Resistant germs in raw food and salad

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Apr 25, 2019 - Foods

Resistant germs in raw food and salad

The BfR (Federal Institute for Risk Assessment) points out in its statement No. 13/2019 of April 12, 2019, that pre-cut and film-wrapped salads, fresh herbs or sprouts intended for consumption may contain health-threatening germs such as pathogens and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Although they are only present in small numbers on the products due to precautionary measures from cultivation to sale, they are not inactivated by consumption of raw salad and fresh herbs as they would be in the case of meat through frying or cooking. The investigations focused on Escherichia coli bacteria - usually intestinal bacteria, which are widespread and were detected in some raw vegetable salads, in arugula and fresh coriander. The investigations showed that E. coli bacteria are partially insensitive to several antibiotics such as tetracycline or penicillins. If these antibiotic-resistant germs are ingested with raw salad, there is a risk that the resistance characteristics are passed on to other species of bacteria in the human intestine.

The BfR therefore advises thoroughly washing leafy salads and fresh herbs with drinking water before consumption. It is recommended to sensitive groups such as pregnant women or individuals with weakened immune systems to prepare salads themselves from fresh and thoroughly washed ingredients shortly before consumption.

At our laboratory, we regularly conduct the examination of Escherichia coli and other pathogenic microorganisms. We provide you with fast and reliable results.
Our customer advisors are very happy to answer any questions.

Source: Federal Institute for Risk Assessment - http://www.bfr.bund.de