Study will look at tomato safety to prevent Salmonella outbreaks

Assuring the safe handling and cleanliness of commercially grown tomatoes is the goal of a 2-year grant to scientists at the Univ. of Mass. Research will focus on the survival, transfer and inactivation of Salmonella bacteria on plastics used in harvesting tomatoes.
The studies are expected to yield new basic knowledge about how and under what conditions bacteria form biofilms on different surface types. The findings should help to provide practical, science-based guidelines on how to prevent cross-contamination.
University scientists will set up an experimental tomato-handling station that models those found in California and Florida production fields. The researchers will be able to change parameters, such as comparing bacterial transfer rates on smooth vs. abraded plastic tubs and ramps and evaluating contamination rates between work gloves made of a variety of materials. This will enable scientists to determine where and when Salmonella most often contaminates a tomato’s outer skin.

Pictured: Univ. of Mass. scientists will focus their research on the survival, transfer and inactivation of Salmonella bacteria on plastics used in harvesting tomatoes in order to improve handling and cleanliness.
Photo by Peggy Greb