Inactivation of Salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) from the surface of alfalfa seeds and sprouts by combined antimicrobial treatments using ozone and electrolyzed water.

Individual chemical and non-chemical treatments have failed to disinfect alfalfa seeds and sprouts from pathogens thoroughly. This study investigated the disinfection of alfalfa seeds and sprouts using a procedure combining ozone with acidic (pH 3.0) electrolyzed water (AEW).

Reduction of Salmonella and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli on alfalfa seeds and sprouts using an ozone generating system.

Several outbreaks of illness have been associated with consumption of alfalfa sprouts contaminated with Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Salmonella. The ozone application was investigated as an intervention. Alfalfa seeds were inoculated with cocktails of 3 Salmonella strains, including serotypes Typhimurium, Agona and Saintpaul, and 3 strains of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) including serotypes O104:H4, O157:H7 and O121:H19 with a final load of 7.

Ascorbic acid, nitrate, and nitrite concentration relationship to the 24hour light/dark cycle for spinach grown in different conditions.

Nitrate, nitrite and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) concentrations were determined for spinach (Spinacia oleracea L.) over a 24 h period to determine if light intensity (including dark periods) at time of harvest impacts concentrations in raw vegetables. Nitrate, nitrate and ascorbic acid concentrations varied significantly over the 24 h period and appeared to be related to changes in light intensity.

Changes in nitrate and nitrite concentrations over 24h for sweet basil and scallions.

Nitrate and nitrite concentrations were determined for sweet basil and scallions over 24h to determine if time of sampling or harvest impacts concentrations in raw vegetables. Also, nitrate and nitrite concentrations were determined separately for various edible parts of these plants. Basil had significant changes in nitrate and nitrite concentrations over a 24h period.

Comparison of environment and mice in static and mechanically ventilated isolator cages with different air velocities and ventilation designs.

The purpose of this study was to compare environmental conditions and mice in cages with four different mechanical ventilation designs and a static isolator cage. Environmental conditions (air velocity, temperature, relative humidity, bedding weight change, airborne dust, NH3, and CO2) were compared for each cage type (n = 5 per cage). Bedding type was chipped hardwood.