Project PI: Lee-Ann Jaykus PI Contact: 919-515-2971 E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Source: USDA - Cooperative State Research Education and Extension

Methodology: The overall project framework includes the following specific aims: (1) Combine laboratory-based supporting data on transmission of these pathogens via handling, practices with literature-based information on prevalence of contamination, levels of contamination, and prevalence of various food handling practices to produce a comprehensive, quantitative exposure model; (2) Using human feeding study data, refine dose response models to reflect differences in strain infectivity/pathogenicity and/or population susceptibility within the confines of the currently available data; and (3) Combine exposure and dose response models to produce distribution-based risk estimates for (i) the risk of foodborne campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis associated with cross-contamination of RTE foods; and (ii) the risk of foodborne viral illness associated with poor personal hygiene of food handlers.

Summary: The purpose of the proposed work is to perform quantitative microbial risk assessment to evaluate the decree of risk to human health associated with poor handling practices of ready-to-eat (RTE) foods. The successful completion of this project will provide a quantitative measure of the significance of poor handling practices on the prevalence of foodborne disease, and ultimately facilitate the implementation of effective strategies to reduce the public health risk associated with these practices.

Academic Affiliation: North Carolina State University

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