Microbiological quality assessment of fresh produce: Potential health risk to children and urgent need for improved food safety in school feeding schemes

About 388 million school-going children worldwide benefit from school feeding schemes, which make use of fresh produce to prepare meals. Fresh including leafy greens and other vegetables were served at 37% 31% programs, respectively, in Africa. This study aimed assessing the microbiological quality grown onsite or supplied South African schools that are part national programs over 9 children. Coliforms, Escherichia coli, Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus aureus enumerated (n = 321) samples. The occurrence E. Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp., extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae was determined. Presumptive pathogens tested for antimicrobial resistance. coli further diarrheagenic virulence genes. on 62.5% samples (200/321) exceeded previous guidelines ready-to-eat food, while 86% (276/321 samples) 31.6% (101/321 coliform criteria, respectively. A total 76 isolated 43), Enterobacter spp. 15), Klebsiella 18). Extended-spectrum production confirmed 11 13 17 isolates. No genes detected However, multidrug resistance (MDR) found 60.5% (26/43) isolates, all (100%; n 41) ESBL AmpC showed MDR. Our indicates reality potential health risk contaminated may pose children, especially with growing food safety challenges crisis globally. also shows improved approaches prevent foodborne illness spread through by schemes necessary.