[Taxacom] E. coli contamination of food plants

[Richard Jensen]

I'm not sure how likely it is for bacteria to enter plant tissues. All 
plant structures may have stomata or lenticels (however, not all plants 
have lenticels) that allow gas exchange, so bacteria could gain access 
through the openings. The other likely access is through wounds. For any 
structure that comes into direct contact with soil/fertilizer (leaves, 
stems, roots, tubers) the risk should be greater than for the majority 
of fruits that are borne above ground. However, the risk would exist for 
any fruits coming in to contact with contaminated soil/water.

Dick J

Richard Jensen, Professor
Department of Biology
Saint Mary’s College
Notre Dame, IN 46556
Tel: 574-284-4674



Ken Kinman wrote:
> Dear All,
>      Perhaps a botanist on the list could clarify something for me.  Washing 
> contaminated leafy greens doesn't help much if the toxic E. coli has been 
> actually absorbed into the tissues.  What food plants (other than leafy 
> greens) could potentially present the same problem?  Could underground 
> tubers, like potatoes and radishes be just as vulnerable to such internal 
> contamination?  On the other hand, would fruits on trees be relatively 
> immune to such contamination of their internal tissues?
>    -----Thanks,
>            Ken Kinman
>
>
>
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