Preventative control hurdles for addressing microbiological hazards encountered in microgreen production

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Microgreens such as broccoli sprouts and pea shoots, represent a rapidly growing field in the vertical farming sector. However, recent food safety issues linked to Listeria monocytogenes contamination has led to product recalls that have had a negative impact on market growth. As with sprouted seeds, microgreens are susceptible to human pathogens during the early development of the plant and cannot undergo post-harvest washing due to the susceptibility of the product to damage by excess hydration. Consequently, there are few interventions (preventative controls) that can mitigate human pathogens. In the following a proof-of-principal of a hurdle approach based on seed disinfection, potting mix supplements and a post-harvest decontamination method based on Advanced Oxidation Process (AOP) will be developed. The seed decontamination method is based on a sequential process based on peracetic acid followed by chlorite treatment that will inactivate pathogens (Salmonella and L. monocytogenes). Chlorite will also be incorporated into potting mix and combined with protective Bacillus cultures to prevent pathogens becoming established. The post-harvest decontamination method based on AOP is an alternative to post-harvest washing and generates antimicrobial radicals that can inactivate pathogens associated with the plant. The AOP process uses minimum quantities of water thereby preventing over hydration of the microgreen that leads to reduced shelf-life. The research will benefit Canada by enhancing food safety of microgreens along with vertical farming operations in general. Specifically, by putting in place interventions the food safety and shelf-life of microgreens will be enhanced thereby minimizing the risk of product recalls along with foodborne illness outbreaks. This will maintain the rapid expansion of the microgreens market leading to benefits for local economies and agricultural sector in general.