Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2025 Jun 21;13(7):1447.
doi: 10.3390/microorganisms13071447.

Emerging Technologies and Integrated Strategies for Microbial Detection and Control in Fresh Produce

Ayman Elbehiry  1 , Eman Marzouk  1 , Feras Alzaben  2 , Abdulaziz Almuaither  3 , Banan Abead  4 , Mohammed Alamri  5 , Abdulaziz M Almuzaini  6 , Akram Abu-Okail  7
Affiliations
Review

Emerging Technologies and Integrated Strategies for Microbial Detection and Control in Fresh Produce

Ayman Elbehiry et al. Microorganisms. .

Abstract

The global consumption of fresh and ready-to-eat (RTE) fruits and vegetables has surged due to increasing awareness of their nutritional benefits. However, this trend has been accompanied by a rise in foodborne illness outbreaks linked to microbial contamination. This narrative review synthesizes current knowledge on the prevalence and diversity of foodborne pathogens in fresh produce, including bacterial, viral, and fungal agents. It critically evaluates both conventional and emerging detection methods, ranging from culture-based techniques and immunoassays to advanced molecular diagnostics, biosensors, flow cytometry (FC), and hyperspectral imaging (HSI). Additionally, this review discusses cutting-edge control strategies, such as natural antifungal agents, essential oils, biocontrol methods, and non-thermal technologies like cold plasma and UV-C treatment. Emphasis is placed on sampling methodologies, sustainability, One Health perspectives, and regulatory considerations. By highlighting recent technological advances and their limitations, this review aims to support the development of integrated, effective, and safe microbial control approaches for the fresh produce supply chain.

Keywords: foodborne pathogens; fresh produce; microbial safety; public health; rapid detection.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Detection methods for foodborne pathogens in fresh produce. This infographic illustrates eight major diagnostic approaches: culture-based methods, PCR, quantitative PCR (qPCR), ELISA, MALDI-TOF MS, HSI, FC, CRISPR-based detection, and biosensor technologies. Each method varies in its detection principle, sensitivity, and suitability for rapid or field-based application.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Strategies for microbial contamination control in fresh produce. This infographic highlights eight integrated approaches, including nonthermal decontamination (cold plasma and UV-C light), natural antimicrobials (essential oils and antifungal agents from pomegranate peels), advanced delivery systems (edible coatings and smart packaging), and preventative hygiene measures. These technologies work individually or synergistically to reduce microbial load while preserving produce quality.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Wang X., Ouyang Y., Liu J., Zhu M., Zhao G., Bao W., Hu F.B. Fruit and vegetable consumption and mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer: Systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective cohort studies. BMJ. 2014;349:g4490. doi: 10.1136/bmj.g4490. - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. Aune D., Giovannucci E., Boffetta P., Fadnes L.T., Keum N., Norat T., Greenwood D.C., Riboli E., Vatten L.J., Tonstad S. Fruit and vegetable intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease, total cancer and all-cause mortality—A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies. Int. J. Epidemiol. 2017;46:1029–1056. doi: 10.1093/ije/dyw319. - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. Onni A.T., Balakrishna R., Perillo M., Amato M., Arjmand E.J., Thomassen L.M., Lorenzini A., Fadnes L.T. Umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses on consumption of different food groups and risk of all-cause mortality. Adv. Nutr. 2025;16:100393. doi: 10.1016/j.advnut.2025.100393. - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. Ndanuko R.N., Tapsell L.C., Charlton K.E., Neale E.P., Batterham M.J. Dietary patterns and blood pressure in adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Adv. Nutr. 2016;7:76–89. doi: 10.3945/an.115.009753. - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. Bennett S., Sodha S., Ayers T., Lynch M., Gould L., Tauxe R. Produce-associated foodborne disease outbreaks, USA, 1998–2013. Epidemiol. Infect. 2018;146:1397–1406. doi: 10.1017/S0950268818001620. - DOI - PMC - PubMed

LinkOut - more resources