New Device Makes Cleaning Leafy Greens Easy, Economical

By CnAgri2012-07-17 19:06:03 Print

A simple and inexpensive device to wash leafy produce, created by students at the University of Houston Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management (HRM), may provide a convenient way for small farmers to clean produce before market.

揕eafy greens have the highest incidence of contamination nationwide,?said graduate student Cecilia Zerio Egli. 揟here is not a lot of research available for smaller farms to access methods for efficiently and economically washing produce before it goes to markets.?br>
Zerio Egli is studying in the HRM Food Safety Laboratory, directed by Professor Jay Neal. The laboratory performs microbiological and sensory research, while collaborating and publishing with other universities and government agencies. In addition, the lab has a full production kitchen, as well as a sensory evaluation laboratory. In August 2012, the lab will achieve a Bio-Safety Level 2 upgrade, which will enable researchers to work with pathogenic or disease causing microorganisms.

Supported by a grant from the Texas Department of Agriculture, Zerio Egli and Neal surveyed more than 80 local and regional farmers about their harvesting and washing practices, asking if they would use a washing device if it were available. 揝mall famers?were defined as earning less than $500,000 annually. These farms are exempt from the Food and Drug Administration抯 Food Safety Modernization Act, which focuses on preventing food contamination rather than responding to outbreaks.

Unlike large commercial farms that can ship produce to packing facilities that wash the vegetables, smaller farmers must do everything themselves, from harvesting and packaging to transporting to market. Not all produce is washed before heading to market.