Fresh Produce Standards- Water Matrix
The Water Matrix supports the microbiological risk assessment of water used in primary agricultural production.
The Matrix sets frequencies (high, medium, low) for analysis of the water for indicators of fecal contamination (Indicator E. coli) during the use of the water
(growing season or period of application of the water source) and corresponding thresholds, depending on the intended use of the water and the water
source.
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High frequency- one analysis per month
Medium frequency- one analysis twice a year
Low frequency- once a year
The grower must take a number of samples depending on the intended use of the water and the crop category (0,1,2,3). In the case of irrigation, the samples
must be taken during peak-use period. Water sampling guidance can be on the Red Tractor website- Link.
If the test results are unfavourable or identify a potential problem, the grower must take corrective actions to reduce the risk to the consumer and after that,
another water test should be carried out to verify the effectiveness of the actions taken.
Matrix key
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Red: This water must not be used. If the grower has no other alternative but to use it, they must carry out high frequency testing or consider water
treatment/disinfection and use the E. Coli thresholds as an indicator that the water is suitable for use
Orange: This water can be used subject to sampling at a medium frequency using the E. Coli thresholds as an indicator that the water is suitable for use
Yellow: This water can be used but subject to sampling at a low frequency using the E. Coli thresholds as an indicator that the water is suitable for use
Green: This water can be used without any sampling or analysis
Source of water
Intended use of the water
Untreated
surface water/ open
water channels
Untreated ground
water collected from
wells2
Untreated
Rain water
Treated3 sewage/
surface/ waste
water/ water
reuse
Disinfected water 4
Municipal/ Potable/
Drinking water
Indicator of fecal
contamination: E. coli 1
PRE-HARVEST and HARVEST
Category 0 & 1 crops where irrigation water comes into direct contact
with the edible portion
100 CFU/100ml
Dilution or application of pesticide, fertiliser or agrochemicals and
cleaning equipment for Category 0 & 1 crops and direct contact with
the edible portion
Category 0 & 1 crops where irrigation water does not come into direct
contact with the edible portion
Category 2 crops where irrigation water comes into either direct or
indirect contact with the edible portion
1,000 CFU/100ml
Dilution or application of pesticide, fertiliser or agrochemicals and
cleaning equipment for Category 0 & 1 crops with no direct contact
Dilution or application of pesticide, fertiliser or agrochemicals and
cleaning equipment for Category 2 crops where irrigation water
comes into either direct or indirect contact with the edible portion
Category 3 crops where irrigation water comes into direct contact
with the edible portion
1,000 CFU/100ml
Dilution or application of pesticide, fertiliser or agrochemicals and
cleaning equipment for Category 3 crops and direct contact with the
edible portion
Category 3 crops where irrigation water does not come into direct
contact with the edible portion
10,000 CFU/100ml
Dilution or application of pesticide, fertiliser or agrochemicals and
cleaning equipment for Category 3 crops and does not come into
direct contact with the edible portion
POST-HARVEST
Post-harvest cooling and post-harvest transport for Category 3 crops
Cleaning equipment and surfaces where the products are handled
100 CFU/100ml
Water used for first washing of Category 0, 1 & 2 crops
Water used for washing of Category 3 crops
1,000 CFU/100ml
ONLY POTABLE WATER
Final washing and ice/water for cooling applied to Category 0, 1 & 2
crops
1
These recommended thresholds relate to maximum concentration in samples.
Ground water from wells (e.g. boreholes) might be of good microbiological quality and meet the 100 CFU/100 ml thresholds without treatment.
For the purpose of this matrix, treated sewage water means wastewater that has been treated so that its quality is fit for the intended use and complies with the standards established by the national legislation
4
Disinfection treatment should be controlled and monitored. The applied disinfection treatment is under control of the grower or producer.
NB. The Water Matrix has been based on the Water Matrix in the European Commission’s Guidance Document on Addressing Microbiological Risks in Fresh Fruit and Vegetables at Primary Production through Good Hygiene
2
3
Microbiological requirements of
potable water