QUEST FOR VIRUSES ASSOCIATED WITH OUR FOOD SUPPLY

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
We looked for viruses associated with foods during processing and retailing. Novel test methods included inoculating up to 1.4 ml of sample extract per square centimeter of tissue culture monolayer and transferring inoculum from one type of culture to another. Some viruses, apparently of animal origin and noninfectious for man, were found in two of five plants processing animal products. Samples representing processing of vegetable products (two plants), intestinal infections in processing personnel (13 plants), and retail foods (a total of 60 samples purchased from five stores) gave negative results. The level of human viruses associated with the U.S. food supply is apparently below what such a survey can detect.