Floodwater is known to be a carrier of biological, chemical and physical hazards that affect food safety during the production and processing of fresh horticultural produce. Run-off from livestock, industrial, residential and sewage treatment areas into waterways and their overflow can contaminate water sources, production fields and postharvest processing facilities.

This fact sheet discusses risk management options for food safety risks following flooding. It was produced as part of the Safer Melons project, but much of the information in the fact sheet is relevant to other crops, particularly other cucurbits.