September 2011

Media types looking for a sound bite on Listeria in cantaloupes are pulling their hair out tonight.

You couldn’t ask for a more complicated scenario. Advice like “wash your hands” or “cook your foods” or “don’t cross contaminate” is nearly worthless. Here are some troubling facts

Listeria monocytogenes:

  • Psychrophilic, multiplication possible all the way to

…

Could it be that the Jensen Farms LM outbreak will be traced to contaminated irrigation water?

Looks like the Arkansas river is the irrigation source for this entire farming region through a series of diversion canals and ditches. We also have to remember that pesticides are also applied using surface water sources in some regions.

For some great pictures of…