Highlights
- A critical review of contemporary leafy green risk assessments was performed.
- Scope is assessments using L. monocytogenes and Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli.
- Parameter values and original data sources used are presented in organized tables.
- Provides a valuable resource to efficiently develop future risk assessment.
Abstract
In the past decade, several quantitative models and risk assessments for Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Listeria monocytogenes have been developed to guide the management of these pathogens in fresh produce. However, there is a need to collect and critically review the parameters used to guide their potential reuse in future risk assessments. This review (i) identifies 11 and 7 recently published quantitative models and risk assessments for STEC and L. monocytogenes, respectively, in leafy greens, (ii) summarizes parameters, and (iii) reviews the underlying data sources or mathematical formulas used. A total of 70 unique key parameters (55 and 25 for STEC and L. monocytogenes, respectively, 10 shared) were extracted from the reviewed models across five supply chain stages, including: Preharvest, Harvest, Processing, Presentation to Consumer (Retail or Foodservice Locations), and Consumer Handling. Primary growth, secondary growth, and dose-response equations and parameters for STEC and L. monocytogenes were also extracted. Additional literature reviews were performed if (i) certain key parameters were based on a single or a few data sources or (ii) key parameters were identified in a supply chain stage for one pathogen, but missing from the other. The critical summaries of parameters presented here (i) provide a resource for future risk assessments, (ii) help define future data collection needs, and (iii) represent a starting point for similar reviews focusing on other produce commodities and pathogens.
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