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Novel microbubble technology to reduce contamination of poultry products and fresh produce for small and medium veteren farmers

Objective

This proposal aims to assist small and medium-sized veteran farmers in reducing the survival of Salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 on poultry products and fresh produce by developing an antimicrobial wash treatment that employs a novel microbubble technology in combination with Generally Recognized As Safe (US-FDA Federal Register, 2016) status ozone gas. Current research literature suggests that it is extremely difficult to reduce pathogen load on poultry products and fresh produce due to surface roughness, crevices, and pits. These structural features not only facilitate bacterial adherence but also reduces the efficacy of antimicrobial washing treatments. Therefore, it is critical to develop novel antimicrobial wash strategies that target foodborne pathogens on food products without significantly affecting food quality or compromising worker's health. Specific objectives are as follows:Research:Objective 1. To reduce Salmonella on eggs using ozone microbubbles applied as a post-harvest wash treatment and study effect on egg quality parameters.Objective 2. To reduce Salmonella and C. jejuni on poultry carcass using ozone microbubbles wash treatments and study effect on carcass quality.Objective 3. To reduce Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 on fresh produce using ozone microbubble wash treatments.Objective 4: Conduct a cost/benefit analysis on the research, extension and education efforts of the project.Extension:Objective 1. Disseminate results of the project to rural veteran farmers through numerous delivery methods including conferences, electronic and printed materials, and training activities in a research and teaching oriented facilities.Objective 2: Conduct train the trainer programs for extension specialists and other interested stakeholders regarding the objectives and results of this project.

Investigators
Upadhyay A
Institution
University of Connecticut
Start date
2020
End date
2024
Project number
CONS2019-05760
Accession number
1022281