Organic food linked to E. coli outbreak

Organic food linked to E. coli outbreak

In 16 countries across the globe, nearly 3,000 people have been sickened and 29 have died after eating raw vegetables contaminated by a group of bacteria collectively called Escherichia coli ( E. coli).

Initially contaminated Spanish cucumbers were cited as the culprit and now organically grown sprouts are being seen as the most likely cause. The source of the infection still remains a mystery. It is believed that organic sprouts, cucumbers, tomatoes or lettuce have been contaminated.The condition has been caused by a rare toxic mutant of E coli that causes abdominal cramps and bloody diarrhea. In severe cases, it leads to acute kidney failure and even seizure, coma and death.

Organic foods are fertilized with animal manure and that’s where E coli exist.

Germany, where the outbreak originated, has reported 722 cases of kidney failure, including 18 fatalities, says WHO.

The European Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says the E coli outbreak is one of the largest worldwide.

Most of the victims were women and no one knows why.

Organic foods are fertilized with animal manure and that’s where E coli exist.

So, all those who are fond of their eatables from the Organic source, be careful !! It is advisable:

to make sure to wash vegetables thoroughly with clean water.
one may prefer to avoid eating raw vegetables, at least for the time being.
to wash one’s hands after using the toilet and before consuming food.
Peeling or cooking fruit and vegetables can also remove these germs.

Even in the past, several studies have found higher levels of E coli on organic vegetables compared to others. In 2006, a large E coli outbreak was linked to an organic spinach farm in California.

E. Coli Medical Tidbits