The shift towards sustainable food production has forced farmers to explore alternative practices, such as the use of Biological Soil Amendments of Animal Origin (BSAAOs). However, concerns due to food safety regulations restrict the use of BSAAOs on crops consumed raw. This study assessed the microbial safety of bell peppers, the impact of BSAAOs on soil properties, and on quality. The field experiment was established with 36 plots (88 ft2) planted with bell pepper seedlings on 12-inch centers for a total of 20 plants/plot. BSAAO treatments consisted of either raw CM, PL, or non-BSAAO (NB) application, with each treatment being either tilled or top dressed. E. coli/Total Coliforms were determined from soil samples collected during weeks 1, 3, 6, and 12 and from harvested bell peppers during weeks 13 and 14. Nalidixic acid resistant E. coli was inoculated on bell peppers for a 5-day die-off determination (40 inoculated on the upper portion and 40 on the side). Ammonium and nitrate content in soil was determined before and after the establishment of the experiment, while SOM content was determined from soil samples collected after the experiment. Higher levels of E. coli (1.1–2.6 log CFU/g) and total coliforms (4.1–4.7 log CFU/g) were reported in plots with BSAAO application as compared to NB plots (1.00–1.17 log CFU/g; 3.89–4.14 respectively), although levels decreased significantly after one week. E. coli levels on bell peppers previously inoculated declined by over 2 logs within four days, with a die-off rate of 0.57 and 0.51 log CFU/cm2/day for bell peppers inoculated on top and on the side, respectively. CM tilled plots had slightly higher E. coli levels (0.02 log CFU/ cm2). The quality of bell peppers was unaffected by BSAAOs. NB top dressed and CM tilled plots had higher soil organic matter (SOM) content (2.18 and 2.08%, respectively) while both CM and PL increased soil nitrate and ammonium content significantly by the end of the experiment. CM and PL can enrich soil with inorganic nitrogen without compromising produce quality. However, the use of untreated BSAAOs poses a risk of cross-contamination, which highlights the importance of minimizing potential contamination events. Overall, this study highlighted the potential of CM and PL as BSAAOs to enhance soil fertility while maintaining food safety. It emphasized the need for appropriate management practices to mitigate risks associated with microbial contamination, ensuring the safety and sustainability of food production systems.
