Fruit and Vegetable Safety-Microbiological Considerations

Microorganisms present two important problems to the vegetable and fruit industries. These include: 1) spoilage problems due to microbial degradation of produce that results in economic loss. and 2) human health problems due to the presence and/or growth of microbial pathogens that results in morbidity and mortality. Although both issues are of great concern to the produce industry, only the association of human pathogens with vegetables and fruits will be addressed here.