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Subject: Re: pathogen-free composted manure
From: orangerose@aol.com (Orangerose)
Organization: AOL http://www.aol.com
Date: Sat, 03 Apr 99 00:40:26
Message-ID: <MOD$990402.19275@rec.gardens.ecosystems>
References: <MOD$990331.8953@rec.gardens.ecosystems>



> When can one be sure if cow/horse/chicken manure is free of
>pathogens and safe for use as organic fertilizer? Actually, should
>there be a concern at all about pathogens in manure getting into the
>food chain through compost?
>
>Regards,
>
>Vara
>
>

I don't know how to find out if manure has pathogens or not, but I do know it
has been a problem. There was a case here in California (and in Oregon, too, I
think) a couple of years ago that you may remember. Odwalla juices had some
apple juice that was contaminated with E. coli. The contamination was a result
of contact with infected cow manure used in the production of organic apples.
Odwalla now flash pasteurizes its apple juice.
I would think that composted manure would be safer, but all I've heard
regarding this is that all fruits and vegetables should be washed before they
are eaten.

Kelly