A Preliminary Pilot Farmers’ Market Survey of the Triple-Wash Method: A West Virginia Farmers’ Market Survey of Very Small Produce Growers' Knowledge of Microbial Contamination and Their Perception of the Triple-Wash Method

Fresh produce sold at local farmers’ markets (FMs) was identified as a source of microbial contamination. In this study, a survey was developed to analyze small and very small produce growers’ knowledge of food safety. The questionnaire also assessed producers’ familiarity and willingness to implement the triple wash method (TWM). Surveys were conducted at FMs in West Virginia. The survey included demographics, knowledge of microbial cross-contamination on produce, washing strategies, awareness of the TWM, and willingness to attend good agricultural practice/ Food Safety Modernization Act (GAPS/FSMA) and TWM training. Data were analyzed using Chi-square test (P < 0.05) in R-software. A total of 82 vendors participated in the survey. The survey results revealed knowledge gaps about food safety among FM produce vendors. Additionally, 53.7% of FM vendors did not wash their produce due to increased spoilage (52.6%; P < 0.05). Among participants who washed produce, only 28.2% were familiar with the TWM. Most respondents who washed produce (65.3%; P < 0.05) stated they would be interested in attending GAP/FSMA and TWM training. The information obtained from this study will help tailor GAP/FSMA and TWM training provided by regional extension offices.