Pre-sanitized vegetables in Brazil may contain fecal bacteria

Work published in the journal Foods compiled several studies that evaluated minimally processed vegetables (MPVs), also known as sanitized fresh vegetables, in search of the presence of microorganisms that indicate lack of hygiene or cause disease. The focus of most studies has been the detection of Escherichia coli bacteria, the main indicator of fecal contamination, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes, with prevalence rates ranging from 0.7% to 100%; 0.6% to 26.7%; and 0.2% to 33.3%, respectively. The article also addresses foodborne outbreaks associated with the consumption of fresh vegetables in Brazil between 2000 and 2021. “Although there is no information on whether they were consumed in natura or minimally processed, the data show the need for control measures to ensure quality and safe products for consumers”, point out the authors. foodborne illnesses The regular consumption of vegetables plays an important role in human nutrition due to their vitamin, mineral and ...