Assessing microbiological risks in urban agriculture: insights from Porto’s urban farms

Introduction: With new, more fast-paced lifestyles, the necessity for proximity to industrialized and highly populated cities has led to the migration of citizens from rural areas to urban centers in ever-growing numbers. These cities are, however, extremely dependent on external food resources. Urban food production has been encouraged to reduce this dependency on the rural agricultural output, with community, collective and private farms appearing throughout cities over the last few decades. Beyond enhancing food security, urban agriculture is recognized for promoting healthier lifestyles, fostering social interactions, and raising environmental awareness. Despite these advantages, the safety of consuming urban-grown produce remains a concern. Conclusions: These findings call attention to the public health risks associated with the current state of urban farming in Porto, particularly due to the presence in high levels of E. coli, B. cereus, and the contamination with L. monocytogenes, and Salmonella spp. Although these products require washing and, in some cases, cooking before consumption, these high bacterial counts underscore the need for stricter hygiene protocols and better food safety practices. Therefore, improving on-farm sanitation and guiding both farmers and consumers in learning how to handle these products correctly is essential to mitigate risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of urban agriculture. Addressing these concerns will be crucial to guarantee public health and the benefits of urban agriculture.