E. coli O157:H7 Contamination of Plants
In order to prevent E. coli O157:H7 contamination of plants, we have to understand how the plants become contaminated in the first place.
We know that E. coli O157:H7 survives in soil. We also know that plant surfaces become contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 as a result of direct contact with the pathogen – either in the soil, as deposited by animals, from dust and from irrigation or run-off water.
Scientists have also speculated that ground-based E. coli O157:H7 gets taken up through the roots of growing plants and thus contaminates the interior of the plant as well as its exterior.
As reported by Doug Powell in his blog: http://barfblog.foodsafety.ksu.edu/blog/147517/11/04/01/can-e-coli-get-inside-plant-vascular-system-2009-research-says-unlikely
A study by the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service appears to show that such internal contamination does not occur.
The significance of this? While it does not mean there is any less E. coli O157:H7 adulteration of produce, at least we may not have to worry about the insides of plants.
Fred Pritzker On Newsmakers
