Seed distributor - any person responsible for the distribution of seeds (handling, storage andtransportation) to sprout producers. Seed distributors may deal with single or multiple seed producersand can be producers themselves.Sprout producer - any person responsible for the management of the activities associated with theproduction of sprouted seeds.Spent irrigation water - water that has been in contact with sprouts during the sprouting process.3. PRIMARY PRODUCTION OF SEEDSRefer to the Code of Hygienic Practice for Fresh Fruits and Vegetables. In addition:3.2 HYGIENIC PRODUCTION OF SEEDS3.2.1.2 Manure and biosolidsWhen seeds are destined for the production of sprouts for human consumption, wild or domesticanimals should not be allowed to graze in the fields where seeds are grown (e.g., employing sheep forspring clip back of alfalfa).It is particularly important to prevent microbial contamination during the production of seeds which willbe used to produce sprouts for human consumption because of the potential for pathogens to growduring the sprouting process. Consequently, manure, biosolids and other natural fertilizers should onlybe used when they have undergone treatments which achieve a high level of pathogen reduction.3.2.1.4 Agricultural chemicalsSeed producers should only use chemicals (e.g., pesticides, desiccants) which are acceptable for seedsintended for the production of sprouts for human consumption .3.2.4 Equipment associated with growing and harvestingPrior to harvest, harvesting equipment should be adjusted to minimize soil intake and seed damage andshould be cleaned from any debris or earth. Diseased or damaged seeds, which could be susceptible tomicrobial contamination, should not be used for the production of sprouts for human consumption.3.3 HANDLING, STORAGE AND TRANSPORTSeeds produced for the production of sprouts for human consumption should be segregated fromproduct to be seeded or planted for animal feed (e.g., for forage or animal grazing) and clearly labelled.Recognising that seeds are vulnerable to microbial pathogens during thrashing and drying, adequate careis needed to maintain sanitation in drying yards, and exposure of seeds to mist, high humidity and fogshould be avoided.3.4 ANALYSESSeed producers, distributors, and sprout producers should test lots of seeds for microbial pathogensusing internationally accepted analytical methods. Sprouting seeds before testing increases thepossibility of finding pathogens that may be present. If lots of seeds are found to be contaminated, theyshould not be sold or used for the production of sprouts for human consumption. Because of thelimitations associated with sampling methods and analytical tests, failure to find contamination does notguarantee that the seeds are pathogen free. However, if contamination is found at this stage, it allowsseeds to be diverted or destroyed before entering sprout production for human consumption. Seed
producers, distributors and sprout producers should refer to the Principles for the Establishment and
Application of Microbiological Criteria for Foods, CAC/GL 21-1977, for guidance on establishing a
sampling plan.
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