Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of foodborne pathogens in select fresh produce procured from farmers' markets in Central Virginia
Chyer Kim, Rehab Almuqati, Abeer Fatani, Alireza Rahemi, Paul Kaseloo, Crystal Wynn, Theresa J. Nartea, Eunice Ndegwa, Laban K. Rutto
Abstract
Abstract As farmers' markets have increased in size, scope, and complexity, so have potential food‐safety challenges and implications. Most products sold at farmers' markets may receive minimal to no treatment of decontamination which could increase their potential microbial risks. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of foodborne pathogens in select fresh produce procured from farmers' markets in Central Virginia. A total of 138 samples produced by 15 farms and sold at 9 registered farmers' markets were obtained between March and November 2017. Campylobacter , Escherichia coli , and Listeria were, respectively, detected in 8.7, 9.4, and 8.0% of the samples. A total of 46 bacterial isolates consisted of Campylobacter , E. coli , and Listeria were tested for their susceptibility to 12 antimicrobials. Ampicillin resistance showed the highest frequency among Campylobacter (100%) and E. coli (47.8%) isolates while nalidixic acid resistance was the highest in Listeria isolates (72.7%). At least 17% of each Campylobacter , E. coli , and Listeria isolates exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR). No isolates had matching pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) profiles demonstrating that the E. coli isolates had a high degree of genomic diversity. This study demonstrated a potential health hazard arising from farmers' market‐acquired fresh produce and emphasizes the importance of good agricultural and handling practices to prevent foodborne illness and spread of multidrug antibiotic resistance. Continued research is needed to determine and intervene the cause(s) of the observed prevalence and to support the healthy development of food products sold at farmers' markets.