The Potential for Acquiring Cryptosporidiosis or Giardiosis From Consumption of Mung Bean Sprouts in Norway The potential for acquiring cryptosporidiosis or giardiosis from consumption of mung bean sprouts in Norway: a preliminary step-wise risk assessment. Int J Food Microbiol. 2005 Feb 15;98(3):291-300. Robertson LJ, Greig JD, Gjerde B, Fazil A. Parasitology Laboratory, Section of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, The Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, PO boks 8146 Dep., N-0033 Oslo, Norway. Lucy.Robertson@veths.no The current work evolved from a microbial survey of fruits and vegetables conducted in Norway between 1999 and 2001. This survey found that mung bean sprouts were more likely to be contaminated with Cryptosporidium and Giardia than the other produce included in the survey. To support this observation and to demonstrate to public health officials that this might be a risk warranting further attention, a simple risk assessment was initiated. Assuming that 60,000 people in Norway consume a single serving of bean sprouts per week, and contamination levels are similar to

Microwave Microwave-Induced Stimulation of L-DOPA, Phenolics and Antioxidant Activity in Fava Bean (Vicia faba) for Parkinson's Diet Process Biochemistry Volume 39, Issue 11, 30 July 2004, Pages 1775-1784 Reena Randhir and Kalidas Shetty Chenoweth Laboratory, Department of Food Science, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA Fava bean sprouts are rich in levo-dihydroxy phenylalanine (L-DOPA), the precursor of dopamine, and are being investigated for use in the management of Parkinson's disease. The phytopharmaceutical value was improved during germination by a microwave treatment of the seeds, the phenolic content of the germinated sprouts increasing 700% and L-DOPA content by 59% compared to control. A higher antioxidant activity that was observed correlated with total phenolics and L-DOPA contents. The glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity peaked on the seventh day of germination with a concurrent increase in phenolics indicating enhanced mobilization of carbohydrates. A higher guaiacol peroxidase activity was observed indicating an increased polymerization of phenolics. The elevated superoxide dismutase activity was proportional to the stimulation of antioxidant activity. The major implication from this study is that microwave treatment can significantly stimulate

Coliforms Coliforms are normally present on raw produce, and their presence does not necessarily signify that pathogens are present nor that the produce has come in contact with feces. The coliform group includes species from the genera Citrobacter, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and E.coli. Other than E. coli, no foodborne outbreaks have been associated with coliforms. Coliforms were historically used as "indicator microorganisms" to serve as a measure of fecal contamination, and thus potentially of the presence of enteric pathogens. Although some coliforms are found in the intestinal tract of man, most are found throughout the environment and have little sanitary significance. In an effort to indicate 'quality' or 'safety' of such things as dairy products, drinking water, composted manure, and treated sewage, microbiologists developed the positive association of groups of bacteria to fecal contamination and dubbed this group of bacteria ''fecal coliform" . The term "thermotolerant coliforms" has recently been used to describe these organisms and is more appropriate.  These general terms for a large and diverse class of bacteria are useful and remain relevant

Combined Effects of Chemical Heat and Ultrasound Treatments to Kill Salmonella and Escherichia Coli O157 H7 On Alfalfa Seeds Combined effects of chemical, heat and ultrasound treatments to kill Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 on alfalfa seeds. J Appl Microbiol 2002;92(4):668-74 Scouten AJ, Beuchat LR. Center for Food Safety and Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Georgia, Griffin, 30223-1797, USA. AIMS: To determine the effectiveness of combined treatments with chemicals, heat and ultrasound in killing or removing Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 on alfalfa seeds intended for sprout production. METHODS AND RESULTS: Alfalfa seeds inoculated with Salmonella or E. coli O157:H7 were treated with ultrasound (38.5-40.5 kHz) in solutions containing 1% Ca(OH)(2), 1% Tween 80, 1% Ca(OH)(2) plus 1% Tween 80, 160 microg ml(-1) Tsunami 200 and 0.5% Fit at 23 and 55 degrees C for 2 and 5 min. Highest reductions were in chemical solutions at 55 degrees C, but seed viability was also reduced compared with treatment at 23 degrees C. Inactivation of Salmonella and E.

ISS Seed Screening Procedures ISS Seed Screening Procedures We have been asked by many, including the International Sprout Growers Association, to make our seed screening procedures available to other seed companies and sprout growers.  We are pleased to do so in the interest of food safety within the sprout industry. The seed is then screened for human pathogens in the following manner: Inspect Shipment.  Quarantine the seed and inspect the bags for evidence of contamination.  Such things would include mouse droppings, dead insect parts, holes in the bags that appear to have come from rodents or insects, etc.  In dim light, inspect the bags under black light for traces of urine. Record any findings. Sample Seed.  Sample 25 grams from of each and every bag in the entire shipment using a seed trier or other procedures described by the ISTA Handbook on Seed Sampling, Second Edition, January, 2004, International Seed Testing Association.  This is 1/1000th of the seed and often comes to 20-22 kg of seed.  If the composite sample

Bean Sprout Wash System ISS Bean Sprout Wash System The sprouts are carried through the tank and into the "cleaning fingers," where they are cleaned, hulled and their roots removed. They are then conveyed onto your air knife, centrifuge bucket,packing table or into your packagingmachine. The tank, frame and all internal components are constructed of stainless steel. The tapered bottom allows for quick and easycleanup. Designed to require very little maintenance, the ISS Bean Sprout Washing System leaves an excellent quality bean sprout with improved storage capabilities. The ISS control panel operates on either manual or automatic mode. The automatic mode gives you maximum separation without physical damage to the final product. In the manual mode, the controls allow you to step up the pace for those days when time is of the essence.  The control panel, which can be conveniently placed beside a key worker on the production line, controls all electrical components, including rinse water on the exit conveyor. Experience Our own sprout production facility,Sungarden Sprouts, has been growing and washing bean