New advice and app for managing process water for fruit, vegetables and herbs
The combination of disinfection treatments and water replenishment can help maintain the microbiological quality of water used for the processing of fresh and frozen fruit, vegetables and herbs. This is the main finding of an analysis carried out by EFSA's experts, which led to several recommendations and the development of a new online tool.
In recent years, pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes and VTEC have led to major outbreaks in the European Union linked to the consumption of fresh and frozen fruit and vegetables and fresh and frozen herbs. The quality of water and its industrial use is a growing global concern, not only because poor water quality can introduce harmful microorganisms into food products, but also because climate change is expected to reduce the availability of water in the future.
EFSA's experts have analyzed the microbiological and physico-chemical quality of water used for the processing of fruit, vegetables and herbs in industrial environments. They have also developed a series of process water management plans and an online tool that can help industry improve their water management systems.
Process water fit for use
EFSA's experts based their analysis on the concept of fit-for-purpose water developed by the FAO and WHO. This approach requires various aspects to be considered when deciding on the best water management plan, such as the assessment of the water source and associated potential hazards, disinfection options and the end use of the food product (e.g. whether it is consumed raw).
The recommendations are presented in three scientific opinions - one on fresh whole fruit and vegetables and fresh herbs, another on fresh cut products and a third on frozen products.
The current publications were preceded by EFSA work from 2023 outlining the theoretical basis for a process water management plan based on findings from previous studies, outbreak data and industry responses to a questionnaire.
A new app - WaterManage4You
In addition, EFSA developed WaterManage4You, a free online tool that will help predict the transfer and accumulation of bacteria in process water in industrial scenarios. The app is highly relevant for food business operators, scientists and authorities working in this field.
The tool works with preset or user-defined data and uses a unique mathematical model - described in a scientific report - to simulate different scenarios and predict the impact of different water disinfection and replenishment strategies. To this end, the app takes into account parameters such as the amount and make-up of water, the concentration of chlorine-based disinfectant, the total amount of product washed and the total bacterial count.
Note: This article has been translated using a computer system without human intervention. LUMITOS offers these automatic translations to present a wider range of current news. Since this article has been translated with automatic translation, it is possible that it contains errors in vocabulary, syntax or grammar. The original article in German can be found here.
Other news from the department business & finance
