Recipient Organization
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS
410 MRAK HALL
DAVIS,CA 95616-8671
Performing Department
Population Health & Reproduction
Non Technical Summary
The popularity of small-scale farms (SSF) and direct marketing of agricultural products has increased tremendously in recent years. This increasing popularity of SSF reflects growing consumer interest in local food production and sustainability, and increased preference for fresh, local and organic products. Although this rise in direct-to-consumer sales may have a positive economic and social impact, it is unknown whether the foods sold through direct marketing may have increased food safety risks, due to the lack of uniformity of farm management practices, farmers market requirements (e.g., hygiene and sanitation training), transportation and distribution (e.g., refrigeration) at these markets. Studies conducted in farmers markets in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Washington DC reported a variable Salmonella prevalence in poultry meat and vegetables. These studies highlight the need to assess the food safety practices, management and hygiene practices at farmers markets and ascertain the risk of foodborne pathogen contamination of products sold at farmers markets venues in California. The overall objective of this proposal is to evaluate the microbiological profile and associated food safety risks of animal products and produce sold at the farmers markets in California. The information gathered in this study will inform the local, state and federal regulatory agencies who are oversee farmers market regulations. This study will provide the foundation to develop targeted training, communication and outreach activities to improve food safety of products sold at farmers markets, with the ultimate goal of minimizing the transmission of foodborne pathogens and ensure the continued success of SSF and farmers markets, and the safety of food products sold direct to consumers.
Animal Health Component
100%
Research Effort Categories
Basic
0%
Applied
100%
Developmental
0%
Goals / Objectives
The overall objective of this proposal is to evaluate the microbiological profile and associated food safety risks of animal products and produce sold at the farmers markets in California. The specific objectives are: 1) Characterize and describe California farmers markets. Describe the range of products being sold, regulations governing vendors, required hygiene practices, and facilities available at the markets; 2) Characterize post-harvest and distribution practices (e.g., worker hygiene, refrigeration, transport methods) among SFF farmers selling animal products at northern California and Central Valley farmers markets; 3) Evaluate the prevalence of Salmonella spp. in animal products (i.e., poultry meat, meat) and produce, as well as the concentration of generic E. coli on produce sold at farmers markets in northern California and in the Central Valley.
Project Methods
This study will be conducted in two phases. The first phase involves the identification and characterization of farmers markets selling animal products and produce in California (a statewide survey). A survey to the farmer markets' managers will be conducted to access the current availability of products and characterize certified California farmers markets in California. This will be achieved through compiling data from the USDA local food directory and through contacting farmers market managers for each county. The sampling frame (mailing list) will be generated from Certified Farmers Markets lists, member lists of farmers market associations in California (e.g., Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association, Certified Farmers Market, California Farmers Markets Association, West Coast Farmers Markets) and the USDA local food directory. The survey will include questions regarding: 1) demographics (e.g., location, number of vendors, type of products sold); 2) requirements to became a vendor; 3) knowledge about on-farm practices that may affect product food safety ; 4) food safety standards; 5) storage and cooling methods used by the farmers/vendors; 6) hand-washing facilities; 7) cleaning and sanitation protocols used by the vendors; and 8) hygiene and sanitation training provided to the farmers/vendors. A mixed mode survey approach (web-based and phone interviews) and a Tailored Design Method will be used in order to maximize response rates. Qualitative and quantitative methods will be used to evaluate the survey data. Logistic and spatial methods will be used to identify potential risk factors associated with food safety and to identify areas to target education efforts. The second phase will involve estimation of Salmonella spp. prevalence in animal products and produce sold at farmers markets in northern California and in the Central Valley (a cross-sectional study).This is a cross-sectional study targeting 58 farmers markets in northern and Central Valley California. Vendors and farmers selling animal products (poultry and meat) will be contacted to participate in the study. A total of 297 meat samples (poultry meat, pork, and beef) and 85 produce will be purchased from 58 farmers markets. Meat products (carcasses and poultry parts, meat parts) will be rinsed in sterile rinse bags, using buffer peptone water. The meat products rinse will be transferred and cultured using standard methods for Salmonella, according to USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) protocols. The concentration of generic E. coli and Salmonella (positive/negative) will be assessed in the produce samples (e.g., leafy greens and tomatoes) as described previously. Generic E. coli will be quantified using the Most Probable Number assay method (MPN). Descriptive statistics will be presented, illustrating the overall and stratified Salmonella prevalence by product type (meat, produce) and county. The association between potential risk factors and Salmonella prevalence and generic E. coli will be calculated using generalized linear mixed models, respectively. This research will also undergo IRB approval prior to the anticipated start date.