Scale-Dependent Bacterial Characteristics and Food Safety Compliance in Food Outlets of Central Virginia's Deserts
In this study, researchers assess market scale differences in food safety compliance and microbiological quality for select products procured from food deserts in Central Virginia
Associate Professor in food safety and microbiology
Virginia State University
Over 1M Virginians live in a food desert with low access to fresh, healthy foods. Fresh foods sold at small, independently owned corner markets and convenience stores (SIOMs) may have a high potential for reduced product quality and incur increased food safety code violations. In this study, researchers assess market scale differences in food safety compliance and microbiological quality for select products procured from food deserts in Central Virginia. From August 2018 to March 2020, 448 samples (fresh produce, meat, ethnic foods, food packaging surfaces) from 10 registered SIOMs and nine large chain supermarkets (LCSMs) were collected and analyzed. Researchers discovered higher levels of aerobic mesophile and coliform counts existed in SIOMs-acquired samples compared to LCSMs-acquired samples, indicative of SIOM lower food safety compliance rates. Surprisingly, Campylobacter, E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella detection occurred in both SIOM and LCSM samples. Within SIOM samples, Campylobacter (76%, 16/21) and Salmonella (83.3%, 5/6) prevailed. Interestingly, SIOM samples exhibited lower multi-drug resistance (MDR) and non-susceptibility for Campylobacter and Listeria isolated samples compared to LCSM samples. Same-brand name commodities sold at SIOMs had higher prices than LCSM, which may indicate an increased financial burden for economically challenged residents in food desert areas. Additional research to include a larger sample size is needed to further validate the initial study findings. Regardless of the scale of food outlets, increased food safety awareness and training are recommended to reduce risks of potential foodborne illnesses of vulnerable populations residing within food deserts.