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Welcome to the first Autumn edition where we discuss Australia’s recent Listeria outbreak and how UV disinfection can play a role in preventing future outbreaks. We also report on a recent investigation of the E. coli risks lurking in Adelaide rainwater tanks.

Waterborne Listeria outbreaks could be prevented by using UV disinfection


The most recent outbreak of Listeria has growers, retailers and food authorities scrambling to find the answers. Fortunately, the Australian source was quickly identified but sadly not fast enough to prevent several deaths and multiple infections across NSW, Victoria and Tasmania.
 
Currently, there is also an outbreak in South Africa which has caused 172 deaths so far and at the time of writing, the source of the Listeria infection is still being confirmed.
How do fruits and vegetables become infected?

Listeria monocytogenes is found in soil, water and vegetation. It can also be carried by animals – both domestic and wild – as well as in fertilisers used in gardens and agriculture.
 
Fruits and vegetables that grow low to the ground, such as rockmelons (also known as cantaloupes), are especially vulnerable as heavy rain can splash any Listeria living in the soil, onto the skin of the crop. During preparation, the Listeria bacteria can infect the knives, cutting boards etc. which means it can be passed onto the flesh of the fruit or vegetable.
 
That’s why it’s so important to thoroughly wash all fruit and vegetables prior to preparation.
 
Listeria contamination can also occur in food processing plants, insufficiently treated irrigation water, restaurants and home kitchens. It is a very hardy bacterium and can survive refrigeration.
 
In the case of the Australian outbreak, authorities were able to pinpoint the source of the Listeria infection to a particular farm near Griffith, NSW. However, authorities have not yet identified the exact source of the infection on the farm. It could be in the processing area, irrigation water, soil or fertiliser.
 
For more information on Australia’s most recent Listeria outbreak, click here.

Farmers enquiring about UV Systems


While the Australian Listeria outbreak is only a couple of weeks old, UV-Guard has already received many enquiries from local farmers looking for support. Their main concern is how they ensure all pathogens – including Listeria monocytogenes – are destroyed in their processes in a cost effective way.

The UV-Guard S-Series has been supplied to a number of farms in recent weeks.

If you are a farm operator who is concerned about Listeria or any other water borne pathogen, contact the UV-Guard team today.
Contact Us

Research finds Adelaide rainwater tanks contain significant E.coli risk


A recent study of Adelaide rainwater tanks found more than half were contaminated with E. coli. More importantly for the households who collect rainwater for drinking, some tanks recorded E.coli levels that were so high, they would be deemed unsafe for swimming – let alone drinking!
 
The study also found roof mounted TV aerials and overhanging branches were a major source of E. coli contamination as they attract birds and other animals who then defecate on the roof’s water collection area.
 
Health authorities are recommending households install filtration systems to treat tank water – especially if it will be used as drinking water. UV-Guard offers a range of water treatment solutions for residential and commercial applications.
 
In particular, the SLF-Series is a combined filtration and UV water disinfection system for residential use. This system removes impurities and inactivates bacteria, viruses and pathogens to safeguard tank water.
 
For more information, download the brochure or contact the experienced engineers at UV-Guard for guidance on the best UV disinfection system for your situation.
Download SLF-Series Brochure

UV-Guard - Water & Air Purification


Contact the team today for:
  • Complete UV water or air treatment systems
  • UV disinfection system spare parts for all brands
  • UV system service support
  • Water treatment advice
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