Food Science and Technology Resources
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C 1300-02
Cross-Contamination
Cross-contamination, resulting in foodborne pathogen contamination of small fruits, can occur at any point throughout production and post-harvest handling. This video discusses techniques and best practices for growers and packers to ensure the production of safe, high-quality small fruits. This video was produced in collaboration with the Auburn Department of Horticulture.
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This publication is part of a series focusing on irrigation scheduling for vegetable crops. It contains basic information on water use and irrigation management using the crop water demand method for Solanaceae crops such as bell peppers, tomatoes, and eggplants.
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C 1300-01
Foodborne Illnesses
Foodborne illnesses sicken approximately 48 million Americans a year and result in significant financial losses for the food industry. Outbreaks of foodborne illness have been linked to consumption of small fruit products, but growers and packers can take precautions to reduce food safety risks on their operations. This video discusses what foodborne illnesses are, what causes them, and basic steps that can be taken to ensure the production of safe fruit. This video was produced in collaboration with the Auburn Department of Horticulture.
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Many produce farms choose to exclude domesticated animals to prevent the spread of fecal contamination to produce crops. However, when farms allow members of the general public access to U-pick fields, on-farm restaurants, or roadside markets, the Americans for Disabilities Act (ADA) protects the rights of individuals who may require the assistance of a service animal. This publication explains what steps a farm must take to ensure an individual requiring a service animal is not excluded from on-farm activities, while also protecting food safety.
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This video shows producers what to do about wildlife intrusion into produce fields, a common problem for fruit and vegetable growers that presents a food safety risk when fecal contamination occurs. It discusses best practices regarding no-harvest buffer zones (used when feces is present in the field), removal of in-field contamination, and worker training in several different scenarios.
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This brief video describes how, when, and where to collect a postharvest water sample intended for generic E. coli testing, as required by the Produce Safety Rule for produce wash water.
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This brief video demonstrates the best practices for collecting a water sample from a pond or other irrigation source, including the sample type needed by a produce grower for their microbial water quality profile for the Produce Safety Rule. The authors describe when a sample may be needed, where to collect the sample, and proper sample handling during and after collection.
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Learn about irrigation scheduling methods for commercial vegetable production in Georgia through this video resource.
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Whether from a local store, regional supplier, or another farmer down the road, understanding where your soil amendments come from and how they were handled prior to reaching your farm or garden is necessary to ensure you are sourcing the highest quality product with the lowest amount of risk.
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