Quantitative analysis and influences of contact dynamics on bacterial cross-contamination from contaminated fresh produce

Cross-contamination of fresh produce during postharvest processing could be a significant risk factor that can lead to foodborne outbreaks. The aim of this study was to simulate cross-contamination from a contaminated lettuce to non-contaminated leaves/abiotic surfaces (glass, polyethylene), quantify the bacterial transfer efficiency to determine the influences of contact time, number of repeated contacts, and applied contact force, and evaluate...