Compost Manure to Avoid E. Coli and Other Foodborne Pathogens

Reader Contribution by Natalie Schaefer
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A deadly E. coli outbreak in northern Germany had government officials originally suspecting sprouts from an organic farm to be the cause. However, in a statement released Monday, June 6, 2011, test results were released that found no evidence that sprouts from an organic farm were the cause of the outbreak, according to The Associated Press.

As of Thursday, June 16, over 3,000 German citizens, mostly adults, had been effected by the rare E. coli O104:H4 strain, according to Food Saftey News’ website.

The geographic source of the outbreak is still unknown; however, the E. coli epidemic has been linked specifically to bean sprouts and no other vegetable. The sprouts are responsible for the worst recorded outbreak of E. coli infections and a death toll of 39 people.

Mark A. Kastel, co-director and senior farm policy analyst at The Cornucopia Institute, a farm policy research group based in Cornucopia, Wis.,reminds us how important it is to know the origin of your manure, otherwise it could become the source of spreading foodborne pathogens such as E. coli.

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