contained more than 100 CFU/ml. Samples from 6 counties tested positive for Coliform. Using chlorine mico check test strips it was determined that there was less tha 0.05 ppm chlorine in all of the stored water samples. All samples were from communities that had chlorinated water supplies. Storage container influenced the microbial load of the stored water: Glass 44, Juice bottle 134, 2 liter soda bottle 158 and gallon plastic jug 196 CFU/ml. Water storage containers need to be thoroughly washed and sanitized prior to filling with water. Water from all water sources should have 1/4 teaspoon of fresh household bleach per gallon added
prior to storage to insure safety.
Impacts
Samples of water which had been stored in Utah homes for emergency use were tested for microflora and residual chlorine. Bacteria levels in seventy-eight percent of the samples were too numerous to count when one ml of water was plated on standard plate agar. Water samples stored from 2 months to 40 years all showed some microbial counts. All samples had chlorine below detectable levels using the chemical strip test. Facultative organisms are the only ones known to survive in water for long periods. In a stress environment these opportunistic organisms may be pathogenic. Recommendations must be made that all stored water have chlorine added to ensure safety for emergency use.
Publications
- C. Wilson and D. Hendricks. 2004. Microbial Presence in Stored Water In Utah Homes. Utah Association of Family and Consumer Science, Anual Meeting Conference Proceeding. Nov. 13, 2004. Page 5.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
Water samples from the counties are being collected by the FCS agents according to plan. Samples will be collected for analysis when the agents have their regional training in January and February. Supplies for the microbial counts and identification are on order. Preliminary data should be available by July.
Impacts
It is expected that we will be able to issue updated recommendations to insure safe water storage in the homes of Utah residents.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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