E. Coli Contamination Is Serious Concern In California, Washington Farmers’ Markets

Researchers who visited produce vendors at 13 farmers’ markets in Los Angeles, Orange County (Calif.) and Seattle (Wash.) found significant levels of E. coli and salmonella contamination. Of 133 samples taken, 24.1 percent were tainted with E. coli. One sample tested positive for salmonella. Salmonella symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever that can last four to seven days. Symptoms for pathogenic forms of E. coli include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that often becomes bloody, and vomiting.