No abstract

The occurrence of various pathogenic microorganisms on farms is a concern if they are able to contaminate fresh produce, which provides entry into the food supply. This study was undertaken to assess the microbiological quality and prevalence of pathogens in Chinese cabbage cultivated soil in Korea. A total of 57 Chinese cabbage cultivated soils were collected in 4 locations in Korea from February to August 2017. The soils were analyzed for the presence of total aerobic bacteria, Escherichia coli, coliforms, Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. The total aerobic plate counts in soils were in the range of 5.7 to 8.7 log CFU g -1 . The coliforms and E. coli were detected in 39 and 8 out of 57 soil samples, respectively, in the range of 1.1 to 6.3 log CFU g -1 and 0.7 to 4.0 log CFU g -1 . Salmonella spp., E. coli O157:H7, L. monocytogenes, and S. aureus were not detected from any samples. Results from these studies may help control the spread of bacterial species such as E. coli and Salmonella spp. through the farm environment.

Addition of animal manure to soil can provide opportunity for bacterial pathogens contamination of soil, water, and food. This study was conducted to investigate the survival of Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli O157:H7, and Listeria monocytogenes in soil and compost amended soil under the selected environmental conditions. Soil and compost amended soil were inoculated with S. enterica, E. coli O157:H7, and L. monocytogenes. Soil and compost amended soil were incubated at 25°C and consistent moisture content. Samples had been collected during 200 days depending on the given conditions. S. enterica and E. coli O157:H7 survived over 200 days in soil and compost amended soil. L. monocytogenes persisted for 80 days in soil and for 160 days in compost amended soil, respectively. S. enterica and E. coli O157:H7 survived longer than L. monocytogenes at soil and compost amended soil. It is noted that S. enterica, E. coli O157:H7, and L. monocytogenes survived long in soil and compost amended soil. S. enterica, E. coli O157:H7, and L. monocytogenes survived longer in compost amended soil than in soil. Results from these studies provide useful information in identifying manure handling practices to reduce the risk of S. enterica, E. coli O157:H7, and L. monocytogenes transmission to foods produced in the presence of animal waste.