Bacteriophage Management of On-Farm Salmonella Contamination of Vine Fruits

Salmonella is the most important foodborne pathogen and incidences caused by contaminated food of

non-animal origin have been increasing, reflecting rising consumers’ demands for fresh/minimally-

processed fruit and vegetables. Crops with an outdoor post-harvest management period are particularly

at risk; this project focuses on Salmonella contamination of vine fruits (raisins, sultanas), which are dried

outside post harvest and exposed to animal fouling. Impacts throughout the supply chain are significant,

from grower to retailer, with significant recall costs involved. This project will transfer technology from

both industry and academia to develop an innovative technology to prevent on-farm Salmonella

contamination; i.e. at source. The solution will be based on safe, naturally-occurring, highly-specific

antimicrobial agents (bacteriophage). A business-led consortium will address questions of technology

specificity and characterisation, together with deployment and integration into commercial practice.