The assertion that Salmonella is not naturally occurring in vegetables
is not well founded.
The recent reports that E. coli O157:H7 have been found in
unpasteurized apple cider serve as just one example. (Where one can
find E. coli one can also find Salmonella.) In the case of the cider
it was hypothesized that the E. coli was in manure used as a
fertilizer - which raises another issue - is "organic" farming really
better and/or healthier and should one pay premium prices for
vegetables, that are going to be used raw, just because they are
cultivated with organic waste used as fertilizer?
The bottom line is that there is no substitution for good hygiene and
sanitation. Wash both your hands and your vegetables thoroughly
before consumption.
Steve Projan
Wyeth-Ayerst Research
