Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Completed Special Project

Evaluating on-farm food handling practices and microbiological quality of locally grown produce and eggs

Project ID: 2004-MSP1

Abstract

Food safety practices used on the farm by Iowa fruit and vegetable and fresh shell egg producers were examined. Recommendations for improvements were suggested at a workshop at the end of the project and several extension bulletins were published.

Key Question: Why do fruit and vegetable growers and fresh shell egg producers need to worry about food safety?

Findings: Produce growers and egg producers should be aware of potential contaminants on the foods they produce, some of which occur on the farm due to cross contamination, unsafe water, or inappropriate production and handling practices. This project provided producers with information about how to establish a food safety system for their operations to minimize risks from contamination.

Lead investigator: Catherine Strohbehn, ISU HRIM, et al

Year of grant completion: 2005

This special project was part of the Leopold Center's Initiative.

Topics: Business management, distribution and marketing, Fruit and vegetables, Niche meat, dairy and poultry