Be proactive, not reactive: Enhancing microbial safety for small microgreens growers through integrated research and extension

The long-term goals of this proposed research and extension integrated project are to investigate the intersection between microbial safety and microgreen production related to the Produce Safety Rule, to provide scientific evidence for the regulations of microgreens growing, harvesting, packing, and distribution, to improve the overall safety and quality of microgreens, and ultimately to promote a sustainable food system for the local microgreens industry. The specific objectives of the project are to:1) Survey local microgreen growers in Connecticut and West Virginia on their pre- and post-harvest practices and assess the prevalence of common pathogens on microgreens. Develop SOPs for small microgreens growers in accordance with FSMA Produce Safety Rule.2) Develop innovative Pickering nanoemulsions from food-derived proteins and natural phytochemicals as alternatives to chemical sanitizing agents. Use electrostatic sprayers to apply these formulas during pre- and post-harvest stages to improve the microbiological safety of microgreens.3) Mitigate food safety risk by developing in person and online training modules for microgreen growers in CT and WV and providing training through food safety extension services.