EFSA publishes new guidance and tool to manage process water for fresh produce

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has just released new recommendations and developed an online tool aimed at improving the management of process water used in the handling of fresh and frozen fruits, vegetables, and herbs. This initiative comes in response to rising concerns over water quality and its impact on microbiological safety, particularly following outbreaks of pathogens like Listeria monocytogenes and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) linked to these products in the European Union.  

The quality of water utilized in food processing is increasingly critical, not only due to its potential to introduce harmful microorganisms into food but also because of climate change and the anticipated reduction in water availability. To address these challenges, EFSA experts conducted a thorough analysis of both the microbiological and physico-chemical quality of process water in industrial settings.  

Central to EFSA's findings is the "fit-for-purpose water" concept, developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). This framework emphasizes the importance of assessing various factors when creating an effective water management plan. Key considerations include the source of the water, potential hazards, available disinfection methods, and the intended use of the food product, particularly in cases where the produce is consumed raw.  

The recommendations are compiled into three distinct scientific opinions targeting different categories of products: whole fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs; fresh-cut products; and frozen items. This structured approach builds on EFSA's earlier work in 2023, which established the theoretical groundwork for process water management plans by analyzing outbreak data and industry feedback.  

In conjunction with these recommendations, EFSA has launched a free online tool named WaterManage4You. This app is designed to assist food business operators, researchers, and regulatory authorities in predicting the transfer and accumulation of bacteria in process water under various industrial conditions.  
This app utilizes a sophisticated mathematical model to simulate different scenarios, allowing users to assess the effectiveness of various disinfection and water replenishment strategies. It can incorporate both preset and customized data, analyzing critical parameters such as water volume, replenishment frequency, chlorine concentration, and total bacterial counts. This functionality enables stakeholders to make informed decisions that enhance the safety of their food processing practices.  

This launch represents a proactive approach to safeguarding public health and ensuring the microbiological quality of food products. By emphasizing the significance of effective water management in food processing, EFSA aims to support the industry in mitigating risks associated with waterborne pathogens. As the challenges of climate change and water scarcity continue to grow, these tools and guidelines will be invaluable in promoting food safety and sustainability across the European food supply chain.    

 

Source:  

EFSA