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Expert offers tips to gardeners, growers about how to avoid foodborne illnessKansas Recent outbreaks of foodborne illness in fresh fruits and vegetables, coupled with increasing food prices and perceptions of sustainability, have led many Americans to search for locally or homegrown produce alternatives, according to a Kansas State University expert. Douglas Powell, scientific director of the International Food Safety Network and an associate professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology at K-State, along with researchers with the network, have tips for people to ensure that their locally grown or homegrown produce is safe. The location of a garden should always be taken into consideration. A garden should never be near any garbage or clutter because these areas can be havens for pests that can potentially contaminate a garden, Powell said. "If a yard has a septic tank, make sure the garden is not located near the tank--and make sure that the tank is properly maintained," he said. It's also important to know the type of fertilizer used to grow the produce. "Raw manure should not be used as a fertilizer, " Powell said. "Using raw manure is a great way to contaminate fresh produce with harmful micro-organisms." If manure is used, it should always be composted first and the compost should reach an internal temperature of 130 degrees Fahrenheit, which can be measured using a thermometer from a local gardening store, Powell said. Compost, which can help minimize direct contact between possible contaminants and fresh produce, should be added to the soil during the fall. If a compost pile won't be maintained properly, then manure should not be added to it. Gardens take a healthy dose of water, and the source of the water should always be considered. "As a general rule, surface water from rivers or streams should not be used," Powell said. "It is nearly impossible to know what is upstream that may contaminate the water. Animals also defecate in and around these areas." Well water is adequate to use as long as it's tested frequently to ensure that it is safe, but the best water sources is either rainwater or potable water, he said. Both the garden and its surrounding area should be properly maintained. Weeds and tall grass should not be allowed grow in or around the garden, and the surrounding lawn should be mowed regularly, according to Powell. "It is also important that a fence is in place around the garden to keep out most animals and pets," he said. "Try and ensure that cars or other animals aren't using the garden as a litter box." When purchasing produce from a grower, the consumer should always ask if the produce is harvested safely. "Just because produce is fresh and tasty does not mean it is safe to consume," Powell said. If the grower doesn't follow basic guidelines for ensuring the food isn't contaminated, Powell advises buying from another grower. He said that some growers may let a regular customer visit their farms to get a firsthand look at the way the produce is grown. "Local gardeners and produce customers should understand that whether it is a 1,000-acre commercial operation or a small plot of land in one's backyard, the principles of safe gardening remain the same," Powell said. "The grower must prevent the produce from being contaminated. Remember: Food safety from farm to fork--even if it's a small farm." 5/26/08 Date: 5/19/08
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