Gardening safely with manure
In recent years, pathogen outbreaks in home-grown and commercially grown fruits and vegetables have proven E. coli O157:H7 and other bacteria are not limited to meat. Pathogens can be transferred from animal manure to humans, making garden greens as suspect as hamburger. To reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses from manure contamination, here's what you need to know:
- Fresh manure poses the greatest risk for disease. If you use it, apply it 60 to 90 days prior to harvest. "The more time pathogens have to break down and wash away, the better," says Bob Anderson, PhD, professor emeritus of food microbiology at West Virginia University.
- If you must apply manure within 60 days of harvest or after your garden is planted, be sure the manure has been hot-composted at 130° to 140°F and cured for two to four months.
- If you're really worried, use commercial composted manure. "It's safer," says William Mikel, PhD, professor of animal science at the University of Kentucky.
- Dog, cat, or pig manure does not belong in the garden or compost pile. "Some of the parasites that can be found in these manures may survive and remain infectious for people," says Val Hillers, PhD, extension food specialist at Washington State University at Pullman.
- Thoroughly rinse vegetables with cool water, but never use soap. "It's impossible to remove all soap residue, which could be more harmful than the bacteria present," says Mikel.
- Although root and leafy vegetables have the greatest potential to pass pathogens along, all vegetables are at risk. "When it rains," says Anderson, "all plants can be splashed with manured soil."
- Scrub or peel raw vegetables before use.
- Thorough cooking is an effective way to kill microbes.
- Pregnant women, very young children, and persons with chronic diseases, such as cancer, kidney failure, liver disease, diabetes, or AIDS should avoid eating uncooked vegetables from manured gardens.
Remember, it's not manure that's the problem--it's the pathogens manure can carry. By taking these precautions, it's possible to reduce that risk considerably.
User Comments:
No comments added
Add your comment
Fill out the fields below:
|
 |
