Embedded Files
The risk of foodborne illness and the importance of water sanitization
Food and Waterborne Illnesses
".....there are about 48 million cases of foodborne illness annually—the equivalent of sickening 1 in 6 Americans each year. And each year these illnesses result in an estimated 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths."
-The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Common Bacteria Types:
E. coli (Escherichia coli)
Salmonella (Salmonellosis)
Listeria (Listeriosis)
Sources of Contamination
Food
Animals
Other People
Water
Agricultural Contamination Pipeline
Bacterial Water Contamination in Kansas
This map contains the presence of E. coli or fecal coliform, or both, in Kansas rivers as of July 2024.
The high, medium, and low categories indicate the level of contamination of either bacterium. "None" indicates neither were present. "Multiple High" indicate both are present.
FSMA Compliance
The Mobile Lab is designed to support alignment with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), specifically the Produce Safety Rule, which establishes science-based standards for the safe growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of produce. FSMA emphasizes a preventive approach to food safety, requiring farms to identify potential contamination risks and implement practices that minimize those risks before they occur.
A primary focus of FSMA compliance is agricultural water quality, particularly for post-harvest uses such as washing and cooling produce. Under FSMA, this water must have no detectable generic E. coli per 100 mL, and any treatment methods must consistently meet this standard. Farms are also expected to monitor water sources, test as required, and take immediate corrective action if contamination is detected.
A primary focus of FSMA compliance is agricultural water quality, particularly for post-harvest uses such as washing and cooling produce. Under FSMA, this water must have no detectable generic E. coli per 100 mL, and any treatment methods must consistently meet this standard. Farms are also expected to monitor water sources, test as required, and take immediate corrective action if contamination is detected.
FSMA also outlines requirements for worker health and hygiene, ensuring that all personnel handling produce are properly trained and follow sanitary practices, including handwashing and illness reporting. In addition, the rule emphasizes proper cleaning and sanitizing of equipment and food contact surfaces to prevent cross-contamination.
The Mobile Lab supports these FSMA principles by providing a platform for education, demonstration, and implementation of best practices related to water quality, sanitation, and safe produce handling. By reinforcing these standards, the lab helps growers better understand and apply FSMA requirements in real-world settings, ultimately improving food safety and protecting public health.
Page updated
Report abuse