Course:SPPH381B/TermProject/Coffee Beans/Bacterial Pathogens

Bacterial Pathogens

Occupational hazard analysis

Recognize

Bacterial pathogens have been shown to survive and grow in composted material. These pathogens include enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli (EHEC), Salmonella spp., and Listeria spp. While records of bacterial infections in the workplace are rare, there have been many individual reports.

Evaluate

It has been shown that compost can transfer these harmful bacteria into fruits and vegetable. Several outbreaks have been caused by this mechanism. The main risk of bacterial pathogens are caused by ingestion.

As the number of types of bacterial pathogens are many, the symptoms and severity of the diseases they produce vary as well. Some bacteria do not produce any symptoms in their hosts. Infections are located in different areas of the body depending on the type of bacteria. In some cases, the infection can prove to be fatal.

Control

In order to control and reduce the amount of bacterial pathogens in compost and manure, several treatments have been recommended.

Compost can be pasteurized, meaning it is heated above a certain temperature for a certain amount of time. Pasteurization is effective, but it does not completely remove the pathogens. Additionally, the fertilizing quality of the compost is reduced by the process. Manure can also be air-dried. Bacteria tend to thrive in moist environments, so this can also reduce their numbers. The last recommended method is ultraviolet irradiation. This can be effective but its success depends on many variables, including the strength of the radiation and the length of exposure.

Manure and compost should also be properly handled by workers. Directly using fresh material should be prohibited, and structured collection, storage, and treatment facilities should be used. If possible, alternatives to compost and manure such as synthetic fertilizers should be researched as alternative options.

Proper hygiene should also be practiced by workers, as this can significantly reduce the risk of infection.