date:May 26, 2015
In the United States, the progression from locally grown produce to centralized production has led to numerous multi-state and nationwide outbreaks of foodborne illness.
During postharvest processing, fresh produce, including celery, is prone to contamination from other products, wash water or processing equipment including from conveyors or knives allowing the spread of microbial pathogens, said Elliot Ryser, a professor in Michigan State Universitys Department of Food Science and Human Nutr