Risk Factors Associated with Generic Escherichia coli Presence in Fresh Produce Grown in Manure-Amended Soil in Certified Organic Farms
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Organic agricultural production benefits from the use of animal manure to improve soil quality and health. Despite its proven benefits, using manure poses some risk to food safety as it may contain pathogenic microorganisms that can contaminate produce and lead to foodborne human illnesses. To investigate risk factors associated with generic E. coli presence in fresh produce grown in manured soil, a two-year study was conducted in USDA National Organic Program-certified organic farms in California, Maine, Minnesota, and Maryland. Farm management, water, environmental, and soil related factors were ranked using random forest and then assessed in a generalized linear mixed model to evaluate the associations with generic E. coli presence in produce. Factors that significantly increased the odds of generic E. coli presence included increased precipitation over the past 7 days of produce sampling (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.32, CI 95 = 1.14–1.52), and previous non-agricultural use of crop fields (OR = 48.16, CI 95 = 15.19–152.67). Leafy greens (OR = 12.82, CI 95 = 4.90–33.54) and root vegetables (OR = 19.56, CI 95 = 6.11–62.61) had significantly higher odds of generic E. coli presence compared to fruits. Length of time (in days) between manure application and produce sampling also significantly influenced generic E. coli presence odds on Day 60 after manure amendment (OR = 0.04, CI 95 = 0.01–0.17). Higher odds of generic E. coli presence was significantly associated with exclusive manure application in summer (OR = 38.98, CI 95 = 10.05–151.18), fall (OR = 5.89, CI 95 = 1.32–26.14), or winter (OR = 24.95, CI 95 = 2.85–219.08) compared to multiseason application. These findings provide evidence to inform manure application practices and food safety management strategies in organic fresh produce production.
Source: Journal of Food Protection
Authors: Kefang Nie, Joanna G. Rothwell, Jerome N. Baron, Michele T. Jay-Russell, Gabriele Maier, Thais De Melo Ramos, Peiman Aminabadi, Viktoria Haghani, Patricia D. Millner, Annette Kenney, Fawzy Hashem, Paulo H. Pagliari, Mark Hutchinson, Beatriz Martínez-López, Elizabeth A. Bihn, Donna P. Clements, Jessica B. Shade, Amber R. Sciligo, Alda F.A. Pires
Language: English
Subfield: Biotechnology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,300
Award: G5034325131
OpenAlex ID: W4417534685